Klarinet Archive - Posting 000355.txt from 1997/07

From: reedman@-----.com
Subj: Bill Helmers
Date: Sun, 13 Jul 1997 13:52:50 -0400

Bill Helmers is IMHO, one of the best clarinetists around. I have known Bill since he won the
Milwaukee Symphony Audition for bass clarinet. (He was completely broke and had no place to stay
the night before the finals as he had assumed the whole thing would take one day. I let him stay
in my room, gave him a clean shirt and loaned him $20. He won.)

Bill and I have stayed in touch over the years and he began playing my mouthpieces about five
years ago. I am not certain if he was playing my mouthpiece for the premier of Gnarly Buttons, but
he is playing my mouthpiece on a recent CD that he produced of clarinet music written by Roberto
Sierra.

I highly recommend this CD, not only for the quality of the music, but also for the high standard
of clarinet playing and musicianship.

The best piece is a composition for bass clarinet and small ensemble that Bill commissioned and
premiered. Fantastic bass clarinet playing. To receive a copy of the CD contact either Bill or
myself

Clark W Fobes

   
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