 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: xeys_00
Date: 2009-05-21 12:33
Well, In the end, I decided to reacquire my Yamaha 221II Bass Clarinet. For those of you that recall, I had returned it to the store, because I wanted a deeper sound. I had thought about getting a Contra Alto. I still might, but not this year. It was still in the back of the store, untouched. I also went to my first community band rehearsal with the bass. I had gone to my first rehearsal with my flute, and sat with them. However, there was no way in this lifetime that I could have hung with the 2 semi pros who were there, and decided that last night was the night for the bass debut. Only one other bass clarinet there, and she was very accommodating. The rhythm and music was a ton easier. However, I don't know anyof the notes below the staff; this will be priority one. Also, tonguing the bass seems a bit easier than tonguing the soprano( I don't have any idea why). Not that much tonguing was needed... It was mostly quarter, half, and whole notes. I felt much more at home with the bass. There was a first chair clarinet guy who brought what looked like 4 clarinets of different sizes in. He had a big case and it looked like he was assembling models or something for 5 minutes. Had to be the shortest clarinet I've ever seen on one of them. For another question, Any ideas to help me stay on track when playing a piece that has long rest sections? I had about 22 measures of rest after the first 3 bars on one, and a similar section on another. I've never seen 6/8 time before and it really threw me. Overall though, once I learn the lower notes that I don't know(because my flute background never needed them), I think I'll be ready for the 4th of July Concert. Thanks to all for the comments and suggestions!
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Author: Merlin_Williams
Date: 2009-05-21 12:52
Unless this is an adult beginning band, if you don't know the notes below the staff and have never seen 6/8 time, you shouldn't be there.
Do yourself and the people you're playing with a favor, and take some lessons.
You'll learn to count properly, tongue correctly (there's tonguing to be done even when you're just playing simple rhythms) and learn how to play all of the notes on your instrument including alternate fingerings.
Jupiter Canada Artist/Clinician
Stratford Shakespeare Festival musician
Woodwind Doubling Channel Creator on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/c/WoodwindDoubling
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Author: Bassie
Date: 2009-05-21 13:00
> long rest sections
Count!!!! Concentrate really hard. Whisper it out loud (in rehearsals) if it helps.
6/8 is 'compound time' and is usually conducted at two beats to the bar.
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Author: xeys_00
Date: 2009-05-21 13:08
Actually, they encourage all comers. They even have instruments in a closet to let people play who don't have one. I shared my concerns of inadequacy with the band director and he said I was fine. I already know about not playing out if I don't know the piece. And I am taking lessons with a professional bass clarinetist(first lesson today). They mainly focus on people having fun, participating and being together. I'm in this band for exactly these reasons. There are several other community bands in my area, who are quite serious, and most have auditions. For this one, I was told "come as you are". I am working on things. I was happy to go, and they were happy to have me. It's grown quite a bit over the last 2 years. I was told they started with 8, and now it's up to about 25. I realize I'm not fit for a "proper" band, but I will persevere with the bass. Thanks for the comments.
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Author: janlynn
Date: 2009-05-21 19:08
our band started with 7 people 10 yrs ago and now has over 60 members.
may i ask what pieces your band is preparing for the 4th?
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Author: Brenda Siewert
Date: 2009-05-21 19:15
You should get a good teacher and really work hard to come up to their standards. If you really want to do it you should go for it. But, talk to the director and let him/her decide whether or not you are ready for prime time. You'll probably be welcome to rehearse but not to perform with them until you can get up to an ability that is acceptable to the director.
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Author: janlynn
Date: 2009-05-21 19:30
sounds like he is already welcome into this small group who seem to be a laidback bunch from his description. its wonderful that they have encouraged you and welcomed you no matter what the skill level. our group started out that way too. it is more serious now ...but, in the beginning whoever wanted to play could. and they did and they grew with the band.
best of luck. have fun.
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