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Advice needed

Author: Erdinet
Date: 2005-02-06 10:33

I am a fairly experienced 33-year-old professional musician that has played in a variety of settings over my 20-year career, mostly in the jazz and contemporary music worlds in smaller chamber sized groups. Having studied mainly saxophone and a little flute, I have kind of always “maintained” my clarinet playing along the way. I have recently made a personal commitment to work on my clarinet playing and get some orchestral playing experience. To that end, I contacted a local college about playing in their orchestra’s clarinet section.

Well, I got more than I bargained for… I was hoping to land a second or bass clarinet (if needed) spot. Instead the only opening available is a first clarinet chair. So far the repertoire is Schubert No. 9, with more to come I have been practicing the music (using a transposed to Bb part from the Orchestral Musician’s CD-ROM Library) and a recording of the work as well. I find the part challenging, but playable. Of course the tempo in the last two movements makes for an argument to the contrary. The point is that I think that I will be able to play the part well enough. But that is not enough. The last time I played in an orchestral section it was as an alto saxophonist in the L’Arlesian Suite (No. 1?) about 15 years ago. It did not go well for me.

Is there anything that makes for a strong, competent first clarinet player of which I may not be aware? Is there any similarity to playing lead alto sax in a jazz band? What are the common pitfalls for an inexperienced orchestral clarinetist / musician? What should I be on the look out for? Am I out of my mind to even consider doing this as a first clarinetist?

Any input would be greatly appreciated.

Adam

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