 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: 'net
Date: 1999-02-20 22:38
I'm in high school band and bought a Buffet Eb. Why won't my stubborn trumpet-playing band director let me play it in band? He looks for an exposed part and if there's not one, then he wants me on Bb (I play 1st). I know it's not because I'm not good enough, so why not?
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Author: AL
Date: 1999-02-20 22:51
I think I know how the band director is thinking. You are probably one of his best players. You're playing 1st clarinet. The band director doesn't want to "waste" a good player on the Eb part. It isn't worth it. He looks at the Eb part and if there is nothing there of significance, he's going to keep you on Bb. Consider it a compliment.
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Author: Andy
Date: 1999-02-21 03:01
If you <b>REALY REALY</b> want to use the Eb why not just transpose the Bb parts to Eb?
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Author: Daniel
Date: 1999-02-21 03:02
I had a similar problem. Basically, unless you're playing something with a major Eb part like a contemporary piece, band directors don't like to deal with the intonation problems of Eb clarinet. The other problem is that it takes a good player to play Eb well, and most high school bands don't have a deep enough section of good players to spare one on Eb. And the directors won't risk letting someone of lesser ability do the Eb part. My senior year i had finally actually bought my own Eb instead of borrowing the school's. And after i proved my proficiency on it he finally chose to play the Persichetti Symphony which had severl Eb solos. He was reluctant to do so since i was his first chair player. And he had me play Bb when i had long rests on the Eb part.
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Author: Evan
Date: 1999-02-21 04:48
I agree, if there is a lack of really good players and you are good, he is only thinking of the band. Ask him if he can find a peice for you that needs an Eb
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Author: Adam
Date: 1999-02-22 12:50
I'd just like to say that I play the Eb Soprano. I love it, even though it is difficult to play, and the reeds are ordered straight out of VanDoren, but that is besides the point. My teacher had no arguments with me playing it, and I started last year, but still am not perfect. I play second chair in my band at school. Also, an awesome piece for band that has a good Eb part, First Suite in Eb for Military Band.
Adam
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Author: Tom Kmiecik
Date: 1999-02-26 02:31
I also have a similar problem with the Eb Clarinet with my director. I understand why on many modern pieces directors wouldn't want Eb clarinets, but on Military Band pieces, they are a very good asset. In the English Folk Song Suite by Vaughan Williams, the Eb clarinet has no really important parts, except a soli with the flutes and a trio with Piccolo and Oboe, but on the third movement where Solo and 1st Bb Clarinets are identical parts, the use of an Eb can be very beneficial for the overall sound. The same for the first movement, which Solo and 1st Bb differ slightly but not enough where one part is exceptionaly more difficult than the other. If you played the Eb for your director, perhaps he (or she) would consider allowing it's use.
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