Klarinet Archive - Posting 000897.txt from 1997/09

From: SusiPontow@-----.com
Subj: Re: bass clarinet
Date: Fri, 19 Sep 1997 09:55:44 -0400

In a message dated 97-09-06 21:49:21 EDT, you write:
(from Laura Ruck)
<< Just a question. Does the bass clarinet have a low Eb key? I am asking
this because I am a Bb clarinet player, and my band instructor asked me
to give a bass clarinet lesson. I have never played a bass clarinet
before. I'm in 10th grade, I am 1st chair, and I've been playing for 7
years. Anyway, our two bass clarinet players just switched from tenor sax
(I think). Just curious! Thanks!
>>

This upsets me. A teacher shouldn't ask someone who has never played bass
clarinet to give a lesson on it. Further, the teacher should possess the
responsibility to learn all the instruments in the band to the best of
his/her ability (lots of private lessons with good teachers on those
instruments), and should be able to give the bass clarinet him or herself.
This was stressed to me many, many times as I was going through the teacher
education program at IUP.
And, bass clarinet does have a low Eb.

Susan
SusiPontow@-----.com