Klarinet Archive - Posting 001025.txt from 1999/03

From: dew@-----.com
Subj: Re: [kl] orchestra opening (Bass Clarinet)
Date: Thu, 18 Mar 1999 16:02:18 -0500

At 09:18 AM 3/18/99 -0600, Roger Garrett wrote:

>bass clarinetists are not regarded as clarinetists - that they are viewed
>more as people who can't play the clarinet so they play the clarinet.
(bass, I presume to add) :o)

Although I have noticed this attitude in some groups (I play soprano principally),
I have also played in groups where the opposite attitude prevails. I think the
attitude depends upon the other instumentalists' previous experience with
bass clarinetists. Too frequently, in one's early school music days, those
clarinet players who can't quite keep up with the others are put on bass...
and most of the time these souls can't keep up on bass, either. Small wonder,
since they seldom receive training on tone production, embouchure, technique,
etc., on their new instrument.

In my own fortunate experience, however, once the "negative nellies" hear a really
well-played bass, they have reacted quite positively. I have heard many people
say that they now appreciate the instrument and enjoy what it adds to the orchestra.
IMHO, it is altogether too unfortunate that music students are conditioned to look
down their noses at the bass clarinet players.

I doubt anyone would argue that mastering this instrument requires anything less
than mastering another instrument.

I think those of us who teach (clarinet students, bands, orchestras...) can really
help this situation by encouraging ALL clarinet students to try all sizes of the
clarinet family. And we should certainly encourage serious students to become
proficient on several clarinets--after all, if one wants a paying (or playing) gig,
one's opportunities are broadened if one knows more than a single instrument.

Also IMHO, I think if one enjoys playing the bass clarinet, and plays it as best
one can, as long as the conductor agrees that it sounds good, that is probably
all that really matters! Wasn't it Mom who always said not to worry about what
other people think? <grin>

Denise Edwards-Wilson

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