Klarinet Archive - Posting 000771.txt from 1995/05

From: David Gilman <dagilman@-----.EDU>
Subj: Re: Vito clarinets: good or e...
Date: Fri, 26 May 1995 22:02:41 -0400

>> By the way, I don't agree that you cannot hear the clarinets in
>> a marching band.

Amen. I heard recordings of my old high school band, and the clarinet
section was heard: all four of us in a band of about 45. Small, but quite
decent.

>
>I agree with you in regards to marching bands. A *GOOD* marching
>band will pay enough attention to dynamics, intonation and ensemble
>so that the woodwinds blend or play out when the music calls for it.

>In a "bad" marching band, the only time you'll hear woodwinds is if
>they play high notes, or are so badly out of tune you can't *but*
>hear them.
>

In my college marching band, which was never known for its musicality, the
clarinet section (and I think the flutes too) were told by the student
leadership to concentrate on staying in straight lines and not to worry
about playing, because we wouldn't be heard anyway. This to me was not only
insulting, but ludicrous, given my high school experience. What made it
truly amusing to me was that I was told many times to pipe down. [No, I
don't think my intonation was off. In this group it wouldn't have mattered
anyway. And I'm pretty sure my tone was OK too.] Whatever those imbeciles
on the staff said, we were able to cut through at least part of the time.
Maybe it's because we (I, at least) resented being told not to. But I do
agree that poor management and bad musicality can cover an important asset.
[I'm so glad I'm not bitter.]

>Of course, THIS has NEVER happened to MY marching band.
>

I wish I could say the same.

>But, back to serious mode, it certainly is possible to get a good, full
>wind ensemble sound out of a marching band, and it is what separates
>the good ones from the bad ones.
>
>
>____ Lisa K. Clayton

You're right on target. A good marching band can sound very clean and
balanced as well as strong. Now if we could only get those !=^&#$=#$%'s out
there to treat us with the respect we deserve. [Again, I'm so glad I'm not
bitter.]

David Gilman

   
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