 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: DaWF
Date: 2005-05-30 05:49
Hi. I'm a freshman, play clarinet, percussion, and piano seriously, and have come to a dilema. This past year I took 4 solos to WSMA S&E, two percusion, a piano, and clarinet. Though I did get all firsts, the solos, coupled with the 8 ensembles I was in, plus homework pushed me to stress beyond what I was used to. Beyond practicing, it was the realization that if I played only two instruments, I would be so much better for not worrying about the third. The question was which to drop? I couldn't choose, honestly, I love them all. You can't match the feeling of playing a heartbreaking melody on a clarinet with snare drum, but you can't exactly backstick on a piano, nor pull out the warmth of a marimba with a 4 part chorale with a timpani or drumset.
So the past few months I've deliberated with myself, almost deciding which I would stop studying, then going against it. But finally I decided that I would stop clarinet.
But clarinet was the first instrument I learned, and I've invested a lot of money in reeds, books, lessons, and cork grease. Coupled with my fond memories of my limited repetoire and learning it, today I decided I couldn't part with it completely. Though I will probably focus more on my percussion study (I plan to major in Percussion and Piano Performance) I want to still work on clarinet.
My teacher (I've only had a few lessons with him) wants me to get the Baerman book three, I think. The one with all the scales in it, along with a new mouth peice. I already have the first 20 of 40 Rose etudes and the Klose complete method book, a fresh box of 3 1/2 reeds, and a few solos I may start soon.
So, to my question (that was lengthy, my most sincere apologies)
Are there some nice solos or books or solos I could purchase to expand my music library. Right now I have the first movement of the Mozart Quintet, which I did last year, and the Entire Weber Concerto (1) plus his Concertino. I'm probably going to finish learning his first concerto and the concertino (I did the third movement for contest), but I'm not sure what to go to next. My teacher will probably recommend something, but I'd like some other input too. Thanks a lot.
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Author: EEBaum
Date: 2005-05-30 06:56
A freshman in high school or college?
First off, determine what you would want to do with the piano major. There is a great abundance of outstanding pianists. If you're going for a hardcore piano career, it's quite difficult to do it AND something else.
It sounds like you have been leaning toward percussion. The repertoire is fresh and varied, and I know many excellent percussionists. If your heart is really in it, I'd say to major in percussion only.
Double performance majoring is extremely demanding. In my department of 500 music students, I think we have less than a half dozen, perhaps as few as one, who are successfully double-instrument majoring. Adding a major in ed or composition can be more feasible. A performance major tends to demand as much time as a person is willing and able to spend on just a single instrument. Pick one instrument, and keep your social life and sanity.
The problem with the instruments you've chosen is that there is very little technical overlap. A month spent on triangle will have limited impact on Gymnopedies, which will have little impact on Baermann and Rose.
As someone who nearly snapped earlier this month due to overcommitment, I can't stress enough that something has to go. It's hard to let things go when they're all going well, but it has to be done some time. Constant stress isn't good for you, and in the long run may make you physically and/or mentally able and willing to do even less of what you like.
If I were you:
If you're a high school freshman, lay off everything a bit. Focus on one instrument, and play the others on the side. Perhaps switch off once in a while. You have time to explore.
If you're a college freshman, pick an instrument. Practice the others for fun if you like, but not at the expense of your main instrument. If, after a semester, you absolutely can't stand your chosen instrument, you can think of switching.
As for clarinet repertoire, you've barely scratched the surface. I'd recommend going to a music store with decent selection and browsing. Find a piece that looks fun that is at about your skill level.
Personally, I'd love to play more piano, and want to learn banjo and hammered dulcimer. However, until I can let something else go to make room, I'll have to do without. I'm already letting go of my university's orchestra in the fall just to bring stress back to nominal levels.
As for the investment in reeds, books, etc.: I try to make a point of never holding on to something just because I've invested a lot in it. If its continued presence is less fulfilling and rewarding than its absence would be, put it down.
-Alex
www.mostlydifferent.com
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Author: William
Date: 2005-05-30 14:57
After 64 yrs of playing the clarinets, saxes and flutes, if I had it to do "all over again", I would choose the piano instead.
At least I could then live up to the old magazine ads the said, "Learn Piano and be the Life of the Party!!"
The piano is a versitle instrument that is included in just about every musical genre. And it is one of the few instruments that can be the "whole ensemble" in the privacy of your own home.
IMO, piano and percussion have a lot in common and would be a good career choice for you.
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Author: SueSmith
Date: 2005-05-30 18:17
From your post, you already state you plan to go piano/percussion when you major in college...so, I'm just wondering why you aren't devoting more time to practicing those instruments? Pianists I have worked with spend HOURS in the practice room daily...as do several of the percussionists I've befriended.
Honestly, if you are seriously considering getting into college on a double major...you wont have time to play clarinet. Also, many of the ensembles for percussion will clash with your performance opportunities on clarinet.
Now - I'm not saying that you should quit clarinet...just that, life as a Freshman or Sophomore in HS is less complicated than attending college - and this also depends on the college you attend. A university or state college will require you to take more Liberal Arts courses as a Music Major - so you can have a class load of 10-12 classes a sememster on average. Music courses are downgraded to between 2 and .5 credits to accomodate all of those requirements. Trust me...I've done the state college route...and then the conservatory route. At a conservatory - if you are poor like me...scholarships, loans, and grants sometimes cover all costs...but most likely NOT if you are a Freshman. If your parents can help out great - but a $22K school will costs at least $30K if you live on campus. If/when you live off campus there is rent, food, transportation costs...and things you don't think about - gas/oil/electricity bills, phone bills. There is a reason why the average college student lives on Ramen Noodles!
So...if I were you...I'd keep clarinet on the back burner - free time fun. Work your butt off on piano. I'd suggest taking your clarinet lesson money and putting that towards taking organ lessons. You'd be suprised how many pianists never learn how to play the organ...and how much money making they miss out on in the end. Begin to accompany other instrumentalists and vocalists - you may get more scholarship money for college if you can offer your accompanying skills to the music department. Perhaps finding a PT job as a pianist at a ballet school...or church...to have that on your resume. You have to present yourself as "special" when applying to college as a pianist. Every kid wants to be a professional concert pianist...but few student pianists have excellent sightreading and accompaniment skills that will surely set you apart.
Certainly, keep up with percussion as well. As stated by Alex, percussion and piano have a great deal in common...and you will find that they only enhance each other. Also, with the increased interest in all music not classical...different genre's, you will find many performance opportunities.
If your love for clarinet trumps all...I'd say dump percussion since your ensembles will mostly conflict in college. But, it seems you already have your goals set and I'd say stick to what you enjoy, but also what you have accomplished the most. Why waste your time on Baermann 3 that could be put towards Hannon? Also, you have to be wary of injuries associated with playing the clarinet (mostly right hand wrist - I'd suggest a neck strap and purchasing a thumb rest that corrects hand position if you plan to stick it out seriously with clarinet and piano).
Best of luck...but in the end I bet you'll find your lack of time will dictate your choice. As college looms...SAT studies, auditions, essays for college applications...I can't see clarinet getting the time of day.
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Author: Clarinetgirl06
Date: 2005-05-30 18:22
"This past year I took 4 solos to WSMA S&E, two percusion, a piano, and clarinet. Though I did get all firsts, the solos, coupled with the 8 ensembles I was in, plus homework pushed me to stress beyond what I was used to."
First, congratulations on being SO SUCCESSFUL!
Wow, I took 2 solos and 3 ensembles and I had huge stress (Which I got all I's on). OK, first thing is this: Don't take so much! You can easily bring it down to bout 5 things in my view. 1 clarinet solo, 1 percussion solo, 1 piano solo, 1 percussion ensemble, 1 clarinet ensemble. You'll get a taste for everything, but your stress will be way lower.
Also, if you are a freshman in HS, then you have 3 WHOLE YEARS to firmly decide! I mean some people DO know exactly what they want at a young age, but don't force yourself to decide right now. I think if you give yourself even 1 year more to decide, then you'll have somewhat of an idea about what you are really meant to do.
As your teacher said, you should buy Baermann III-it's a great workout on the clarinet (although it's a toughy). Who knows? You could go to college as a piano major and decide to go back to clarinet. If that was the case, I'd want to be the most advanced I could on the clarinet and vice versa.
At my HS, we have a girl who's going to be a junior next year and she has been very successful in clarinet, piano, and percussion. She's made All-District Band for 2 years, got a I at State for piano solo, got to go to State with her percussion ensembles (can't remember what rating they got), and during marching band she plays in our percussion pit instead of marching on the clarinet. She's been successful in all 3 and has been able to do each in moderation.
Good luck and keep up the good work!
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Author: DaWF
Date: 2005-05-30 18:55
Yeah, with piano, I don't plan on being a concert pianist. As much as I would love to, I'm not good enough and didn't start at a young enough age to be viable for a place in the concert circuit. I was leaning more towards teaching, if anything. I'll probably only take lessons, not major in it, because of the 4 areas you need to study in percussion, I'd be swamped majoring in it. The other route I was considering was Percussion Performance and either Music Education, or Theory. I've got time to figure that out though.
The problem is, I can't just drop clarinet. I'm first chair in band, and the individuals in the lower chairs are not dedicated enough to handle the peices we play (Holst, Reed, Smith, etc.), seeing as the barely play their own parts. I'm not saying I'm irreplaceable, but I don't want to demand a spot in the percussion section and leave my section to fend for itself (not like I'dget it anyway).
With percussion, I'm obliged to play in as many ensembles as I can, because we lost a lot of talented seniors the last two years, we delt us a blow myself and some friends are trying hard to recover from (you'd be surprised that only 1 or 2 "real" drummers are in most percussion ensembles at my school, the rest are winds)
Also, I do devote a lot of time to percussion and piano (2-3hrs snare, 1-3 marimba, 2-5 piano)
As a career, I'd like to teach at university, highschool, or privately, be in some kind of professional orchestra (percussion), or open a studio/music store. Preferably all three at some point in my life.
I think it's difficult to stop clarinet because of all the hours I've poured into it to get to the point where I am. I know I'll have to, if I want to get better faster at Percussion and piano, but it's hard to do.
Thanks
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Author: Ken Shaw ★2017
Date: 2005-05-31 15:33
I'm sorry I don't play piano. For one thing, you can talk while you play. ![[tongue]](http://test.woodwind.org/clarinet/BBoard/smileys/smilie6.gif) More important, it teaches you to hear the harmony
Of course it's possible to talk while you play snare drum, but you do tend to drown yourself out. On the other hand, it's easy to drown out all the @%#*% talkers!
But nothing teaches you to play music like a wind instrument. Your breath binds the notes together into phrases and phrases into lines.
If you stop playing one instrument, you can always pick it up again. It comes back very fast.
I suggest you add the violin, too. ![[wink]](http://test.woodwind.org/clarinet/BBoard/smileys/smilie3.gif)
Ken Shaw
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