Klarinet Archive - Posting 000062.txt from 1996/06

From: "Scott D. Morrow" <SDM@-----.EDU>
Subj: Re: Jazz Clarinetisits?
Date: Tue, 4 Jun 1996 14:10:18 -0400

>
>We used clarinet in our high school pep band which was strictly a jazz band
>for basketball games
>
>Joie

When I was in college, our pep band was also sort-of a jazz band. We
played a lot of marching band -type charts (arrangements of jazz and rock).
As the only clarinetist (with 3 trumpets, two saxes, 2 trombones, tuba,
and percussion), the first thing I did on most pieces was bring it up an
octave. I guarantee, no one had any problem hearing the clarinet!
Something you might try in a jazz band is putting together a
composite part for clarinet that better exploits the unique character of
the clarinet than just doubling a trumpet or sax. Go through the score and
see what each instrument does at each section, keeping the "sound" of the
clarinet firmly in mind. For example, in one section, perhaps the clarinet
could double one of the saxes, then follow the trumpet line in another. Is
there a flute part in that piece to double (or usurp?!)? Maybe the
clarinet could give a nice edge to some trumpet "bwaps". And don't forget
the all-important rests - know when to sit out and let another sound take
over!

-Scott

Scott D. Morrow
Department of Biochemistry
School of Hygiene and Public Health
Johns Hopkins University
(410)-955-3631

SDM@-----.edu