 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Mandy
Date: 2001-07-22 20:10
I'm really excited because I've just been offered a chance to play with the local community wind band on Bb and as I don't really have much(as in none)experience of playing with others I would appreciate any general hints or tips on what or what not to do etc.I have been playing for six months and am approx ABRSM grade 3 standard.The band leader says that they take players from grade 2 or 3 upwards although my teacher knows him and says the standard may be tougher than that although she thinks I'll cope OK.
My first rehearsal isn't until September so I'd better get in some extra practise.
Mandy
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Author: Tim2
Date: 2001-07-22 22:28
Good for you!
Practice, always practice. Improvement is the goal, always. You can only play as well as you have technique for. So practice. When you get parts to play, practice and show you can do a good job.
Listen to those around you. <b> Intonation</B> is important. Listen for blend. You guys and gals are a team.
Maybe there will be someone who stands out in the clarinet section who can give you advice first hand specifically for you. You can talk to him/her directly. You may find a mentor. It will be a good experience for you.
Good luck!
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Author: Sara
Date: 2001-07-22 22:30
Do not stress to much on the first rehearsal, my band teachers have always said "just try your hardest." Look each piece over before you play it and do not freek out.
YOU WILL BE FINE!
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Author: David Pegel
Date: 2001-07-22 23:11
Think in a circle. There is no YOU, just the band. Listen to everyone, not just yourself.
I know people who focus nonstop when they play, never taking an opportunity to listen to what they were playing. It's sad, really. One time I had a period of 179 rests in a row - orchestral peice, not famously composed - and I thought to myself, how many people would count the whole time: "one-2-3-4, two-2-3-4..." I couldn't stand it. I sat and listened and watched other people's music and found out when I came in. And I spent the 179-rest time enjoying the music.
In case you haven't gotten my point yet... go full force, but don't strain too much on perfection and accuracy. A little easygoing can bring a lot of appreciation. (I'm not saying to just laze off; I'm just saying remember that you can be an audience to your own band and orchestra. I rather enjoy playing for bands and clarinet choirs and listening to the music as I play it.)
Good luck, and you'll do wonderful!!
David Pegel
P.S. This is the best opportunity to make friends. Don't think of it as a competition with a rival as much as a contest between friends whenever they decide chair placement. In the youth orchestra I played low brass for long time ago, the three flutes were almost like sisters, even though a sophomore held first chair and the others were a junior and a senior.
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Author: Ken
Date: 2001-07-23 00:08
Sit as far away as possible from the saxophones.
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Author: Jim
Date: 2001-07-23 04:17
I've been playing in bands/ orchestras and singing in choirs since Jr High in 1962. The 2 most common mistakes I've seen musicians make are not watching the director, and talking while the director talks. These are guaranteed to get anyone in trouble! Directors say most often (after "watch me" and "be quite') "smile and enjoy the music."
Best to you in your new venture!
Jim
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Author: Sylvain
Date: 2001-07-23 15:50
To me, there are a few very important things:
A good sense of rythm to play accuratelyA good ear for intonation and balance
A good eye to watch the conductor
A good brain to coordinate all of the above and playing the clarinet at the same time ;->
But seriously, do not worry it's all good abd a lot of fun!
-S
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Author: Todd W.
Date: 2001-07-23 19:54
Mandy--
One thing that hasn't been mentioned yet: If you are not already doing it, you might spend some of your practice and lesson time between now and when you join the band working on sight reading. As you play the sight reading pieces, concentrate on playing right through them; that is, not stopping when you make a mistake. After all, the band will not (usually) stop when one player makes a mistake. And even though you will most likely be permitted (encouraged!) to take the band music home to practice it, the first time it's played at a rehearsal will be sight reading.
Also, perhaps you and your teacher can play some duets, either ones you've practiced the prior week or new ones (again, sight reading). That way you will get practice playing with a group (a small group of two, but a group nevertheless).
Playing with a group is a wonderful challenge and tons of fun, especially at those times when everything works and it's like one giant instrument in sync with itself. I think you'll enjoy it.
Todd W
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Author: willie
Date: 2001-07-23 21:59
Community bands are a lot of fun. Unlike school band where you get to play every day to work up a piece, com.bands only meet once a week. That means you go through it at rehearsal, then go home to learn and get it down, then at next rehearsal, put it all together with the rest of the band. Grab all the different music you can find and practice sight reading. This really helps. Some times just reading and counting ( 1, 2-and, 3-e-and-a, 4-and, etc.) . On stuff with latin beats, I do this a LOT in the back of my head while playing.
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