Klarinet Archive - Posting 000029.txt from 1997/01

From: "Edmund W. White" <ewhite@-----.US>
Subj: Bass clarinetist's repertoire
Date: Fri, 3 Jan 1997 00:58:21 -0500

What is the standard (or commonly accepted) repertoire for a bass
clarinetist? I'm a high-school junior, and I've played the bass for six
years. I've always been placed first-chair in the local bands and
orchestras by default, but wiped-out the competition at the all-district
auditions (although I was relegated to 2nd chair because a solo in one of our
pieces called for a low C instrument, which a lesser player happened to
own. But that's another matter.....). I that like I am a good bass
clarinet player compared to the other high-schoolers in the area, but I have
no clue as to what will be expected of me in a higher-level group.
Tomorrow, I'm auditioning for the Midwest Young Artists as a jazz bass
clarinetist. This is the top-level youth group in the area, so I
prepared a solo based on Eric Dolphy's improvisation of "God Bless the
Child". Definitely a sure-bet piece of music. My questions are:

1). What musical selections are a MUST for a young-budding bass player?
2). What type of range is expected of a bass player at this stage? The
other bass clarinets in my region can barely attain the "C" above the
staff, whereas I can clearly reach an octave above that note.
3). What opportunities lay ahead for someone who wants to play the bass
professionally? Does that future encompass many hours doubling as a
soprano clarinet, sax, etc.?
4). Are there any other jazz bass clarinetists on this list?

I'd be thankful for any responses.

Edmund White
ewhite@-----.us