Klarinet Archive - Posting 001018.txt from 1997/09

From: mipresc@-----.edu (Steve Prescott)
Subj: transposing
Date: Mon, 22 Sep 1997 11:14:14 -0400

Clark wrote:

* Snip * I am completely dumbfounded by the resistance to learning
transposition.
> I know of a young bass clarinetist in our area who is quite capable, but is
> so terrified of any bass part in A he pays to have the part transposed on a
> computer. Another plus to learning transpositon - especially C- is that
> one learns to read by key rather than reading note to note. If you do
> not know how to transpose into C, I highly recommend grabbing a good
> looking flutist and playing duets (For two C instrunments).
> I did this as a student and learned a life long skill.
> Well, two life long skills!

I can't agree with you more. I do, however, pay people to "transpose" bass
clef bass clarinet parts (I've never told anybody this...but I'll tell you
all). This is because I'm not used to it; I don't do it that often. Not
reading bass clef often, I'm forced to consider it transposing. Of course
there is German bass clef too. I should spend more time with bass clef but
I don't...somewhat embarrassed!

Steve

Steve Prescott
Instrument Rep.Tech./ Clarinetist
Indiana State University
mipresc@-----.edu