Klarinet Archive - Posting 000020.txt from 1997/09

From: Neil Leupold <nleupold@-----.edu>
Subj: Re: A student's multiple questions
Date: Mon, 1 Sep 1997 13:35:59 -0400

On Mon, 1 Sep 1997, Michael Connolly wrote:

> With this background in mind...

Interesting background. I've not met many sax players who took up
the clarinet. It's more often the case that we hear of the opposite,
about clarinetists picking up the sax (as I did, in about 3 days' total
time). I guess Eddie Daniels would be the shining exception, assuming
I'm correct in remembering that he started on T-sax.

> The problem was that the sight-reading was for an A clarinet. I had gotten a
> sheet in the audition packet that informed me that all music had to be played
> the correct concert pitch, which meant the auditioner was expected to trans-
> pose. I listened to my father (who knew nothing about the auditions) who
> speculated that they would not do the sight-reading in A. They did, and I
> stumbled through it, trying to transpose on-the-fly, and generally messing
> it up royally.

This may not be particularly helpful to your crestfallen feelings at
present, but in the future, it helps to know exactly what is expected
of you in an audition situation. If there is any doubt whatsoever
about the music or equipment (or the time & place, for that matter!),
pick up the phone and resolve all of those doubts long before you leave
the house to take the audition. Your interpretation concerning the
transposition of A clarinet parts makes perfect sense (and demonstrates
some inherent integrity on your part), but sometimes what is stated on
the page does not include the complete details. If other players sight-
read an A clarinet part on a Bb clarinet without transposing, it suggests
that either 1) transposition was not actually required, despite what was
implied in the audition letter, or 2) somebody on the audition panel decided
to forfeit the rules and allow auditions on the wrong instrument. If the
second possibility was the truth, then you are within your rights to register
a protest, although this may or may not do anything in your favor. The
fact that you were the only applicant who tried to transpose the A clarinet
part on sight is quite admirable and, even though the audition itself may
have been a sham, you should feel pretty proud of yourself for holding
up such a standard of musical integrity. The other applicants may not
find out until much later that sight-transposition is a basic skill at
the advanced level. You're already well on your way then, so more power
to you!

> Since I am currently studying clarinet without a teacher, I am looking
> for suggestions on a good regimen of practice, i.e. a method book, exercises,
> etc.

Exercises: a) Long tones = mm=40 (I can be more specific if
you wish greater detail.
Email me privately)

Methods books: a) Baerman book #3
b) Klose Celebrated Method
c) Rose 32 Etudes
d) Rose 40 Etudes

a) & b) are scales books, one or the other to be played daily with a
metronome. c) & d) are etude books, designed to develop musicality,
to be studied under the tutelage of a knowledgable private teacher.
Again, if you desire greater detail and/or specificity concerning
a regimen, respond privately.

Neil