 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Ella
Date: 2003-06-11 21:14
hello,
after playing bass clarinet for a school musical and our school band for a while I feel fairly confident with the instrument. I'm by no means a prodigy and I only like playing either when I have a cool part or there are no other bass clarinetists, so I can't say it's the same to me as my "regular" Bb. however, I would really like to make it into our youth symphony next year and while there are only two clarinet spots there is also a possibility for me to make it in on bass clarinet by beating out the current bass clarinetist. I'm planning on getting some bass clarinet lessons at camp (I've only had one before) but I'm wondering
1) is there any way to figure out what books and/or orchestral excerpts are available and would be at the appropriate level without scheduling for another lesson in town? I need to take something to camp.
2) if I wanted to study in town, it would have to be with the bass clarinetist of the city orchestra. He knows me because we see eachother backstage at concerts when I'm saying hello to my teacher and I took a lesson with him once to help me with the basics of bass clarinet. I'm afraid that it would be impossible for me to take lessons from him to prepare me for our youth orchestra audition without informing him that the purpose of me taking lessons with him would be to beat out the current bass clarinetist, his student. Is it best to avoid this situation and remain self-trained, so to speak? Sorry for the long-winded message! Ella
Anyone who can hear screams, can also hear music.
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Author: Francesca
Date: 2003-06-12 00:38
Let's look at a long term picture for a minute. Your audition for orchestra will only take up about 15 minutes of your life, but you could potentially play and enjoy bass clarinet until your dying day. I don't see any problem with improving yourself by taking lessons. If you're only goal of taking lessons is to get into orchestra, you may find yourself sadly disappointed, but if you want to improve your musicianship, go for the lessons. Your teacher (IMHO) should encourage all of his students to audition for the orchestra. He will hopefully give you the skills and materials necessary to get the spot, or at least prepare you for future auditions you'll face.
As to excerpts, by far the best book is by Michael Drapkin. I can't recall the exact title, but it's something along the lines of "Orchestral Excerpts for Bass Clarinet." If you pick it up, I recommend focusing on Grofe's "Grand Canyon Suite", the On the Trail movement. If you're up for a challenge, check out Ravel's "Daphnis and Chloe" too. Hope this helps.
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Author: Pam H.
Date: 2003-06-12 02:18
I agree with Francesca as to why or why not take lessons. They really couldn't hurt in the long run whether you win the position this time around or not. Most teachers I would think want all of their students to excel and try not to have favorites.
I would think that the group you plan to audition for may give you a list of excerpts that you will be expected to be able to play. Check with them and see.
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Author: allencole
Date: 2003-06-12 05:36
In some cases, I have 10 or more students competing for the same group on the same instrument. It doesn't cause a problem for either them or me. In fact, I take it as an opportunity to channel rivalries into productive friendships whenever I can.
I also like what I see the kids do. Several years ago, I had one tenor sax player take another under his wing at All-District. As a result the helpful guy got first chair (his second year in a row) and the guy he helped got first seat in the second band. Everybody won. In fact, the helpful guy became friendly with the second-chair guy who turned out to be a pianist as well. As a result, my helpful first-rate tenor man got a fine keyboard player for his jazz group.
In another case, two 7th grade girls were trying for All-District Band, and one kid taught the other two scales that she was missing. As a result the kid with the missing scales made the band in 7th grade, and went on to be #1 in the 8th grade. The helpful girl didn't make it in 7th grade, but her generosity certainly won some brownie points with me and with her band director.
Jump in there and do your best. I'm sure that the teacher will gladly help you. But follow the very good advice that you've been given in previous posts. This isn't about one opportunity. It's about a lifetime of enjoyment.
BTW, also think about learning to transpose from concert-key bass clef. I sat in with a woodwind quintet tonight on bass clarinet and had a BLAST. Also, I think that there are some orchestral pieces where it may be an issue. Death and Transfiguration, maybe? You never know what opportunities are in front of you. Learn everything you can and try out for everything you can!
Allen Cole
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