Klarinet Archive - Posting 000358.txt from 1996/08

From: Richard Johnson <rjohnso@-----.COM>
Subj: Re: Mary White on A clarinets
Date: Mon, 12 Aug 1996 13:02:57 -0400

Subject: Re: Mary White on A clarinets

On Fri, 9 Aug 1996, Dan Leeson: LEESON@-----.edu wrote:

> (among other things)

> You have two options: (1) learn to transpose A clarinet music as you
> hold the B-flat instrument in your hands, (2) buy an A clarinet.

IMHO, having done both (actually the orchestra finally purchased the A
clarinet), #(2) is by far the preferable option. If you attempt to learn
transposition,it is done by reading the music (more or less) as written,
but imagine the key signature up 1/2 step, i.e. if the A clarinet part
has one flat in the key signature, you would play it as if there were six
sharps. (I think that's right, it's been several years since I had to do
that. If anyone knows better, feel free to correct me.)

> > Your question was excellent. I hope to see many more from you in the
> future.
>
> ====================================
> Dan Leeson, Los Altos, California
> (leeson@-----.edu)
> ====================================
>