Klarinet Archive - Posting 000038.txt from 2003/10

From: Richard Bush <rbushidioglot@-----.net>
Subj: Re: [kl] Alto Clarinet (was Clarinet Overhaul Hell)
Date: Thu, 2 Oct 2003 11:14:22 -0400

One more comment on what Lelia said about alto clarinet. Lelia said
that many alto clarinets get a bad rap because they're in such poor
condition. I'd like to add one more thing: band directors will take
some of, if not the very worst of their clarinet players and put them
on the alto clarinet, figuring they won't be heard, the part isn't
essential, etc.

Poor mouthpiece, poor reed, poorly maintained instrument, poor player
and poor parts (if anything more than an alto sax part with alto
clarinet printed in the upper left hand corner) sure is does explain
why most band directors consider it a wheeze bag instrument.

Many years ago Leblanc tried very hard with their educational materials
to promote the concept of the clarinet choir. Too few were listening.

Another facet of bands to bemoan.....the fall from popularity of the
cornet. The cornet is the sweet, blending band instrument, not a
section of paint peeling, silver plated Benge trumpets. The two sound
sooooooooooo very different and so few even care.

Of the soap box for today.

RB

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