 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Randall
Date: 2012-04-05 16:00
Hello everyone. After playing jazz drums for many years, I decided, during the '90s, to take up another instrument. I went to a pawn shop and ended up buying a clarinet, mistakenly thinking that it would be a breeze since so many children played it in school bands. After struggling with it, I decided to take lessons. I contacted a jazz clarinetist who ran me through scales, chords, and other exercises to improve my fluency. Instead of classical leaning studies, we worked out of a fake book, playing the heads and trying to come to grips with the chord progressions. I do, however, frequent my Klose, and Buddy DeFranco's Hanon book regularly.
I play a '94 vintage, without tenon rings, Selmer Recital with a Bay, O-M, mouthpiece, and I do not have issues with volume. I also have a Noblet 45 which I'm quite fond of, and I use a Morgan RM28 - suggested by Ralph Morgan - on it. I favor Olivieri reeds, though I do play other brands. R
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Author: ramsa
Date: 2012-04-05 17:01
Welcome, Randall. I am also playing some light jazz, and having a blast with clarinets. You started learning a decade or so before me, but I'll try to catch up.. (At 54 I'm getting winded...)
;)
This is a genuine signature.
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Author: Randall
Date: 2012-04-05 17:41
Thanks. Well, I'm 64, and so, there's much hope for your continued success. I've found that playing along with records to be of value, especially for ear training. Have fun, R
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Author: tictactux ★2017
Date: 2012-04-05 21:12
Hi Randall,
whatever you do...consider joining a band of some sort. It's immensely more fun together, and there's always room for a third clarinet (if you don't mind working your way up, if at all - I'm a happy camper at 2nd...).
--
Ben
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Author: Ursa
Date: 2012-04-05 21:48
Welcome, Randall! I echo Ben's observation: get yourself into an ensemble. There's no substitute for ensemble playing.
You look to have some excellent equipment, too. I wish I could sit next to you in a rehearsal to hear it all in action.
Cheers, Ursa
Pruefer Festival...Buffet/Chedeville C Crown MP...Rovner Dark ligature...Vandoren V-12 reeds
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Author: Randall
Date: 2012-04-05 22:59
I have played out with the clarinet. A couple of guitar playing friends invite me to their solo lounge gigs, which sometimes includes a bass player. I've got other opportunities to play, one at a new Irish pub, where I can just improvise, run down standards and an occasional Monk tune. An indie label released a CD of some of my solo clarinet works several years ago. I got an offer to play at a record shop doing what I enjoy most, free improvisation. What I'd like to do now is more recording. In the studio I enjoy playing the clarinets through electronics - I also have a little Eb and a 70s vintage Bundy alto clarinet. It's the drums that I rarely leave the house with.
You're right when it comes to playing with others; it's fun and certainly more inspirational than playing to records R
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Author: Ursa
Date: 2012-04-06 08:38
Randall, sounds like we have a lot in common. Small ensemble work is so very satisfying when you're fortunate enough to be with other fine musicians and everything just clicks. Great stuff, indeed.
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