 The Clarinet BBoard
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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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Author: LeWhite
Date: 2005-02-06 11:33
I just started playing principal in my local youth orchestra yesterday. I learned a very important lesson after about an hour:
Just go for it.
Just read the music like crazy, look ahead, always be ready, always listen, always keep an eye on the conductor. If you screw something up, it doesn't matter; that's what you're in *rehearsal* for!
If it feels good then you're probably doing it right.
__________________
Don't hate me because I play Leblanc! ![[down]](http://test.woodwind.org/clarinet/BBoard/smileys/smiley23.gif) Buffet
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Author: BobD
Date: 2005-02-06 13:57
Always, always be certain you are "in tune" and never tap your foot.
Bob Draznik
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Author: Alseg
Date: 2005-02-06 14:11
Get the Hadcock book "The Working Clarinetist" (van Cott has it and is sponsor here) then "sing your heart out"
Former creator of CUSTOM CLARINET TUNING BARRELS by DR. ALLAN SEGAL
-Where the Sound Matters Most(tm)-
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Author: Don Berger
Date: 2005-02-06 14:11
Agreed, your stature/position/fame/importance may not be quite that of the solo violinist concert-person, but approaches it in responsibility to "play it right", BUT always "Be kind to your web-footed friends", who may not play as well as you. You need them as section-leader. My thots. Don
Thanx, Mark, Don
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Author: john gibson
Date: 2005-02-06 16:44
Don....
you left out....."....for a duck may be somebody's mother!".....how could you?
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Author: Low_Reed
Date: 2005-02-06 17:01
Don and John,
"You may think that this is the end..."
Unless I Mitch my guess, you guys are of a certain age...
--Bruce
**Music is the river of the world!**
-- inspired by Tom Waits and a world full of music makers
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Author: Don Berger
Date: 2005-02-06 18:19
Ugg, Yer rite, I thot about "our friends in that dampish swamp", where does this ?parody? go from there, then of that familiar tune !! That was just too mucho, I broke up !. As to age, B [LR], YES, just a peculiar one, given to clarinet hoummer, [we need to satisfy the musical requirement, dont we, GBK/MC ??]. Don
Thanx, Mark, Don
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Author: Arnoldstang
Date: 2005-02-06 20:47
Look to the orchestral scores for the context. Study some excerpts with an experienced clarinetist. Overprepare.
Freelance woodwind performer
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Author: D Dow
Date: 2005-02-07 19:43
Sometimes it is good to upgrade ones skills by simply taking a lesson with a professional in that field...I would not hesitate in maybe doing some career development by seeking out a first clarinet player of good repute with a fine orchestra.
David Dow
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Author: ken
Date: 2005-02-08 23:58
Just as in Jazz, don't even LOOK at the brass approvingly.
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Author: mystery science dieter
Date: 2005-02-09 18:38
Good for you. It takes guts to do what you are doing.
Every skill you use as a professional you will use in the orchestra. . particularly your sense of rhythm and your ability to keep good time. You have to do some leading from this chair so you have to always be aware and confident when 'now' is (if you know what I mean).
The clarinet is an instrument that doesn't respond as immediately as other instruments. Don't allow yourself to be late because of this. This can slow down a whole orchestra and it makes good conductors crazy. Total command of articulation will help.
Study the repertoire with a recording. Looking at a full score is helpful but at least looking at your own part is crucial. You can even play along with the recording if you find that helpful. Learn the passages well so that when you play in the orchestra, you can listen to others instead of yourself. Listening to yourself play is for home.
Become a great and totally reliable rest counter.
As for the Schubert specifically, become familiar with what accents mean when Schubert in particular uses them. It is very different from what 20th century composers generally mean by using accents.
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Author: clarispark
Date: 2005-02-10 13:12
Practice as much as you can, take lessons, spend some time reviewing your part when you can't have your clarinet out, and most of all--learn how your part fits in with everyone else's. There isn't a lot in music more frustrating than learning your part to find out that you've learnt it wrong...or learning it right and messing it up in the end. Also count the rests! If you ahve an important part with many rests, coming in at the wrong spot will totally change the orchestra's view of your skill level. Believe me, I know.
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