Klarinet Archive - Posting 000170.txt from 1995/09

From: Cavsnt@-----.COM
Subj: Re: Alto clarinet (fwd)
Date: Fri, 8 Sep 1995 18:24:43 -0400

Here's my 2 cent's worth-

I think that the instrument has fallen by the wayside in some areas. I
personally have seen it used more often in college ensembles as a color
instrument. I have even played the instrument in ensembles at Ithaca College
before I graduated last May.

Since graduation, I have discovered that in the schools around me it is not
used in any of the HS ensembles. (I have been subbing- that's an adventure
in itself!)

I also know that if the instrument is not maintained then it can be a real
pain to play (stuffy, bad regulation). The student also has to spend some
time playing the instrument since it is not the exact same embouchure as the
bass or Bb.

Maybe for the college question you could play bass or regular Bb and then if
a specific piece called for alto clarinet you could ask to play that part.
Of course the school also has to have an alto cl that's in good condition to
play!

Anne