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 What makes a good clarinet player?
Author: Morrigan 
Date:   2003-06-26 11:21

I decided if one is trying to be a good clarinet player, they should understand what it is to be as such.

Comments? Opinions?



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 Re: What makes a good clarinet player?
Author: Mark Pinner 
Date:   2003-06-26 11:41

80% heart. 19% animal cunning and 1% technique.

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 Re: What makes a good clarinet player?
Author: Liquorice 
Date:   2003-06-26 11:58

I think it all depends on the ligature...

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 Re: What makes a good clarinet player?
Author: GBK 
Date:   2003-06-26 12:12

When you finally realize that the best piece of equipment is a good set of ears...GBK

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 Re: What makes a good clarinet player?
Author: beejay 
Date:   2003-06-26 12:33

Ask my teacher. One who can play all the scales in doubles and triplets at 132 and then apply that to performing beautiful Mozart.

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 Re: What makes a good clarinet player?
Author: Synonymous Botch 
Date:   2003-06-26 13:36

What GBK said, "Hear, hear!"

I find that making eye contact with the conductor in full whirl goes a long way toward building confidence in my meager playing, too.

"So, I noticed you staring intently." said he.

"Why yes, I was.", I reply.

"Why so focused on my baton, then." He inquires, pointedly.

"Because I never learned to count so well." sez mice-elf

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 Re: What makes a good clarinet player?
Author: Jerry McD. 
Date:   2003-06-26 14:10

There are actually two things that go into being a 'good clarinet player.' First is the physical technique of playing the instrument, and second being a good musician. These two things are very different but are interdependent. A good teacher will help you develop both. You have to apply good clarinet technique to make great music and I think the key is exactly what GBK said listen, listen, listen. And when you hear something out of your playing that could be better you need to have the physical tools to make the adjustments. On another note, I think one of the most important attributes is courage. First to have courage to be critical of your clarinet playing (without being critical of your self-esteem), and second to have the courage to step out in front of an audience. Sorry this is rambling, but it is an interesting question.

Jerry McD.

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 Re: What makes a good clarinet player?
Author: Gretchen 
Date:   2003-06-26 14:10

A good ear, good musicianship, good tone, good technique and the desire to be better.

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 Re: What makes a good clarinet player?
Author: Tim K 
Date:   2003-06-26 14:44

An inclination toward masochism is helpful.

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 Re: What makes a good clarinet player?
Author: Sylvain 
Date:   2003-06-26 14:53

If you can make a living from playing then you're a good player ;->
-S

--
Sylvain Bouix <sbouix@gmail.com>

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 Re: What makes a good clarinet player?
Author: Aussie Nick 
Date:   2003-06-26 14:57

Hmmmmmm, but whats this got to do with the price of eggs in china??



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 Re: What makes a good clarinet player?
Author: Mikey 
Date:   2003-06-26 15:08

Duke Ellington said, "If it sounds good, it is good." What makes a good clarinet player? He's got to have that sound!

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 Re: What makes a good clarinet player?
Author: big fat lyre112 
Date:   2003-06-26 15:43

Playing is important, yes...but faking playing is also important! When you reach a tough stupid run...you gotta know how to move yur fingers really fast and scrunch up your face to make it look like yur really good and can play the run ; )

Playing the clari is all 'bout a good ol' time!



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 Re: What makes a good clarinet player?
Author: n_hanson12 
Date:   2003-06-26 19:41

You have to want it. Being "good" is a personal thing. If you have a good self-esteem and you think you're doing a good job, then you are. Other peoples' opinions will be affected by how you feel about your playing.

~Nicki



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 Re: What makes a good clarinet player?
Author: William 
Date:   2003-06-26 20:02

"Hmmmmmm, but whats this got to do with the price of eggs in china??"

Aussie tries to prove that a good yoke is hard to beat......................

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 Re: What makes a good clarinet player?
Author: Liquorice 
Date:   2003-06-26 21:40

Oh William, you crack me up!

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 Re: What makes a good clarinet player?
Author: theclarinetist 
Date:   2003-06-27 00:34

To me, it seems like being a good clarinet player means having total control over your instrument. Being able to make any sound you want, whenever you want. There is no "sound" that is perfect, or even always appropriate. Being able to play the Mozart then turn around and play the Corigliano... that's a good player. Flawless technique doesn't hurt either.



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 Re: What makes a good clarinet player?
Author: diz 
Date:   2003-06-27 00:49

Morrigan you've got a lovely nature (which in my book counts for 90% of the journey). You don't "give attitude" and you obviously play very well (considering your recent first clarinet chair appointment). I think you'll go a long way - best of luck.

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 Re: What makes a good clarinet player?
Author: yo_dude24 
Date:   2003-06-27 02:15

Ok, i think were all missing what makes a clarinet player, i mean it's quite obviouse, think about it,.......got it yet? yes it's the persons want to, if a person just plays clarinet just cause it's an easy A in band, then he shouldnt be called a clarinet player (i think Oboe player, or maybe even flute player). I mean a person has got to want to sounds good a person has got to want to to practice instead of saying "oh i hate practice". Nothing in my mind comforts me more than hearing myself and thinking that i had made me who i am thanks to all i did (plus the people who help and teach you along the way, i think there called teachers) to get my tone, fingers, and tounge to work as a whole. It's like the mirical of birth, you get to watch something grow up, but that something in my eyes is yourself as a better musician

~*8 Jaymz Sandoval8*~

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 Re: What makes a good clarinet player?
Author: Morrigan 
Date:   2003-06-27 04:44

Thanks Diz, I'm very flattered!
Haha that makes me wanna practice now!



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 Re: What makes a good clarinet player?
Author: yo_dude24 
Date:   2003-07-04 19:45

is that all the advice people give?? i mean theres so much more!

I'm just sittin here watchin' the wheels go round round....i really love to watch them roll

* John Lennon

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 Re: What makes a good clarinet player?
Author: Mark P. Jasuta 
Date:   2003-07-04 20:47

Someone on the path of continuous improvement through self evaluation and honest practice.

Best Regards
Mark

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 Re: What makes a good clarinet player?
Author: CharmOne 
Date:   2003-07-04 21:00

Learn, practice, patience, and have fun all at the same time!!!

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 Re: What makes a good clarinet player?
Author: Micaela 
Date:   2003-07-06 00:45

I think something indefinable can help a lot....being indefinable, it's hard to describe. :) I'm thinking of something like what's referred to as "It" for actors. There are some clarinetists (and other musicians) who I could listen to all day. You need that quality that makes people not want you to stop playing. I'm still trying to figure out how to get it. All the things people have mentioned above are important, but I think a truly great musician has, excuse the cliche, something more than the sum of the various parts of their playing.

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 Re: What makes a good clarinet player?
Author: hans 
Date:   2003-07-06 01:43

Assuming this thread is not about mere technical competence, but about becoming a consummate professional, I agree with many of the preceding comments, especially re a good set of ears, and would add (or repeat) the following:
Solid knowledge of music theory
Desire to learn and improve
Love and respect for the instrument (it's like marriage)
Respect for those who compose, teach, conduct, and play clarinet
Dedication; e.g., willingness to forgo other pleasures in order to practice
Attitude of a professional; i.e., everything is done to the best of the professional clarinet player's ability
Regular reading of this BB.

Hans

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 Re: What makes a good clarinet player?
Author: Morrigan 
Date:   2003-07-07 02:12

"Regular reading of this BB."

Oh GET OUTTA TOWN! lol



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 Re: What makes a good clarinet player?
Author: David Spiegelthal 2017
Date:   2003-07-07 14:22

I'm more of a bass clarinetist than a soprano clarinetist, so all I can say is that what makes a good BASS clarinetist, in my opinion, is THE SOUND! Just listen to a player like Ron Reuben of Philadelphia to hear the kind of huge, dark, hollow sound a bass clarinet is capable of, and if you can produce that sound at any dynamic level, in all registers, you have ARRIVED!

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 Re: What makes a good clarinet player?
Author: SaRaH18 
Date:   2003-07-07 15:50

There are several things that makes a good clarinet player -
1. You need to know all the right techniques and the other technical side you need to know about the clarinet .. which includes producing a good quality sound, intonation, etc ..
2. Being a good musician: Having the courage to play well in front of others as a sololist in any situation, and being able to play all your notes, as well as having the right rythmn.

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 Re: What makes a good clarinet player?
Author: Craig C 
Date:   2003-07-08 08:10

From what I hear for orchestral playing two indispensible things are playing with very good intonation and exactly in rhythm. Personally, I think a good tone is the most important thing because that's what I notice first about someone's playing. Great technique and articulation are obviously important too, but to me I think your tone is a big part what makes your playing your own.
Craig

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 Re: What makes a good clarinet player?
Author: ken 
Date:   2003-07-08 22:11

Hans wrote: "Regular reading of this BB."

--Superb observation Hans. This BBoard offers the best of both worlds for improving on clarinet. Not only is it a unique formal educational source but a practical one as well. Where else (besides periodicals such as "The Clarinet", newspaper or private club) can you publicly enjoy such an expansive, cultural cross-section of amateur/professional clarinetists and music enthusiasts from around the globe; if only it could help know-it-all, crap-stirring punks to grow up and start behaving like adults...of course, the fine Webmaster(s) can't be expected to provide everything. v/r Ken



Post Edited (2003-07-08 22:12)

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 Re: What makes a good clarinet player?
Author: hans 
Date:   2003-07-08 23:04

Ken,
Thank you. I was not being flippant when I suggested reading the BB as being instrumental in becoming a good clarinet player, as was apparently assumed above. I have learned a great deal from frequent visits here. Presumably learning is one of the reasons (besides wonderful wit and poetry) that keeps us all coming back for more.
Best regards,
Hans

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 Re: What makes a good clarinet player?
Author: D Dow 
Date:   2003-07-09 13:08

A fine clarinetist is not an easy thing to become. I believe a few prerequisites for greatness are the following:


The ability to make the clarinet blend with any instrument.

The desire to play with the dynamics marked on the score and follow them.


The ability to get along with others in a professional setting.

The ability to respect the tone of other players and not offending others because you dislike their playing. In other words respect....


The ability to put your artistry out there...ie. playing musically and effectively 100 percent of the time.


The achievement of goals you set for yourself....


The ability to work with musicians of all levels and types....


The ability to communcate and work with conductors effectively....ie. in rehearsal.


The ability to play a phrase with consistency and reliability.....


a fine clarinet player is also a fine human being...

David Dow

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