The Normandy is very nice and I play it from time to time. In college I was the principal clarinet for a year and I played my Normandy (above all the other high end clarinets). It will take you far and have fun. It's a nice clarinet and you can't beat it for the money IMHO.

What is a Normandy clarinet?

Your Normandy "Special" clarinet dates from the early to middle 1950s. At the time of their introduction, they were the entry-level instrument in the Leblanc lineup of soprano clarinets. As with all clarinets of the era, the build quality did vary from example to example.

Are plastic clarinets any good?

Plastic clarinets are great for beginners. Plastic is a resilient and durable material, capable of surviving the inevitable drops, bumps, and general wear and tear young students incur. Producing clarinets from plastic allows for consistent uniformity from clarinet to clarinet.