Author: Terry Stibal
Date: 2004-06-09 01:27
While the above horn is a different kettle of fish, there is at least one "bassoon style" bass clarinet here in the US of A.
Located at Norwich University in Northfield, Vermont, just south and west of Montpellier (the school moved there some time back, but kept the name of its old location), it's in the school's museum collection (along with such other oddities as the wheel from the USS Olympia and Mussolini's clock-telephone (don't ask).
About the length and breadth of a bass trumpet, the bore of the instrument is folded back on itself one time, and it has a short "right angle" neck and a slightly flared brass bell. The keying system had both "flap" keys and a few axles. I don't recall if there were any rings, though.
The instrument is misidentified as a bassoon in a catalog, but it's clear from what's in the display case that it's a bass clarinet, albeit a non-playing one. Also clear from the display cases is why they had it in the first place.
Vermont was one of three states that used to have a partially supported state military school. Formerly known as Vermont Military Academy (and located in Norwich at the time), it goes WAY back, just like VMI and The Citadel. As I've been given to understand, each of these schools were assigned a specialty by the Federal government.
Under that plan, VMI and The Citadel got infantry and artillery, and (almost incredibly, considering the terrain) VMA got cavalry. (The school preserves a bit of this to this day; although not a full military school, it has an armored ROTC unit, tanks and all.)
In one of the display cases, close to Benito's communication appliance, is a photograph of the band back in the early 1900's. Seated comfortably atop cavalry horses in a square formation, one can just make up what looks like a stunted bassoon being held by a young campaign hatted trooper.
Those who wish to view this musical oddity should call the school in advance, as the museum is not usually open. Other things to be found there are a gun from the Spanish armored cruiser Oyquodo, a Hotchkiss 4.7 cm revolving cannon, and all sorts of other oddities. Beautiful campus too.
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The Clarinet BBoard
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