Klarinet Archive - Posting 000372.txt from 1994/10

From: Lindsay Williams <lyws@-----.EDU>
Subj: Re: Contrabass clarinet
Date: Thu, 27 Oct 1994 22:39:31 -0400

Dear Claudia,

I just this month played my first contrabass gig. I had to go out
and buy my own reeds--unfortunately, I could only get one, and was charged
$5 for it. It was a Vandoren, strength 3. For advice on reeds, I can't
really offer any, since that's pretty much my experience. As for your
conductor, I empathize. I think that it was a little rude of him to do that
to you.
I was looking through the clarinet catalog found an unaccompanied
piece for contra(Bb--that is). I'm going to buy it--just for the heck of
it. Just thought I'd mention that to you.

You mentioned doubling. Do you double on sax and flute? If so, I
beg you for advice--how can anyone play the flute? I try so hard--I've
improved, but I use way to much air to get a sound. It's actually quite
frustrating. Sometimes I can't even get my embouchure right to get a sound.
Any advice?

Best of luck on the contrabass. I had a lot of fun with it, and I
hope you do too.

Sincerely,

Lindsay Williams, clarinetist
sophmore, Eastman School of Music
lyws@-----.edu