 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: claclaws
Date: 2004-07-25 14:56
Could anyone report on how things are going there?
I've read the program at I.C.A website, but vivid stories coming from the site must be way more interesting.. Where you went, whom you met, which pieces you played, what you bought , etc.. And what was your best part?
If you know any such postings about previous Clarinetfests, please let me know the url.
All the best on your clarinetfesting.
Lucy Lee Jang
Post Edited (2004-07-25 14:58)
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Author: hans
Date: 2004-07-25 18:49
Lucy,
I visited the exhibitors at the 'Fest on July 22.
First I want to say what a great pleasure it was to meet the very friendly people who live in this area.
I looked at a lot of exhibits; here are the highlights:
At the Vandoren booth I met Laurent Sultan, a Paris resident and Vandoren rep who suggested that I try a B40 Lyre mouthpiece. It was love at first "toot" so I bought the one I had played.
I met Omar Henderson and his lovely, charming daughter. I bought some of Omar's unique goodies: mouthpiece bag, swab, mouthpiece protector - things my local Long & McQuade store doesn't have (and probably never will).
I tried three of TMG's products: R-13, Tosca, and Prestige.
The R-13 played stuffy (especially C4) and required too much effort - not a pro level instrument, IMO.
The Tosca was a very nice clarinet. It almost played itself.
I liked the Prestige the best of the three (it felt "right") with two important (for me) exceptions: the cheap plastic thumb rest assembly; and, it had a poorly finished part somewhere that cut my right middle finger while I was inspecting it so that I bled all over it. (It was a cut, not a puncture; i.e., probably not caused by a spring). Fortunately I had a band-aid.
I tried the Selmer St. Louis, but preferred my own Recital or the Prestige. The Bb Signatures were not available since they were being test played in a practice room.
I also had a very interesting conversation with a repair tech named Tom Fritz from Illinois.
Regards,
Hans
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Author: Henry
Date: 2004-07-25 19:13
Unfortunately, I could not attend because of a conflict. I had committed to attend, and speak at, a two-day symposium on "The Physics and Design of Foams", of all things. (Talking about something very different!) But I would like to attend next year, depending on where it is going to be held. The main attraction would have been to meet some of the regular "characters" on this BB, like Hans, GBK, Doc, and many of the others. So, please, I'm also very interested in hearing about your experiences at this latest Clarinetfest.
Henry
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Author: GBK
Date: 2004-07-25 19:26
I just returned from the Festival and will write a few comments on the exhibits, where I spent a good deal of time. I will let others comment on the performances...
By far, the busiest booth was Morrie Backun's. The selection of barrels and bells was almost dizzying. Big name pros intermingled with everyone else who was trying and comparing Morrie's products. Within the hour I was there on first visit, both Larry Combs and Ricardo Morales were both sitting near me trying the different combinations of barrels and bells. (although I did not attend his performance, I heard that Ricardo Morales played the Nielsen Concerto with a Backun barrel and bell). Morrie and his staff made everyone feel at home, helping, offering advice and tirelessly explaining everything.
The Davie Cane/Gonzalez (Phil Shapiro and Pablo Gonzalez) reed booth was also extremely busy as they generously gave out reed samples for on -site testing of their products. Phil (who also speaks Spanish very well) helped to translate as Pablo and I spoke about many things.
The Music Group (Buffet) had a large display area with many clarinets to try. They told me that they quickly sold 5 of their Tosca clarinets the very first day, along with a few other clarinets that were snapped up by savvy buyers. There was one (IMO) fabulous Buffet Vintage A clarinet which was still there by Saturday afternoon and it took every bit of will power not to pull out the credit card. I'm sure it found a good home...
Francois Kloc was doing courtesy adjustments of clarinets. He did some fine tweaking on one of the R-13's I had brought and he liked it quite a bit (sorry Francois - it's not for sale). Just like Hans wrote (see above) I had an interesting time watching and talking with Tom Fritz, as he did some courtesy tweaking on one of my clarinets.
Without trying to leave anyone out, as virtually every major clarinet product representative was in attendance, I personally spent lots of time with The Doctor (and his charming family), Tom Ridenour, Phil Shapiro, Carmine Campione, my old friend Fred Weiner and his staff, the very nice people at Xilema reeds, the folks at Legere reeds, and of course Mark Charette.
It must have been a successful festival because I came home with lots of different products and very little money ...GBK
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Author: contragirl
Date: 2004-07-25 21:00
I am from the area, obvioulsy cuz I go to UMD, and I had a blast! I worked the registration table a couple days and checked people in. While doing this, I met many infamous ppl, like Ricardo Morales (which I got my pic with), Pequito, Don Byron.... and lotsa other ppl. hehe.
I liked Stephan Fox's booth, with the period instruments and other such oddities. I visited him everyday and played all of his stuff. His basset horn is especially nice. I also proposed to him, and we're getting married next week.
I almost died when I played the Wurlitzer clarinets and bass clarinet. From this week along, I have deicided that (when I am rich) I am getting them and I am switching to the German mpc set-up. I may also be getting lessons from Steven Bates who brought his Wurlitzer bass, and is also the bass clarinetist of the Washington Opera House. I highly recommend that ppl try them.
Among many ppl I wanted to meet, I finally met Mark Charette in person where we talked about piercings and contras, I met the Doc and talked about how much I like his stuff and I am suggesting to ppl to get his student kits, Francois Kloc who I took a picture of cuz he's cool, Clark Fobes who was really cool cuz I have owned his barrel for years and want a new one, Dave Spiegelthal who lives in my area and I always seem to run across his name in the ICA collection... yeah!
-AND-
I played the NEW Selmer bass clarinet that was primiered this week, which there is only one existing right now!! The "Privelege." It was so nice. *drool* Maybe not as nice as the Wurlitzer, but good to me.
I would like to personally thank everyone who came and was able to put up with the troubles of UMD. Cuz not everything went very smoothly this week. :( But it was fun!
--Contragirl
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Author: Ralph
Date: 2004-07-25 22:43
I spent some time at the Selmer booth checking out soprano clarinets and was oblivious to a NEW bass. Can you provide some info on what's new and improved with this bass clarinet ??
Ralph
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Author: contragirl
Date: 2004-07-25 22:56
I'm not quite sure what the exact specifications are on the new Selmer. I noticed a different layout in the thumb keys for low C and stuff. I didn't get much time to talk to the rep or look very closely at it, as I was late for clarinet choir rehearsal.
I play a model 37 currently, and I felt a smoother transition between the notes in the clarion register.
The piece that was primiered on the bass was "Mit ausdruck" by Bruno Mantovan, with Alain Billard. They the put the horn at the Selmer table on Saturday.
--CG
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Author: Katrina
Date: 2004-07-26 04:54
Good one, CG...when you marry Stephen Fox, could you get me a good deal on one of his Tarogatos?
;)
Katrina
(Wish I could get to a Fest one of these years...)
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Author: Ralph G
Date: 2004-07-26 13:22
Next year it's in Tokyo, right? Is there a site picked out for the following year?
/hoping it's in Texas...
________________
Artistic talent is a gift from God and whoever discovers it in himself has a certain obligation: to know that he cannot waste this talent, but must develop it.
- Pope John Paul II
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Author: claclaws
Date: 2004-07-26 13:56
Or somewhere northwest? My hope is on Washington, California or Idaho.^^
Lucy Lee Jang
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Author: Mark Charette
Date: 2004-07-26 13:59
2005 - Tokyo (Tama Parthenon), Japan
2006 - Atlanta, GA
2007 - Vancouver, BC, Canada
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Author: contragirl
Date: 2004-07-26 14:20
Sure, tarogatos for everyone! I tried his tarogato and that thing is fun!
--CG
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Author: Pat Boyle
Date: 2004-07-26 17:50
Attended ClarinetFest 2004. Just for one day, but had a wonderful time. Fairly new to this scene. Playing for just 2.5 years.
My first impression was the cacophony of 100 ( maybe 200 people) that emanated from the exhibit hall. People playing, trying, testing, and tweaking clarinets, barrels, bells, mouthpieces & other accessories.
Attended the "Extreme Clarinet" with Robert Spring and Scott Wright in the ICC auditorium. They performed new and recently composed music. Enjoyed the music and the techniques for playing high notes and circular breathing.
Attended a Featured Recital with Henri Bok and Justo Sanz in the PAC. They played 6 premiers and ended with an improvisational encore that was a delight to hear and see.
Arrived early for the Master Class session with Ricardo Morales. The previous session "Taking the Voodoo out of Reedmaking" had attracted a large and inquisitive group who probably could have used another hour. Once I get my playing stabilized I will have to explore this reed fascination.
The Master Class attracted about 300 people (my estimate). Being my first I was fascinated at the process. The two student subjects practiced beforehand and were obviously accomplished in their playing. They were able to take the suggestions offered and immediately incorporate these into their playing. I took some comfort in hearing some words that my music teacher suggests to me.... properly attacking a note, phrasing, and sustaining the pace and strength of a note or measure.
Tested LeBlanc, Selmer, and Buffet models as well as some used Clarinets. And purchased a Buffet R-13. Have practiced with it twice since I arrived home and am happy so far.
Overall the Fest was an enlightenment for me. The Clarinet world is a vibrant, creative, innovative and improvisational space.
.....and to top it all off the cafeteria had vegetarian chili, yeehaa!
PJB
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Author: Todd W.
Date: 2004-07-26 19:00
Contragirl -- Great report. From attending a previous ClarinetFest it's clear that they wouldn't happen at all without numerous volunteers. Thanks.
Now the important part: just how many piercings does Mark C. have?
Todd W.
Post Edited (2004-07-26 19:02)
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Author: Lisa
Date: 2004-07-27 05:01
I'm a resident of College Park, MD, and that was the main reason I went.
Disclaimer: I'm a professional clarinet player only because I occasionally play paying gigs, but I'm a 1st grade teacher in real life. I also didn't do a whole lot of homework on ClarinetFest before arriving there, and I was just a bit overwhelmed with all it had to offer.
Wednesday was an entire day of performances, and I can't begin to tell you how emotionally draining it is to actively listen to so many different performers/genres in one day! David Krakauer's Klezmer Madness was very entertaining despite the fact that the group was a little over-amplified. My favorite Military Clarinetist group was the duet, a Serenade by Michael Kibbe. These two just really played together so well, and the piece wasn't bad either! I enjoyed Ed Palanker (BSO) much better on bass clarinet than on Bb, but that opinion wasn't shared by some others around me. Oh well.
I was in the ICA Clarinet Choir and had daily rehearsals. I could write a book about our conductor Harvey Hermann. Anyway, the experience of performing with 100+ professional-calibre clarinetists ranks right up there for me with marching in THE St. Pat's Day parade in Dublin and playing at the Philadelphia Academy of Music as a teenager. I hope my connections to UMCP will allow me to listen to our recording of Schubert's 5th, since CSPAC records every performance.
Paquito d'Rivera is a nutcase, and I mean that in the best way possible! He tunes with the pianist then says, "I don't know why I do that--Rossi clarinets always play in tune!" A few similar cracks had the audience LOL several times. He and the Airmen of Note were just superb together and playing separately.
http://www.usafband.com/right_intro_airmen.cfm
I really should have gone to Carmine Campione's talk, but bought the book instead. http://www.campioneonclarinet.com/default.asp He is SUCH a nice guy by the way, and I felt so comfy talking with him as he signed my book. He has such a magnetic personality! I should've asked him if he'd seen GBK (since he said he did above), because I'd wanted to meet him and Mark Charette as well. After spending five days checking out the name badges on every guy I passed, I didn't find either one of them! I also didn't know The Doctor from the booth is the same one who posts here, or I would've stopped and said hi too. I gotta do my homework next time!
As far as the booths I tried out several Buffets and really liked the Tosca Greenline until someone explained what "Greenline" meant. Should I be embarassed that I liked it the best??? I also tried sample Gonzalez FOF reeds and fell in love with the quality and consistency. I'm still kicking myself for only buying one box along with the 5 samples I tried. I played both a basset clarinet and a C clarinet for the first time. I kinda realize now that I should've tried some mouthpieces/barrels/bells only because I could. But there does come a point when I start getting sensory overload as mentioned by Pat above. May I never hear so many altissimo Gs (and Cs above that) again!!!!! Those seemed to be the favorite notes of those trying out the instruments and parts, and it was like fingernails on a chalkboard after a while--get me outta here!
Oh, I tried the Claripatch http://www.claripatch.com/en/booklet1.php which did soften up one of my hardest reeds, but the idea of putting something between my mouthpiece and reed was just too weird for me. They have 8 different ones for different problems, and you can apparently mix and match them. I didn't spend that much effort on experimenting with them like I could've. But I spent a good fifteen minutes at the first booth in the door, Powerlung. http://www.powerlung.com/us/index.htm
While I certainly saw an improvement in my efficiency of inhaling/exhaling during the time they worked with me, I also felt very fatigued since I'm obviously out of shape in the breath department. My burning chest feeling that meant the dial was set to the resistence they were looking for before scaling back was a little too overpowering for me.
Ricardo Morales didn't play the Nielsen--he OWNED it! Same with Larry Combs and the Copland. I also attended Ricardo's master class, and really wished that this would've been recorded and offered for distribution. There were so many specific things he said and I just didn't write them down. He did a lot of work with shaping phrases, intonation and tone color.
It's too bad our clarinet choir rehearsal overlapped the University of Florida's choir performance. Their selection of music looked really good. Anyone have a report on them???
I went to the talk "Playing Clarinet in a DC Military Band" because I knew I could relate to their band talk as opposed to all the orchestral stuff I honestly have no knowledge about. (I didn't realize how lucky I was to meet both Ricardo Morales and Carmine Campione since their names just aren't in my working vocabulary. Heck, I couldn't even tell you who Loren Kitt was until recently.) Back on topic, these military clarinetists were very informative and fielded questions after their prepared talks.
I thoroughly enjoyed Wei-leng Chen's performance of Pale-Fire II. It's an Asian sounding piece "for clarinet and tape." The tape had sythesized sound effects like rippling water, beeps and occasional held tones that we in unison with the clarinet. Then he played Rhapsody in Blue for clarinet and piano. This guy had nervous mannerisms the entire time onstage, and it was almost comical to see him begin the gliss in a knee-bend squat and rise up to almost tiptoe at the end of the gliss, LOL. I totally enjoyed the arrangement, but was occasionally surprised when the piano took over and had the clarinet with a background part. The clarinet had all of the cadenzas normally played by the piano.
Just a bit about Loren Kitt's Rhapsody in Blue interpretation at the Wolftrap concert, and yes I have a gliss fascination! Anyway, he gets up to maybe a half-step lower than his destination and pauses there noticably, until surprise! He pushes up to pitch right at the last instant before the downbeat! I don't know if that's how others do it or if he was just waiting for the conductor LOL, but it was a cute effect! For more on the entire concert, try here:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A14234-2004Jul25.html
Both the high school and college clarinet choirs were wonderful on Sunday, but oh my gosh, the Marine Band Clarinet Choir stole the show. A piece called "Martian Counterpoint" was easily the toughest piece performed, and you really though you were hearing music on Mars, with these really intricate rhythms perfomed flawlessly. Jihoon Chang soloed with Mozart's Finale from the Violin Concerto in D, and all I can say is "wow!"
Sorry this was so long, but hey, you asked for it! Hope this was helpful for those who couldn't make it this year.
Cheers,
Lisa
--Edited to make all links clickable now!
Post Edited (2004-07-27 17:21)
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Author: Ralph G
Date: 2004-07-27 13:49
Forgive the silly question, but are all performances with piano accompaniment, or do they arrange for the big stars like Ricardo Morales to have an orchestra?a
________________
Artistic talent is a gift from God and whoever discovers it in himself has a certain obligation: to know that he cannot waste this talent, but must develop it.
- Pope John Paul II
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Author: Mark Charette
Date: 2004-07-27 15:02
Ralph G wrote:
> Forgive the silly question, but are all performances with piano
> accompaniment, or do they arrange for the big stars like
> Ricardo Morales to have an orchestra?a
The evening concerts generally are for the big-name performers, and an orchestra and/or band is provided if necessary.
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Author: David Spiegelthal ★2017
Date: 2004-07-27 15:02
At ClarinetFest, the concerto performances by Ricardo Morales, Eddy Vanoosthuyse, Larry Combs, Alain Billard (bass clarinet) and Dennis Strawley and Michael Knight (U.S. Army) were 'backed up' by the U.S. Army Orchestra, who played unbelievably well --- even though I live in the DC area I had no idea the Army orchestra was so good!
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Author: Ralph G
Date: 2004-07-27 15:17
The "Pershing's Own" U.S. Army Band played at the college where I work last summer. Dennis Strawley played this Benny Goodman tribute that was so unbelievably good I wanted to propose to him. Put that guy on your list of clarinet superstars and go hear that band play if you're able.
p
________________
Artistic talent is a gift from God and whoever discovers it in himself has a certain obligation: to know that he cannot waste this talent, but must develop it.
- Pope John Paul II
Post Edited (2004-07-27 15:19)
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Author: Lisa
Date: 2004-07-27 17:00
On Wednesday night, Paquito d'Rivera played first with just a piano accompaniment and was later backed up by the "Airmen of Note," the big band of the Air Force Band.
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Author: C. Hogue
Date: 2004-07-27 18:07
Wow, my first 'Fest -- in my back yard. Now I understand why everyone goes.
What a total kick to try out a Tom Ridenour bass and that new Selmer Privilege bass (coming to a store near you after November) all within an hour. They are both ace axes! And I compared them to a Buffet bass, which was rather blah & clunky in comparision -- plus some of the Buffet's notes just weren't in tune.
Contragirl, after reading your post, I wish I'd tried out the Wurlitzer too.
Really wanted to try out the Gonzalez reeds -- but alas, there were none for a bass. At least not yet!
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Author: GBK
Date: 2004-07-27 18:19
C. Hogue wrote:
> Really wanted to try out the Gonzalez reeds -- but alas, there
> were none for a bass. At least not yet!
Gonzalez bass clarinet reeds are available. Samples were even given out during the Clarinetfest.
Contact Phil Shapiro and I'm certain he will help you out...GBK
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Author: C. Hogue
Date: 2004-07-27 18:36
GBK: Perhaps I got there too late on Saturday. I asked, but was told there were none.
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Author: SomethingCopland
Date: 2004-07-28 14:34
Does anyone know who won the high school, young artist, and orchestral excerpt competitions?
It's just that I learned about 5 months late that my friend Paul Petrucelly won the HS in 2003.
Stanley, Sydney, Russ, Michelle, David, Deborah, Chuck, Jon, Ricardo, Marc, Sabine, Elsa, Laura, John, Larry, Robert, Paul---They all know Copland.
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Author: Lisa
Date: 2004-07-28 15:02
SomethingCopland wrote:
> Does anyone know who won the high school, young artist, and
> orchestral excerpt competitions?
I *think* I heard that the male grad student who was the first player at Ricardo Morales' master class was the winner of one of the competitions, although I don't have his name for you. Does that help at all???
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Author: Mark Charette
Date: 2004-07-28 15:33
Lisa wrote:
> SomethingCopland wrote:
>
> > Does anyone know who won the high school, young artist, and
> > orchestral excerpt competitions?
>
> I *think* I heard that the male grad student who was the first
> player at Ricardo Morales' master class was the winner of one
> of the competitions, although I don't have his name for you.
> Does that help at all???
He's an acquaintance of mine & a friend of my son (they were in the same clarinet studio in HS); Alexi is his first name, I don't remember his last name.
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Author: Jerry McD.
Date: 2004-07-28 19:00
The grad student who played first at Ricardo Morales' master class was Andre Dyechenko who is from the Ukraine. He is a graduate student (and a classmate of mine) at the University of Minnesota and studies with Burt Hara. He won the Orchestral Audition Competition. The woman who also played in the master class was the runner-up in the competition. I'm sorry I can't remember her name, but I do remember that she is going to be a senior at Michigan and studies with Fred Ormand (Andre's undergraduate teacher). I don't know who won the other competitions.
Jerry McD.
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Author: ukrainik
Date: 2004-07-30 02:15
The guy who won the High school competition is from Kazakhstan. He studies with Nathan Williams at Interlochen his name is Grigory Borisov. He is a real hot shot, watch out:) The girl at the orchestral competition was Melanie Yamada - Fred Ormand at U of Michigan.
P.S. Mr. Charette how could you forget:( (j/k)
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Author: SomethingCopland
Date: 2004-07-30 14:15
I always thought his name was George. I remember hearing him play a really nice Premier Rhapsodie exactly two years ago. He's a good player and has a nice, fluid technique and even tone. Wow, this is the second year an Interlochen student has won!
Stanley, Sydney, Russ, Michelle, David, Deborah, Chuck, Jon, Ricardo, Marc, Sabine, Elsa, Laura, John, Larry, Robert, Paul---They all know Copland.
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Author: Brian Peterson
Date: 2004-07-30 14:32
I looked and looked, but never saw the names of the winners of the orchestral audition contest from last year posted in the Clarinet magazine. Was that an oversight or do they just not publish that information?
Brian Peterson
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Author: sweetEbSop
Date: 2004-08-06 05:42
The winner of the Young Artist competition was Michael Byerly, a graduated student of Bill McColl at the University of Washington, soon to be studying with Yehuda Gilad at USC. He's a pretty okay player-- the memory act was quite impressively done. It's too bad he didn't get to play in the masterclass as well, but the finals of the competition conflicted with it. He's definitely one to watch for.
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Author: Joe B
Date: 2004-08-06 16:57
Did anyone stay around for the Don Byron concert? I'm a jazz enthusiast and left after the first number along with a bunch of other people. I just couldn't take it, between the stage presence and performance. I'm hoping that those who stayed around were treated to some good jazz but I hadn't talked to anyone who stayed. Afterwards, I felt I should have stayed rather than judge the program on one number. Paquito d'Rivera was absolutely marvelous in his performances.
Joe
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Author: Mark Charette
Date: 2004-08-06 17:02
Joe B wrote:
> Did anyone stay around for the Don Byron concert? I'm a jazz
> enthusiast and left after the first number along with a bunch
> of other people.
I'm a jazz enthusiast, too, so I stayed for the second number just in case the first one was bad because of a fluke ...
Second was no better. Out of tune, out of rhythm, and didn't seem to care.
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Author: Joe B
Date: 2004-08-06 18:40
Thanks for sharing that with me Mark. Larry Combs, who I understand is a very fine jazz clarinetist, was sitting right behind me. I looked over my shoulder at him and he was gone. Maybe he had an early flight to catch.
Joe
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