Klarinet Archive - Posting 001067.txt from 1997/09

From: peter.stoll@-----.ca
Subj: Re: Eb clarinets/cornets in band
Date: Tue, 23 Sep 1997 19:13:58 -0400

Actually, being a Herbert L.Clarke fan (great cornet soloist of Sousa's
Band, led a band in Huntsville, Ontario, Canada!), I just found and
photocopied an article from the Instrumentalist magazine back in 1972
arguing for the continuance of the cornet, both as a learning instrument
and in the band; I love it's mellow sound.

I really wonder about Eb; should it be left out in favour of piccolo, kept
in but take down the high unison stuff when picc's up there, or is it
possible to play the high A (an octave above the one above the staff!) a
student just showed me as an option in Copland's "Outdoor Overture"?

When I adjudicate music festivals, I've always put in a plug for the Eb,
believing that with a proper mpc.and hard enough reeds, the "sharp below,
flat on top" phenomenon can be overcome. Any opinions?

Peter Stoll
Instructor of Clarinet and Chamber Music
University of Toronto