Klarinet Archive - Posting 001322.txt from 1998/04

From: Carli Boyles <cboyles@-----.net>
Subj: [klarinet] Request for Bass Clarinet Guidance
Date: Thu, 23 Apr 1998 19:28:43 -0400

A bit of background...In high school I played the clarinet, alto,
contrabass and bass clarinets. My preference was the bass, and I
achieved a "better than average" level of playing, 1st chair all-city
band, and was favorably commented on in the various competitions our
concert band participated in. I loved the sound of the bass clarinet!
Well, now 33 years have passed me by and I'm renewing my love for the
clarinet family. I have a clarinet, not a particularly great one, but
adequate for my re-entry into the instrument world. I have be practicing
4-6 hours per week, sometimes more, for the past year, in order to get
my "chops" back. I'm feeling fairly comfortable with being able to play
now, and am in the process of purchasing a "student" model plastic bass
clarinet. Right now, financially, this is what I can afford.

My question is: what would be the best route of study I can take? I
cannot afford, financially or time-wise right now, to take private
lessons. Hopefully I can remedy that situation soon, but until that
time, I'd like to have some guidance. I am not a stranger to the world
of music--I teach piano at a private studio on a full-time basis. I have
been working on the Rubank and Rose studies for the clarinet this past
year. Should I continue in those books with the bass? Are there better,
or others, that I should add?

My goals? Who knows? I just want to play--if only just for myself and my
dog! I am presently playing clarinet in a community band. Because our
band is only six months old, and pretty small, I will probably have to
continue playing the clarinet. We have 4 clarinets, and 1 (committed)
bass clarinet, sometimes 2!

Any help you can provide will be appreciated. I realize I'm not in the
same "class" (for lack of a better word!) as many on this list, but I'm
sure you all have much information to share with a "re-beginner!" Thanks
in advance!

Carli

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