Author: ClaV
Date: 2015-03-01 18:06
Ken Shaw wrote:
> All marching band music has Eb clarinet parts.
>
> The world is full of perfectly playable Bundy Ebs. With a
> decent mouthpiece (e.g., Vandoren), they play at least well
> enough for marching band.
>
> However, almost all marching bands substitute piccolos for
> flutes, so the high notes are already there.
>
> Also, Eb clarinet requires a firmer embouchure and more control
> than the Bb. As a practical matter, a band director needs the
> best players on Bb.
>
> And anyway, from 100 feet away, all you hear are the brass and
> percussion. Clarinets are inaudible, even with professional
> players (e.g., the West Point Band).
>
> Finally, a marching band is about as different from a string
> quartet as it's possible to be.
>
> Ken Shaw
That's a good perspective, thank you!
I meant more symphonic and chamber playing.
In marching bands, clarinets are already prominent and crucial instruments.
(String instruments would stand even less chance to be heard behind the brass and percussion)
Yes, I am sad about those band directors in need of best Bb players ![[frown]](http://test.woodwind.org/clarinet/BBoard/smileys/smilie2.gif)
Using your example, if those Bundy Ebs (and players) were there to play nicely and comfortably (and with a good projection) in a range of more than three octaves, they would likely take a lot of piccolo parts.
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The Clarinet BBoard
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