Klarinet Archive - Posting 000115.txt from 2001/01

From: rgarrett@-----.edu
Subj: Re: [kl] Band Clarinetists
Date: Wed, 3 Jan 2001 11:30:27 -0500

At 09:49 AM 01/03/2001 -0600, you wrote:
>At my school, in the top wind ensemble we have 6 clarinets. It's not that we
>don't have any more than that, because we have several more in the
>department. But, the conductor keeps the section small because all 6 of us
>are strong players, and, don't know if this is his thinking but I certainly
>thisnk this, that the smaller the section (providing they are all good
>players), the better it will sound. I personally cannot stand listening to a
>section of 25 clarinets (my high school band was that way and I was their
>fearless leader!). It makes my head spin thinking about it.

Lacy,

Your band director is smart to limit the section to capable players -
although the one or two that are not great but are influenced easily would
benefit from being in the section with better players.......especially if
sectionals are done often. I have a "wind ensemble" of 54 - and I keep a
standard compliment of 8 clarinetists in the ensemble. However, if I had
10 or 12 competent one - all good players, I might consider adding them in
- for blend. I took list members' advice and had the ensemble perform Blue
Shades by Ticheli; I was amazed at the ensemble's development on this piece
that they really loved. I have to admit, I enjoyed conducting the piece -
and will do it again. The performance will be hard to match though - very
good band.

William D. Revelli carried 34 clarinets in his Symphony Band of 110 at
Michigan. The blend was amazing. I don't think I've ever heard a more
perfect sound from a band before - especially on the recordings that were
recorded in Carnegie Hall in 1961. Of course, not every clarinetist would
be playing - he edited them out here and there - but when he needed them
all - they provided a wonderful blend. But - you have to have players to
offset the clarinet section. For every few extra clarinets, there should
be another horn added (from four up to eight). Trumpets should not
overbalance the horns or trombones. A great compliment is 8 clarinets, 5
horns, 6-7 competent trumpets, and 4-5 competent trombones (inclusive of a
bass trombone). Surround them with 4 saxophones (2 alto, 1 tenor, 1 bari),
2 euphoniums, 2-3 good tuba players, and standard flute/oboe/bassoon
numbers, and you will be set. Percussion? 5 or 6 work well. Balance of
the ensemble must be maintained - but blend is determined by numbers of
competent players - more is better than less in some cases.

>But besides all this, after this semester I won't be in any wind ensembles
>and hope to never be again. Long live orchestra!!! (maybe this is why the
>shortage).

Hmmmmmm...........it is sad that you have this attitude towards bands and
wind ensembles. Having played in some of the finest bands in the world, I
can say the experience can be as good as playing in an equal quality
orchestra. The literature available to the orchestra is much more rich and
diverse than for bands, but the musical experience in either can be wonderful.

>My $2 worth

$2? Geez.......inflation!!!!

Sincerely,
Roger Garrett

Roger Garrett
Assistant Professor of Clarinet
Director, Symphonic Winds
Advisor, IWU Recording Services
Illinois Wesleyan University
School of Music
Bloomington, IL 61702-2900
Phone: (309) 556-3268
Fax: (309) 556-3121

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