 The Clarinet BBoard
|
Author: Clay
Date: 2003-11-27 02:31
Hello
My band director has been trying to convince me to double on trumpet or saxophone (I have played clarinet for 5 years and am the first chair clarinet) and to play in jazz band (clarinets aren't allowed even though they were one of the defining jazz instruments) I would need to learn either of these 2 instruments. Have wanted to "broaden my horizens" but am worried that either trumpet or sax would damage my clarinet embouchure. Should I double, or keep fighting for clarinets in jazz band? If I double which should I choose?
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: diz
Date: 2003-11-27 02:39
Saxophone will do you no harm whatsover ... trumpet - not so sure, and, indeed if you wish to become a pit musician - double on sax is a must (or flute, or oboe).
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Hank Lehrer
Date: 2003-11-27 13:24
Hi Clay,
We have discussed that very issue several times so others have had the same concern. The summary though is no damage as long as you keep your clarinet skills up.
I am a former HS and college band director and during that time, had many players double on brass, particularily for marching band. In fact, for several years everyone played brass. The result was woodwind players that had a new appreciation for other instruments as well as a more developed set of lungs! You just can't beat the raw power of 70 trumpets and 20+ trombones (plus all the alto horns, baritones, and tuba to complete the mix).
Doubling on woodwinds is a must if you want to be a true working musician who can tackle the circus, shows, legit, or jazz. I play all the single and double reeds and once you get the hang of things, it's like learning another language when you already speak several, pretty much a piece of cake.
There is a funny mental thing involved that seems to take over after you develop a bit of proficiency. You just don't have to think to consciously about what you are doing, you just play the instrument without too much thought.
Good luck and report back on how you are coming.
HRL
PS Find out what the band director needs, learn it, and then become indispensible on ....
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: chicagoclar
Date: 2003-11-28 01:25
I teach a clarinet choir and two of my strongest members play different instruments as atheir primary instruments. One plays bassoon and the other horn. The are both majoring in their other instruments in college and do clarinet just for fun. So far neither has had any problems except for the horn player who says it takes him a little while to adjust back to horn, but it hasn't damaged them and neither of their teachers has had anything negative to say.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Burt
Date: 2003-11-28 01:43
I share the opinions of those who repsonded. Playing sax has not hurt my clarinet playing. It hasn't helped my sax playing much, but that's my problem.
Doubling on sax would be much easier for a clarinetist than doubling on any brass instrument in terms of how much clarinet and sax have in common.
Many books are set up for a player to play clarinet and sax (sometimes flute also), but I've never heard of a book calling for a brass instrument and clarinet. So if you want the chance to play jazz clarinet on rare occasions, pick the sax (alto or bari, rather than tenor).
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
The Clarinet Pages
|
 |
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
