Klarinet Archive - Posting 000193.txt from 1994/03

From: Lindsay Williams <lyws@-----.EDU>
Subj: Re: Practicality and Purchases
Date: Mon, 14 Mar 1994 23:19:21 -0500

>
> I am currently a senior in high school. In college, I plan
> to study music education (clarinet emphasis). I own a used Buffet C-11,
> A Selmer E mouthpiece, and a Vandoren 2RV mouthpiece.
>
> Would it be practical at this time for me to purchase an A clarinet
> or soprano Eb clarinet? There is no requirement for these instruments in
> my high school wind ensemble (of which I am principal clarinetist). Do
> other soprano clarinets come up often in collegiate wind ensemble works?
> Would it be advantageous for me to purchase on at this time?
>
> If so, what models do you suggest? Thanks for your help...
>
> -harlan
> Human speech is like a cracked kettle on which we tap crude
> rhythms for bears to dance to, while all the while we long to make
> music that will move the stars to pity - Gustave Flaubert
>
Dear Harlan,

A clarinet is primarily an orchestral instrument. It is pitched a
half step lower than the Bb so that they will have an easier time playing
in multi-sharp/flat keys (instead of playing in f#, the A will play in g).
The only place in wind literature that uses A clarinet (that I know of) is a
transcription of "The Pines of Rome". The Eb clarinet is used in both
orchestra and band. Since I am a performance major, I was told that it was
necessary for me to get an A clarinet. My suggestion to you is to get one,
just so that your options are open as a professional musician. As for the
Eb, if you want, you can buy one, too. They run kind of expensive, like
$2000+. I'm not sure if it's necessary, though. My opinion is that all
professional clarinetists should own A clarinets.
If I can be of anymore help to you, please mail me back.

All my best,

Lindsay Williams
lyws@-----.edu

   
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