Klarinet Archive - Posting 000296.txt from 2001/06

From: "Franklin Kercher" <kranwli@-----.net>
Subj: Re: [kl] contra alto
Date: Thu, 7 Jun 2001 04:45:17 -0400

-----Original Message-----
From: Ann H Satterfield <annhsatt@-----.com>
<bass-clarinet@-----.com>
Date: Wednesday, June 06, 2001 9:13 AM
Subject: [kl] contra alto

The contra can be very frustrating if it has even a minute leak. I play
the metal Leblanc and I found that a dab of trombone slide grease on the
neck and center tenons made a better seal. I have three mouth pieces, two
Leblancs and one Selmer C*. one of the LeBlancs is like new but both require
the full sized contra reed. Both sound a bit airy unless I find the perfect
reed and even then it takes a lot of air. The Selmer, though well used,
sounds the best and uses a smaller bari sax reed. I found the VanDorens have
to be lined up perfect to play but the LaVoz reed is just a hair wider and
seems to seal better on the narrow rails and much easier, at least for me,
to play. It helps too to take in more mouth piece. Once you get the hang of
it, the contras are a blast. If I don't have a contra part (mines a EEb),
you can augment the bari sax, tuba, cello, string bass (octave lower on the
latter).

>(Short disclaimer--I am having trouble with web connection so checking
>archives is not feasible this week. )
>
>Having the chance & adventure of trying out contra-alto clarinet AND alto
>clarinet, in preparation to launching a summer clarinet choir.
>
>I only got to spend 10 minutes with the contra. I was frustrated that I
>only got a clarion register note *once*, the chalumeau was present and
>responsive.
>This is in contrast to the first time i played bass clarinet, and alto--I
>won't claim it was totally reliable or *pretty* --but i could play E to E
>three octave range in the first few minutes.
>
>Is the contra-alto usually this contrary?
>
>Ann
>
>Ann Satterfield
>~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Central Florida~~~~~~~
>Principal clarinet, Imperial SO & Music Manager, ISO
>Adjunct Faculty & Instrumental Assistant PolkCC
>~~~~~Director-Summer Winds Clarinet Choir~~~~
>
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