 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Danielle
Date: 2001-09-15 22:29
At least, that's what my catch phrase seems to have become.
Today was my second day at the Manhattan School of Music prep program, and I was placed in a jazz improvisation/combo class, as I auditioned for one (i played and improvised on "summertime", a song that I think is nicely suited for the clarinet tone).
I was the ONLY CLARINETIST in the entire jazz program. And one of the only girls, but that doesn't piss me off as much.
Why doesn't anyone play jazz clarinet anymore? I feel so...UNCOOL. (I'm fourteen...I'm allowed to care).
Seriously, though. I would bring in my alto sax, as i can't be HEARD. But the professer told me to stay on clarinet-he likes jazz clarinet. Well, that makes two of us. How come more young clarinetists aren't encouraged to play jazz?
On another note, my stand partner has a lip, or labret, piercing, and it really hurts for him to play the clarinet. He refuses to take it out, and wears a stud in the hole, not a ring. Any suggestion on how he could modify his embouchure (sp?) or something so that I don't have to listen to him whining for forty-five minutes every day?
Danielle
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Author: ~jerry
Date: 2001-09-15 23:49
"labret"? So that's what you call it ...........guess you learn something every day, no matter how old you get.
HEY! You makes your choices and you lives with'm.
Sounds like he has made his! No sympathy here.
~ jerry
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Author: Erica
Date: 2001-09-15 23:59
I'm with Jerry, no sympathy for the guy with the piercing. Much sympathy for you (Danielle) for having to listen to him. It seems to me that someone who is serious about playing would not do something like pierce their lip.
Jazz clarinet is great! I'd like to play clarinet for jazz, but there's no where for me to do it. Our HS Jazz band does not normally play music which requires clarinet, but we might be doing some combo stuff this year so maybe I can work something out. Anyway, rock on, and tell your stand partner to take it (the stud) out or take some tylenol and be quiet about it. <|;o)
Erica
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Author: ron b
Date: 2001-09-16 01:33
I learned something a few decades ago that may help you, Danielle. You just might have to MAKE it happen. Really. If you are wholeheartedly into your kind of music, whatever it is, and you take every opportunity you can to play it, you'll eventually be recognized for it. Other players will gravitate to you too because of your knowledge and enthusiasm. I know this for a fact.
Just keep on tootin' :]
- ron b -
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Author: Mark Charette
Date: 2001-09-16 01:39
Danielle wrote:
>
> Any suggestion on how he could modify his embouchure
> (sp?) or something so that I don't have to listen to him
> whining for forty-five minutes every day?
Tell him to cut his lip off so it won't get in the way anymore.
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Author: Charles Roop
Date: 2001-09-16 03:32
I was going to suggest that your stand-mate switch to nose flute, but then it would probably get in the way of the ring. Chuck
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Author: Terry Horlick
Date: 2001-09-16 07:40
Why not suggest he switch to jazz viola or something else which will not interfere with his style "statement". I seem to rememmmber Woody Allen playing a mean cello in marching band in "Take the Money and Run" (I thinnk that was the title).
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Author: jbutler
Date: 2001-09-16 11:53
Here's my take on it: I think that he <i>feels</i> his playing may be <b>inferior </b>to yours so he's making a big deal about this "labert". Perhaps this gives him an <b>excuse </b>for screwing up.
John
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Author: fluffy
Date: 2001-09-16 17:02
does your partner have his lip pierced, or his labret, cause they're 2 totally different piercings! Also, how long ago did he have it done....because after about 4 months, he should be able to take it out for 45 minutes without it closing up....so then you wouldn't have to listent to his whining!! : )
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Author: Anji
Date: 2001-09-16 17:29
He can't take it out and still play with any facility... that 'piercing' whistle!
The neighborhood shop is called the 'Tackle box', I swear they are pawning off old Pflueger and Rapala lures as Avant-garde art.
BTW - If you're sporting shiny metal in your head, stay outta the water.
anji
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Author: Allen Cole
Date: 2001-09-16 19:32
I'm glad that you're taking your improv class on clarinet, Danielle.
Jazz clarinet is around, and is better than ever, but is simply not in the public eye.
Several reasons -
1 - In the days before state-of-the-art sound equipment, saxophones were better able to compete with trumpet & trombone volume in the big bands.
2 - Clarinet technique is far more difficult in tough keys than saxophone technique. Bebop seriously exacerbated this situation as it evolved in jam sessions where the core players used faster tempos and more difficult keys to weed out weaklings in their midst.
3 - The 1920's and 1930's saw an out and out revolution in how the saxophone is played, exploding its expressive range as a solo instrument.
But don't loose heart -
Practice your jazz activities on clarinet. The fingering is much more difficult, and you will be well rewarded for tackling it. If you are a good sax player, you'll be able to do the patterns much faster on your sax with little practice.
Remember that any number of jazz and pop saxophonists may actually be clarinetists or flutists. A recent article in Windplayer quoted a number of Hollywood studio doublers as advocating a strong foundation as a clarinetist.
Why aren't young clarinetists encouraged?
Probably because band directors find it difficult to include players in jazz band activities that are outside of normal big band instrumentation.
Other band directors are not comfortable with jazz, or feel that big bands are a distraction from their overall band program. There is some justification for this feeling.
What can we do about it?
1 - Accept the fact that most woodwind players interested in jazz and pop music eventually must double on saxophone. I see a lot of teenagers wasting time and breath fussing and fuming about it. Most schools have a bari sax sitting around. Pick it up and show the band director what you can do.
2 - Include basic theory and ear training in private lessons, and constantly review technical basics. My high schoolers do a 13-measure set of exercises in each key which they have transposed and written themselves from a model in C. This is far more effective than Rubank Advanced, and they are READY for Klose once they've done it.
3 - Send a curious young clarinetist that you know to http://www.jamschool.net. Most kids who are curious about this don't know where to start. I provide some activities online to get them going.
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