Klarinet Archive - Posting 000008.txt from 1994/03

From: Jim Lytthans <jlytthans@-----.COM>
Subj: DOUBLING (ONE MORE TIME!)
Date: Tue, 1 Mar 1994 18:49:29 -0500

Just a few lines on doubling: For years (30 perhaps), I was a
true-blue, only-one-instrument clarinetist who wouldn't be caught dead
"putting down a tenor" (as Claudia so aptly put). Oh, I did play in a polka
band every Friday/Saturday night for about 12 years on clar/tenor, but that
doesn't count. I did study other instruments (remember: I teach junior
high), but never really wanted to play anything but "the Swinette".
Several years ago (after receiving several calls from contractors asking
if I could double), I re-assested my situation. The conclusion: if I want to
work, I'd better double!! The cash outlay was significent: first an Eb
(Buffet, of course!), then a low C bass (once more a Buffet). Finally, an
alto and tenor sax (a decent one!). Crack the books, practice like mad, and
voila!.......more work. I added flute a short while ago (a pawn shop
Gemeinhart) and now I'm having more fun (and jobs) than I've ever had.
My clarinet playing has not suffered; in fact, it's improved. Let's
face it, guys and gals, this is a doubler's world. I don't have as many
instruments as Claudia (or her clarinetist/"significent other" Don Blasik),
but I'm working on it!!
There is a world after Klose and Baermann!!!

Primo Arundo Donax!
Jim Lytthans
Anaheim, CA