 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Mario
Date: 2001-11-23 19:50
Hello:
This is just an informal poll to measure people's interest and get to know all a bit more:
1 - If you could go back in time and choose your core insturment all over again, which one would you choose?
2 - Assuming that the clarinet is your favorite instrument, which one would be next?
3 - Which instrument would you perfer not to play?
3 - Do you like music first, or playing the clarinet first (it is not an idle question - especially amongst pianists and violinists, the distinction is often critical in the way one plays)?
Here are my own answers:
1 - Today, I would choose the clarinet again as my core instrument, but I would also learn a bit of piano. I am quite shy and introvert (believe it or not...). The clarinet socialized me during my teen years, got me out of the house, and taught me to work in teams. Should I have learned the piano as my core instrument, my whole way of relating to others could have been quite different. But I miss playing simple pieces on my own with nice chords, maybe even signing along. Maybe one day.
2 - I would be a very happy violinst and a very happy singer too (should circumstances have allowed it). In general, I am meant more for single voice instruments than polyphonics ones. I learned the recorder well before switching to the clarinet (another great way to get started by the way besides the Lyon C) and I could probably have picked up any woodwind as fast as I picked-up the clarinet.
The piano is a special case. I do not particularly enjoy its tone and response, but I love its repertoire. I only wish that we clarinetist would have been spoiled with grand music the way pianists have. The piano would definitely be my desert island instrument.
3 - Brasses and percussion in general, the bigger woodwinds (bassons, bass clarinet, tenor saxophones, etc.). Which does not mean I do not enjoy listening to them by the way. I love listening to trumpets, I would not invest learning them. It is highly personal.
4 - This is a tricky one to analyze. Imagine for a moment that my garden fairy could, with one sweep of her magic wand, make me a competent musician on half a dozen so other instruments (clarinet, flute, oboe, violin, cello, piano, guitar, voice in particular), I would switch with no regret and feeling of loss. I listen to a wide variety of instruments playing a wide variety of music. I can get good pimples from any of them. I sort of concluded that "music" is what I like first, with the clarinet as merely the great tool that I selected (and invested in) 30 years ago.
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Author: john gibson
Date: 2001-11-23 20:54
Mario....
Give up the garden fairy stuff....choose for yourself. Anyway....as for me...
I was a pro rock and roll drummer in San Francisco for years....however my first instrument was clarinet back in grade school....through high school....and I've just re-started it....love it. Wish I was a better player...always wanted to play guitar...
have my Dad's....a Martin 000-18 made in '29.beautiful instrument in the right hands....I'd love to learn to play on it.....
I adhere to Artie Shaw's comment to Benny Goodman....the two were talking and Benny was asking about clarinetists...which one is best etc?....Artie basically told him..."Let's not go there....you play clarinet....I play music." AMEN.
John
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Author: Meri
Date: 2001-11-23 21:05
If I had to do it over again, I would still pick clarinet.
But, if I had to pick a different instrument, it would either be the horn or the viola. I absolutely relish the full, rich beautiful horn sound that I hear in several of the great symphonies. The viola I would pick because of its more resonant quality compared to the violin, but not wanting something too big.
Though lately I've also had a taste for the sound of the bassoon...
Meri
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Author: William
Date: 2001-11-23 21:45
TRUMPET for me!!! No more reeds and easy pack up after the gig. Plus, I wouldn't have to sit in front of "me" in the orchestra and lose my hearing. Also, projection during a solo line would be no problem and I could leave it in the car over night in the coldest of our upper mid-western winters and not worry about cracking the fragile body. Economically, I could buy the best instrument for a quarter the cost of a comperable quality clarinet and, all the girls would flock to me because I would be playing the "coolest" instrument. AND, I wouldn't need to worry about matching someone elses pitch because, as the loudest player, they would all have to match me.
Secondary instrument--PIANO. No embouchure related problems and no pack up after the gig (unless the call was for a light weight electronic keyboard). A bit "pricey" for a good piano but, again, I would be the instant "life of the party" even though I tend to be a real life nerd. (Yes, I once owned an alto clarinet!!!) No need for critical listening skills either as everyone would have to match me, and, if I play out of tune, its the tuners fault.
Third choice: FRENCH HORN, because, it is has a neat sound, is always in demand (auditions would be a automatic successes) and nobody ever expects you to be perfect--mistakes are always understandable--therefore, no need to really practice to become "good."
But hey!!!! Good Clarineting is where it is really at--RIGHT!! EVERYBODY????????
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Author: Bob Arney
Date: 2001-11-23 21:56
My Brother played Basoon and Tenor Sax. He was the serious musician in the family. Me? I just played at playing the clarinet, faking it mostly cause I had a good ear and hated to practice. Hear it once or twice and play it. Now I have to learn over--learn it ALL over, even reading music. But I still like the low-low tones (Freudal shades of my brother's practicing??) So now, I just play around on my Bass clarinet--and still hate to practice.
Bob A
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Author: Kirk
Date: 2001-11-23 22:17
Actually, I too, would still choose the clarinet as my core instrument. Since I grew up listening to Pete Fountain and Al Hirt, a trumpet would be my second choice. The glockenspiel holds the least interest for me. I liked music from early age..my first "instrument" was a xylophone from Fischer-Price at age 3.
Kirk, who hopes Santa leaves a LeBlanc Opus under his tree for Christmas !
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Author: IHL
Date: 2001-11-23 23:29
THE DIJERIDOO!!!
I can already play it too.
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Author: allencole
Date: 2001-11-23 23:44
Okay, I'll bite.
1 - I'm happy with the clarinet as a core instrument. The choice was originally forced on me, but it's the best thing that could've happened. It was also a good gateway to sax and flute, which I also enjoy.
2 - Second choice would've been string bass, which I do play a little. The world of bass instruments is a fascinating one, and the bass player in pop and jazz circumstances exerts a tremendous amount of influence on the performance. Cello would also be attractive in terms of its range and flexibility.
3 - I would not want to play brass or double reeds. Too much baggage, although I envy the brasses' quick assembly disassembly, and the ability to book paying gigs both for Saturday night and Sunday morning. I also don't care for stringed instruments which are tuned in fifths. String playing is so much simpler on instruments tuned in fourths.
4 - I like music first and foremost, although I prefer to play it on clarinet or bass.
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Author: Danielle
Date: 2001-11-24 03:23
1. I'd probably play the sax if i didn't play the clarinet. or, although i make fun of brass players like the rest of us, the trumpet, 'cause it can play jazz and classical, and it's hard to find female trumpet players. The sax? I already play it, but it's such an awesome jazz instrument. And, again, there aren't many female saxaphonists...
2. My other favorite instrument is the guitar. I've played since I was 7, and I take lessons on it, too. I like the guitar basically because I can use it to indulge my rock star fantasies...deep down inside, i'm a wannabe alanis morrisette...
3. I wouldn't want to play the bassoon-it's a hell of an instrument, same for the oboe. Or the french horn...I like playing jazz and pop music, and you don't see much jazz french horn or double reeds. Nor would I want to play the violin, or any other string instrument, except for maybe the bass....there are waaaaaay too many violin/viola/cello prodigies out there, especially violin. but bassists are awesome.
4. I prefer music over everything. I listen to the radio or my cd player all the time, and have odd tastes, as my friends tell me-i'm a born and bred folkie, although i also listen to alternative and punk rock, as well as artie shaw, duke ellington, stravinsky, and showtunes. heh. my cd case is an interesting collection.
Danielle
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Author: Erica
Date: 2001-11-24 04:05
1. My core instrument would probably stay the clarinet, it's a beautiful instrument!
2. The horn!!! When played well, it too is a beautiful instrument (same thing goes for clarinet, when played well...). I actually have one in my dinning room right now, it belongs to my school. I've been messing around on it, and oh my goodness, I really suck at it! <|:o)
3. I would prefer not to play trombone, or violin, or oboe!
4. I like music first. And I was going to explain why, but it would get really confusing, so just know that there's a good reason... <|:o)
Erica
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Author: Robert Small
Date: 2001-11-24 05:02
I'd have clarinet as my core instrument. With a nearly four octave range, good agility, and a sound that's at home in classical as well as jazz (not to mention Klezmer, folk, etc.) the clarinet is hard to beat. But I could have been happy playing viola and violin, too.
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Author: Stephanie
Date: 2001-11-24 05:18
Well.....
Clarinet, I guess, accidentally became my core band instrument about 4 years back because my brother's girlfriend gave me hers, and I just wanted to be in the band sooooo badly. At first I had wanted to play flute, but now I'm glad that it ended up being clarinet. I have come to love the sound of it.
I actually started out on piano when I was 8, about 4 years before I took up clarinet. I would have started sooner, but we had trouble finding a teacher who would teach a visually impared person. I thoroughly enjoy listening to the piano, but I often get frustrated and all when I practice. A few years ago, I quit taking lessons because my teacher moved, and I didn't have time to find a new, more experienced teacher. I am very thankful for those 5 years of lessons, they taught me a great deal about music and made it easier for me to learn clarinet.
What instrument would be next? hmmm....that's kinda difficult. There are so many! I guess I would say that I sort of regret not learning violin. I see the violinists on TV, and I just get jjealous as everything. The sound is so beautiful, and I love their repertoire. Though I think violin would a lot more challenging to learn than clarinet or piano, in my case anyway. Along with the violin, I would absolutely LOVE to learn to sing, lay the oboe, saxaphone (mainly tenor), the flute, and the French horn. Lol, I think that's a little to much....:)
I would have to say that I would not play any brass instrument (except the horn). Well, actually that too. Basically because I just don't see how you can change the way you blow air into the instrument just to change a note. It sounds to complicated to me when I ask my friends how they manage.  Trumbone would must be impossible. My arms are too short. Really! I can't make that last position (whatever it is). Maybe if they just had custom-made trumbones. Tubas are too heavy for me. Go figure. I can't really see myself playing any percussion as a core instrument. I did play the mallot stuff in pit during marching season one year. It was okay, but I would have rather been playing my clarinet. But, the moramba (sp?) is awesome!
I don't really understand that last question. I guess, from my interpretation, that it means do I prefer playing the clarinet more, or just music in general. Definitely music in general. After all, where would the clarinet be if there wasn't other instruments and music before it? I just enjoy listening to almost any type of music, and find myself loving making music too. It's almost my life! I don't know where I'd be without it really.
whew!
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Author: Brenda Siewert
Date: 2001-11-24 14:17
With the clarinet as my core instrument, I would also begin early on the French Horn. Then I would also learn the violin along with the guitar. I now play guitar as well (some think better) than the clarinet--but I would have started earlier in life on it and learned some classical stuff.
Music and being a part of the orchestra is the motivator for me. I love the "surround sound" environment.
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Author: Pam
Date: 2001-11-24 15:23
I think I would still choose clarinet as my first love. The range, the sound. I would have learned piano earlier than I did though. I just started piano last December and I kid around that it's a nice break from the chapped lips of the woodwinds. I just started flute this fall and like it as well. I would still like to learn sax and think the bassoon is the double reed I could really enjoy. Trombone was fun in high school, and Stephanie, they do make one with valves like a trumpet. A friend of mine from orchestra has one.
The only instrument I don't think I'd ever miss much by not playing is drums as my sense of rhythm is pretty weak.
I think I like music first really. I think I kinda have the same feeling as Brenda S. where I really enjoy making music and hearing it. Various instruments are the vehicle we use to do that.
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Author: Roger -- the other one
Date: 2001-11-25 00:13
I already have my other choice in hand ---Piano --- Although I have to work harder at piano it does give me a better understanding of music in general --- an earlier thread discussed the vertical aspect , chords, harmony etc. --- with my comprehention of the above growing with my ability with the Piano it is leading me into playing harmony parts on Clarinet.
To me Piano has been a wise choice that I really have to work at --- Clarinet is my enjoyment instrument.
As to dislikes --- I would not dare critisize anothers instrument.
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Author: Mike B.
Date: 2001-11-25 03:12
I started out on clarinet in H.S.; then I got interested in jazz. Today, I play mostly tenor sax (some alto when I can't avoid it). Overall, I'd say the tenor holds my interest more, probably due to its versatility and prominent role in jazz. I still like playing clarinet, though. Regards.
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Author: Jonathan Farquhar (aus)
Date: 2001-11-25 09:16
1 - clarinet
2 - french horn or maybe bassoon? maybe even the ondes martenot(if thats the spelling) - who can tell?
3 - flute, violin, and bagpipes in that order
4 - music I spose but the clarinet is the greatest musical instrument and I don't know what I'd do if I couldn't play it - it is an extremely awesome instrument
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Author: FT
Date: 2001-11-25 18:19
1. flute, piccolo, violin, viola, cello, harp, fr horn,
2.probably the violin/ cello or flute
3. I love how the double reeds suond, but i cannot play on them( first it's too hard, second, those reeds cost a fortune). One other instrument that i can't stand is the saxophone!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! it sounds like a cheap clarinet( no offense sax players). my third one That i would not play is the piano, it's too hard, and doesn't sound as good as the clarinet.
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Author: Gary Van Cott
Date: 2001-11-25 23:45
(French) Horn is my favorite brass instrument.
However, my guess is that of all the regular orchestral instruments, the bassoon has the least people playing it. It is too bad they are so expensive.
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Author: Peter
Date: 2001-11-26 01:29
Soprano saxophone, failing that, the alto. I have never quite got along very well with cup-mouthpiece instruments, but if I had, the trombone would most definitely attract me.
Aside from that, not much else is loud and obtrussive, or annoying enough to others for me to bother with it!
But I've already done piano, guitar, bass, harmonica, flute (both modern and native, I have one huge collection of native flutes,) various saxophones, various percussion instruments (aside from the already mentioned piano,) can't forget the uku-lele (both soprano and bass, which are strung differently,) the melodica, and let's not exclude the recorder and the slide whistle (does the kazoo count?)
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Author: David Pegel
Date: 2001-11-26 02:26
Okay, okay, another answer from a jack-of-all-trades ...
1) I never had a core instrument, but if I had to pick one, I would DEFINITELY be playing either clarinet or oboe.
2) Oooh, cannot choose, it's b/w oboe and French horn. Those and the clarinet form my "Instrumental Beauty Trinity", just my own triangle of preference.
3) What out there isn't worth playing?
4) Let me leave this one at this: If God took away my clarinet, I would still sing.
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Author: Peter
Date: 2001-11-26 04:04
Hey, I never considered myself good enough at anyone instrument to be a jack of all trades, although once upon a time I might have been hopeful.
When I was young, studying the soprano sax, I received a letter from a conservatory in Paris. Apparently, they wanted me to study there on some sort of a scholarship, completely free of charge!
Imagine, how thrilled I was!
However, before I left for France I found out it was just the neighbors who took up a collection to send my #%$& horn and me as far the hell away from the neighborhood as they possibly could.
And it was my parents who spearheaded the drive!
Oh, well.
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Author: Mario
Date: 2001-11-26 13:30
Back on-line!
Thank you very much everybody. I appreciate the info. This is a great board indeed.
Mario
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Author: Julia
Date: 2001-11-27 01:12
1, 2 ) I consider piano my core instrument because I started it younger---but clarinet is right on up there. If I had to go back and do it all over again, I would still have started piano then--but even more I would have developed the instrument we all have---our VOICE!!!! I love singing.
3)I don't know--there's a lot out there!
4) Definitely music
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Author: Suzanne
Date: 2001-11-27 04:12
CLARINET CLARINET CLARINET!!!
How could any other instrument even run a close second?
If I HAD to choose another...
oboe
for the cantabile solos it gets and the plaintive voice it has (NOT the reeds)
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Author: Allison
Date: 2001-11-28 03:33
Historic clarinets... I would love to have the time to devote to learning to play these instruments.
Second to that double bass, and/ or bass guitar.
I actually ended up with a clarinet because my parents could not afford the rent for that nice big shiney trombone that I wanted to play in Grade 6...so I got a clarinet instead. And that turned into a lifetime habit, with 2 Rossis, my first clarinet, my buffet R13 A clarinet and a 1820's boxwood clarinet all living under the same roof.
The only time I ever really thought about another instrument was about three years ago when I badly broke two fingers in several places and mangled it as well. Doctors told me not to get too eager so when my husband asked what I would do if I couldn't play again I told him I would take trumpet lessons. LOL! He sure backed down in a hurry! PS..I broke the fingers right after our last concert in Dec and never missed a rehersal! Was back in January (mind you with limited abilities) but playing what I could! Three years later I am getting close to getting trills to work and otherwise 99 percent ok!
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Author: Lani
Date: 2005-12-05 03:04
Hi,
Old thread - reactivated!
The clarinet, piano and cornet.
(I play clarinet, have just started piano)
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Author: Steve Epstein
Date: 2005-12-05 05:42
Clarinet is fine, as a first instrument. I already play sax, too.
I'd like to be able to play piano, but at 51 with small hands and never having played piano at all, it's kind of hard. I've got an electric keyboard I fool around with once in a while.
Flute would be nice. If only I could master the blowing over the bottle thing.
Recorder also. I wish they would make a nice, complicated boehm system recorder so I wouldn't have to learn all those cross fingerings.
I just got a Yamaha Wind Midi Controller from Sam Ash. I knew that electric keyboard I can't play would come in handy -- it's got midi.
Maybe I'll learn guitar. Sam Ash threw a free one in with the purchase of the Wind Controller.
I've got pretty good technical skills and a nice sound, especially for someone who never had a lesson after freshman year of high school, but my main interest is playing music, not playing clarinet. I'm interested in music structure and in being in small bands. I'm interested more and more in harmonizing, blending, and adding to the overall sound of whatever group I'm in, as opposed to soloing (which I do anyway). I am no longer interested in sounding like this or that great player.
Steve Epstein
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Author: Sonic12040
Date: 2005-12-05 05:50
1 - If you could go back in time and choose your core insturment all over again, which one would you choose?
Well, my current core instrument to be perfectly honest is not the clarinet, but the piano. I have studied under several teachers on it and if I could go back in time, I would choose the piano again, but I would use better practicing technique, so that in this year I would be at a much higher level than the one I have obtained thus far.
2 - Assuming that the clarinet is your favorite instrument, which one would be next?
Percussion would be next for me because as an amateur composer rhythm is very intriguing to me, and whenever I hear a cool new groove to me, my ears perk up like a dogs at the jamming pitches.
3 - Which instrument would you perfer not to play?
I would prefer not to play the bassoon, because I am a bass clarinetist more than a clarinetist, and there is a rivalry between my section and the bassoons, because my section gets mad that they never know their parts. It gets really REALLY irritating.
3 - Do you like music first, or playing the clarinet first (it is not an idle question - especially amongst pianists and violinists, the distinction is often critical in the way one plays)?
I love to play first and to create the best sound that I can at any time. The music however is almost equally important to me, because the audience must enjoy it also.
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Author: Bassie
Date: 2005-12-05 08:05
Difficult. I like playing clarinet now, but it's taken me many years to reach this point. It looks easy at first, but it's difficult to reach that level at which you can stand out from all the other instruments out there, where people's ears pick up as they hear you sail over the brass, and they think, 'that's a clarinet?!' The image of all those clarinets chugging away in the old school band is hard to break.
Other instruments come in two classes, for me:
1.) MAINSTREAM
Tenor sax or trombone, for the cool-factor.
2.) OVERLOOKED INSTRUMENTS WITH REMARKABLE QUALITIES
Flugel horn (surely the sweetest brass instrument)
Alto flute (the creepiest sound in all music)
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Author: OpusII
Date: 2005-12-05 08:46
Hmm... tough questions early on the day... but here we go.
1 - If you could go back in time and choose your core instrument all over again, which one would you choose?
I would probably start with the Eb clarinet, I just love the little devil. I should have started much earlier with this instrument, it really points out the faults in your technique so that you can improve yourself.
2 - Assuming that the clarinet is your favourite instrument, which one would be next?
I always loved the trombone, it looks impressive and I love the sound.
3 - Which instrument would you perfer not to play?
It would be the oboe, many oboe players that I know are arrogant… and that’s just the one thing I don’t want to be.
4 - Do you like music first, or playing the clarinet first?
I love to play and prefer playing above listening to music….
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Author: David Peacham
Date: 2005-12-05 08:48
1. I started the clarinet only 4.5 years ago, in my forties. I chose it for practical reasons, not because it's my "favourite" instrument.
2. I'm also now trying to learn the trombone. More fun, less repertoire.
3. Flute.
4. Music.
-----------
If there are so many people on this board unwilling or unable to have a civil and balanced discussion about important issues, then I shan't bother to post here any more.
To the great relief of many of you, no doubt.
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Author: Ron Jr.
Date: 2005-12-05 13:19
1. I would still choose clarinet. I was extremely deliberate when I decided to chose the clarinet.
I knew that I like the wind instruments of the orchestra, or chamber music. So the choice was either Flute, Oboe, Clarinet, or Horn. All of these instruments are easily portable.
2. And I would love to learn the cello. But one reason why I didn't choose it in the first place is because it's so big an bulky.
3. In the classical music world it would be Tuba, Harp, Double Bass, and Trumpet. Tuba is too tubby. Harp and Double Bass is to big and non portable. And trumpet too shrill.
Ron Jr.
Post Edited (2006-03-06 17:10)
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Author: archer1960
Date: 2005-12-05 13:33
I'd probably still pick the clarinet to start (though I prefer to play the low ones), but have always wanted to learn to play the flute and bass guitar as well. John Entwistle ruled; has anybody everh played "Boris the Spider" on contra-bass?!
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Author: William
Date: 2005-12-05 14:18
1--Keyboards (primarily piano, but also the synthesizers)
2--Trumpet
3--Woodwinds in general (no more reed hassels--yea)
4--Music first, the medium (instrument) second.
(I still like playing the clarinet, but it's Monday morning and I feel a bit cranky, I guess)
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Author: Bob Phillips
Date: 2005-12-05 14:39
I'm impressed that so many of you admire the Fr Horn. So do I, but can't imagine myself winning the fight with unstable notes.
I love my clarinet, but think that I'd be a bassoonist if I had the chance.
I often think I'd like to be able to do the intricacies of classical and Flamenco guitar. I'm definately not a strummer or electic guitar material,however.
Someday, when I'm rich and not-yet dead; I'll have a wonderful playing sopo sax --the one I lusted for as a kid.
Bob Phillips
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Author: GoatTnder
Date: 2005-12-05 15:34
1. If I had to do it all over again, I'd probably start with viola. On that instrument, if I was where I am now on clarinet... I'd be at Juliard! Well, I'd at least be playing somewhere headed toward a career in music. There are hardly any violists out there. And! You only have to play one instrument instead of at least three or four a night.
2. Next favorite would have to be violin. It's the only one that (IMHO) comes close to matching the expressiveness of a clarinet.
3. Contra-bass Sarrousaphone.
4. I liked playing the clarinet when I was young, which is what got me hooked on music in general.
Andres Cabrera
South Bay Wind Ensemble
www.SouthBayWinds.com
sbwe@sbmusic.org
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Author: Tony Beck
Date: 2005-12-05 16:13
1 - If you could go back in time and choose your core instrument all over again, which one would you choose?
Definitely stick with the clarinet. It was a good choice in the 4th grade, and I don’t regret it a bit.
2 - Assuming that the clarinet is your favorite instrument, which one would be next?
Probably Oboe. It’s more challenging and has limited repertoire, but for some reason, I like the sound and dexterity. Actually, I’d try most any instrument, and have tried a lot of them. I even whistle my hands when a clarinet isn’t available. My daughter’s friends think this is cool/weird. I get a lot of requests for the introduction to The Magic Flute.
3 - Which instrument would you prefer not to play?
Piano and drums. Piano because you're stuck in whatever place the piano is parked. Drums because it’s impossible to carry a tune, and for the same reason as the piano. A nice thing about clarinet is that it can go anywhere. I often have one in the car and play over lunch.
4 - Do you like music first, or playing the clarinet first?
Definitely like music first. Probably a lot of people do this, but many everyday sounds will start music going in my head, and not just clarinet music. A sunrise in the deep woods has evoked Schubert, wind through the trees, Debussy and so on. Many street sounds bring on jazz pieces. One of the oddest instances happened while I was roadracing motorcycles. Suddenly the cacophony triggered the final movement of Saint Saen’s Second Piano Concerto, which played through the rest of the race.
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Author: Gandalfe
Date: 2005-12-05 16:20
As a life long sax player who is learning to play clarinet this year, I wish I had started on clarinet. My wife is a life long clarinet player who is learning to play sax this year. She is making twice the progress I am. I think all sax players should start with clarinet. The fingering is harder, the music is almost always more challenging, and there is always a need for clarinets.
I have dabbled with piano, organ, flute, guitar, and bass but sax is the only instrument that I really have any chops.
Jim and Suzy
Pacifica Big Band
Seattle, Washington
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Author: Bnewbs
Date: 2005-12-05 17:46
1. Bassoon, I have always loved the mellow sound.
2.Horn, every time I hear Firebird I get inspired to play horn.
3. Cello, wonderfully expressive and rich tones.
4.Soprano Sax, or maybe one of those Eppelsheim Soprillos, if I had the money, embouchure and patience, they look like so much fun.
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Author: Alseg
Date: 2005-12-05 20:25
French Horn
Jazz drums or Rock N Roll drums
Basso Profundo vocal....as in The Ink Spots.
I already mastered the air guitar.
Former creator of CUSTOM CLARINET TUNING BARRELS by DR. ALLAN SEGAL
-Where the Sound Matters Most(tm)-
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Author: Mike Clarinet
Date: 2005-12-06 11:59
What other choice is there as a core instrument than the clarinet? I progessed faster on the clarinet than on any instrument I tried before, and have never thought "If only I had tried the bagpipes..."
If I ever learned another instrument, it would be either French Horn or Trombone. I love the sound of both. 'Bone players always seem to be having so much fun, and the Horn is so versatile (with the exception of jazz) and has such a huge range of colours and moods. Can I think of another instrument with so many moods? What about the clarinet?
I would avoid string instruments. I learned the violin for 3 years, so my dislike is based on experience. I never worked out which end to blow down! I do like the sound of the cello, and if forced, that is the string instrument I would play.
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Author: ClariBone
Date: 2005-12-07 04:01
Unlike Erica, I would choose either clarinet or trombone as my "core" instrument. If I had to start over again, I'd probably still play clarinet though. I WOULD NEVER play bagpipes or percussion (unless it were mallet something. Oooh, definitely vibraphone HEHEHEHE!!).
Clayton
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Author: Mofiddler
Date: 2005-12-11 05:48
Hummmm....
1) If I had to do it over again I would have wanted to start on the piano, but that wasn't an option. So, I started as a kid on my Dad's fiddle and I don't ever think I got a good theoretical foundation. Took up the piano for a year a few years ago and found the left hand was impossible, too much to think about at one time.
So 40 years later, after gravitating via passivity to 2nd violin because too lazy/untalented to learn the high violin parts, I got a bug to 'come unto my own' and try out viola. That little change had an amazing effect on me musically and also musico-socially. Playing the violin, you are in your own little world, especially as a first violin... with viola you are much more in the middle of everything. And the viola is so different; you 'evoke' the notes and to me this is more exciting than what you need to do on a violin, which is let the notes play themselves. I'm also trying the cello which is kinda confusing, but fun and not nearly so hard on the back as the viola (especially viola > 15.75").
The viola is really my path to being inspired to take up the clarinet (a month ago); hearing the Yuri Basmet Brahms quintet on viola and hearing all those wonderful Brahms clarinet orchestral parts made me appreciate both instruments as kindred spirits.
2) Instruments not to play: I can't think of any, except maybe piccolo. On some days, even drums sound tempting!
4) ... bringing me to the intriguing question 4 about loving music vs. loving playing. I think I like the playing the most. I like the quest aspect. Music isn't a spectator sport for me; that's too frustrating. I'd usually rather be fumbling thru a chamber music session or some 'god-awful' rehearsal or playing etudes. Then again, the memory of a perfect note heard every once in a while as an audience member is fuel for keeping me going as a player.
Maureen
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Author: ajhogan
Date: 2005-12-11 06:26
1. I would have started on the clarinet hands down, and would also have done piano which I wish I knew today.
2. If not clarinet I would have loved to play drums, I love playing around with the subtleties of rhythm. As far as an orchestral instrument I would have chosen the trumpet, because I absolutely love that huge brass sound.
3. Flute gives me the least interest.
4. I enjoy playing music above the clarinet, but I am glad I play it through the clarinet.
Austin
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Author: dennisa
Date: 2005-12-12 03:31
someone will probably shoot me later, but clarinet isn't my first instrument. To allencole and danielle,yea! String bass is my prime instrument. You should hear some of the repetoire, if you play it well it sounds incredible. My next instrument would probably be bassoon, I just love the mellow sound. I find that I really don't like the violin. I tried to learn it, but after breaking my fifth string I decided it wasn't for me. Music definatly. I don't care what sort of part I get (and being a bassist I always have some half-assed part) as long as the group sounds good, and I am contributing, I am happy.
"If a clarinet is playing in the forest, and no one is around to hear it, does it still squeek?"
Post Edited (2005-12-12 03:33)
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Author: javier garcia m
Date: 2005-12-12 10:43
1. I would choose clarinet again.
2. I love bassoon, but bassoon are too expensive and I don't have many time to play
3. Among winds, I don't like flutes, tubas and trombone
4. I love music, but I experience music through clarinet, and you make music playing it, not listening (although I listen a lot of music)
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The Clarinet Pages
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