 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: megan_702
Date: 2012-07-08 04:25
I'm going to be Clarinet Section leader this year, but I have some problems. I'm a MUCH better concert band player than marching band player.
I use a plastic Buffet B12 for marching but it sounds so bad because it's so old and possibly dirty. What can I do to help this problem? Can I clean it myself? I really don't want the rookies to think that I suck and give a bad example...
Also any tips on being a good section leader? how to keep the section in control?
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Author: michael13162
Date: 2012-07-08 05:21
You're the leader. The "rookies" draw their strength from you. Just don't act shy about it.
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Author: Ken Shaw ★2017
Date: 2012-07-08 12:19
Megan -
Your B12 will play fine after the pads set to seal tight. In the West Point Band, everybody had a Bundy to play outside, and they worked beautifully.
Your job as section leader is to play the first part nearly perfectly the first time through. Work out the hard parts and play it perfectly from then on. You will be able to play with better rhythm than the others. Hold it perfectly steady so that the others can get back in by listening to you. The same for intonation. There's little room for nuances in section playing. Set an example by playing right and behaving with dignity.
The band director will keep discipline. That's not your job. If someone is goofing off or deliberately playing wrong notes, a glance in their direction is all you should do. For more serious problems, speak to the band director privately.
If you have a good flutist and oboist, form a trio. Playing with other good people helps you get around the feeling "How can I soar like an eagle when I'm chained to turkeys." When you're the best player in the room, your job is to help everyone else play better, leading by example rather than words.
Take private lessons. Learn to play Eb, alto, bass, contra and sax. Each will be a new challenge, and the cross-fertilization will improve your clarinet playing. Work on transposition, which will remind you what it's like to struggle.
Above all, sing constantly. Music is built on a singing line.
Ken Shaw
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Author: way1236
Date: 2012-07-08 22:26
Hey Megan,
i am also a new clarinet section leader for my marching band. :-D
Some of the ideas for me this year about being section leader are:
You are the one in charge, don't be a push over; but always have your sections opinion on different matters; always ask your section is there anything that you can do to change to better improve the section.
These are some of the things that i am going to use..
Good Luck this year!!!
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Author: kdk ★2017
Date: 2012-07-08 22:45
I would support what Ken Shaw wrote. Be the best player you can be. Make sure you know both the music and the drill cold before you step into a rehearsal because one of your main jobs will - or should - be to be able to demonstrate the parts and the steps if there are questions among the other section members.
Unless the band director is copping out on his own job, you should not be responsible for discipline beyond reminding section members of what the expectations are. If players are defiant or won't comply with those expectations, the band director should deal with the problem. Your job is - or should be - to help and support, not to enforce.
You really should get your B12 repaired so that it plays as easily as possible. Old clarinets can still be mechanically sound. If everything seals well and all the keys work, it should play well enough. You need to be able to provide an example as both a player and a marcher, so your equipment needs to be in good working condition. After all, if you don't keep your instrument working properly, why should anyone else in the section take care of theirs, either?
Good luck,
Karl
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Author: Ken Shaw ★2017
Date: 2012-07-09 00:05
An addition from my wife, the music teacher.
You set the emotional tone for the section People look up to you and model their behavior on yours. Do random acts of kindness, even if you're feeling terrible that day. Listen hard to the other players and find something to approve of. A single smile and compliment like "Sounding good" makes a world of difference.
Ken Shaw
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Author: SamuelChan
Date: 2012-07-09 13:26
Be an example, and never ever praise for nothing, or scold for no reason. If your members improve, it's nice to hear a 'keep it up!' from his section leader!
Always do your 100%, members will do the same. Also, don't abuse the newly held power. The majors or band director should enforce punishments if a member is defiant.
I guess I'm just echoing the above people. Haha! Have a great experience ahead. Never forget to care.
Nobody cares how much you know, until they know how much you care!
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