 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Mrs. Redfern
Date: 2004-12-09 05:15
do you think it would take a really long time for a clarinet player to learn a brass instrument and play both well?
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Author: ron b
Date: 2004-12-09 07:09
A *really* long time, Mrs. Redfern? No. At least, not in my personal experience. There are quite a few doublers and triplers who visit here. You're in good company 
My own opinion is that it depends on the amount of time you devote to the brass instrument while maintaining your clarinet skills. I play cornet (fairly well at one time, now more just for my own pleasure) as well as clarinet and saxes. It took a week to learn the cornet fingerings well but I suppose I'll be at it the rest of my life trying to get better (smile). I think to achieve an acceptable level, meaning you could qualify to play in a community band, with a secondary instrument takes less time to learn because you already know the musical mechanics. You'll need to develop chops and finger (or slide) co-ordination and a few similar and some different techniques. I know several reed players who double on brass (and flute) and do all quite well.
- r![[cool]](http://test.woodwind.org/clarinet/BBoard/smileys/cool.gif) n b -
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Author: William
Date: 2004-12-09 15:22
I agree with Ron B--and I would like to add that to "play both well" you will need to spend equal practise time on both instruments. Playing multi instruments well is possible. As an example, tune into the Letterman Show and notice the trombonist who often doubles on the tenor sax and piccolo (he's usually the one with the outlandish coat). I once saw the great jazz saxohonist Benny Carter come out for an encore carrying a trumpet and play a great solo. I might also mention a bass player playing with the Roger Pemberton jazz combo, in Chicago, who suddenly stood up and played a magnificent jazz violin solo. But those musical incidents do not "just happen" without speding a lot of time practicing on all instruments concerned. I am a serious clarinet/saxophone player who also owns and plays the trumpet for fun. I'm good enough to use it as a demonstration instrument while teaching, but I haven't spent enough serious practice time to audition for the CSO--or even our local community summer band, for that matter. For me, trumpet is just for fun--and with a little time, it could be for you as well. Good luck--and psst, BTW, the great CSO principal trumpet player, Adolph Herseith, recently retired.......................
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Author: Matt Locker
Date: 2004-12-09 17:47
My 2cents again:
I've been playing both clarinet & French Horn now for about a year. I played Horn years ago independently of clarinet. I'm seriously thinking about giving up the Horn - maybe I should say making it a hobby of my own instead of playing it in band/orchestra - due to the tuning issue. Which one? French Horn is in the key of "F" while clarinet is in the key of "Bb". Because i play more clarinet I hear music in the key of "Bb". This is very frustrating and the only way I see to resolve it is to spend most of my time on Horn. I'm not willing to do that. That being said, I love playing French horn. I love the sound, and the melodies/harmonies/interactions with other parts.
Moral: I think if you play another Bb instrument it can be done and enjoyed. I think if you choose an instrument in a different key it can be difficult.
Moral2: It never hurts to play and enjoy more instruments!! I would love to own & play one of every instrument in an orchestra. I figure I still have about 40 years to accomplish this.
MOO,
Matt
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