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Starting to play Eb Clarinet

Author: tBurhart
Date: 2014-01-25 01:58

I have played Bb clarinet for several years now and have picked it up fairly quickly and recently made all-state band. My high school band director told me today that he is going to have me play Eb clarinet on several pieces. I've never played Eb clarinet before, and I'm very excited for this opportunity. But, I'm concerned that it could potentially change my Bb playing.
So, are the embouchures for each instrument different? Is the Eb clarinet a lot more difficult and hard to control? And should I agree to play it?
Any insight would be very appreciated! :-)

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Re: Starting to play Eb Clarinet

Author: Paul Aviles
Date: 2014-01-25 07:04

It's more of a "little clarinet" than bass clarinet is a "big clarinet." It should only improve your Bb playing.

It can be an intonation challenge but some players don't have any such problems at all. One cheat, is to use standard reed with the butts chopped down to size. And Backun actually makes Eb barrels with a notch in the top so you don't even have to chop the butt of the standard Bb reed!

...............Paul Aviles

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Re: Starting to play Eb Clarinet

Author: cyclopathic
Date: 2014-01-26 01:21

> are the embouchures for each instrument different? Is the Eb clarinet a lot more difficult and hard to control? And should I agree to play it?

it is less forgiving.. requires more control and the pitch is more of a "guideline"

With respect to embouchure the differences due to different MPC/reed.

there are a bunch of Jessica Philips videos on youtube where she talks about playing effer and differences btw Bb Eb check it out.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C8xfRDzzCDU

http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Eb%20clarinet%20Jessica%20Phillips&sm=3

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Re: Starting to play Eb Clarinet

Author: hgp_atx
Date: 2014-01-26 16:44

I play Eb and Bb Clarinet and made All-Area in Texas on both Eb and Bb. I made All-State on Bb for the 4A classification. The size of the instrument can throw off your fingers a little at first, but you will get used to it. Also the altissimo register generally requires a ton of control (out of tune a lot of the time for beginners on Eb). It requires a very solid embouchure. Don't get a beginner horn because those are ridiculously out of tune. Get an intermediate Buffet at least, if not an R13.
Hugh Pauwels
Austin, TX
McCallum HS

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