 The Doublers BBoard
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Author: kfrank1
Date: 2006-08-11 21:13
I'm wondering whether there is a certain sound one needs to have in order to play in pit bands.
As a jazz doubler, I'm wondering what adjustments I would have to make in order to make my sound acceptable in a pit band situation. For example, on clarinet, I went to a classical teacher once and she said I had a good tone down low, but not for clarion and above, it was too bright. Is a "legitimate" sound necessary in order to play in a pit band?
Do people who play in pit bands tend to be classically trained rather than coming from other backgrounds like jazz?
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Author: Bret Pimentel
Date: 2006-08-12 12:39
I suppose it depends on how desperate the musical director is to hire someone...
If you plan to be serious about pit work, then definitely get some lessons and learn to play in an orchestral style. Your jazz background can be an asset, too, but you will need to be prepared to play a wide range of styles on a wide range on instruments (and that's just the overture!). Pit work can be extremely demanding.
Good luck,
Bret
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Author: ClariTone
Date: 2006-08-13 05:05
There are many different sounds you should have at your disposal to be successful as a doubler. Working with a qualified teacher will help you identify your professional goals and to develop those sounds, and help you to custom tailor your tone to fit any group or style of music. Having a "legit" sound could only increase your marketability!!!
As to whether or not most people in pit bands are classically trained or not...well that is hard to determine. Most of the people that I know are classically trained, but are equally adept at playing jazz and practice both genres on a regular basis. However, your success will be determined by just how much practice your put into your horn. There are several fantastic links on how to efficiently organize one's practice regime, and you can find them by conducting a search of the archives if you want/need to use them.
Best of Luck!!!
Clayton
Post Edited (2006-08-13 17:13)
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Author: BTBob
Date: 2006-08-16 15:36
Having a good ear for "mimmicking" different styles would probably help, altho maybe this is something you can't fake. The conductor is law here of course.
(If the clarinet teacher said your tone was too bright up top she might have been remarking on your instrument or mouthpiece just as much as your playing...)
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Author: johnnymo0829
Date: 2007-01-09 18:49
the more sounds and styles that you can mimic the better off you will be. I have found that many musicals will require different sounds from you from show to show as well as in some of the different numbers in the show. Different tone qualities can be a help, but in general a good tone will help the most.
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Author: Caco185
Date: 2007-01-09 23:30
I think you have to have a good concept of clarinet tone before playing clarinet in any pit.. It has many different colors used, but there is a concept on clarinet that just has to be there.
Dale Huggard
Clarinet Performance Major, Michigan
Buffet R-13 - Silver plated
Genussa Excellente
Spriggs Floating Rail Ligature
Vandoren V12 #4
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