 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: John Noecker
Date: 2002-03-05 01:45
Hello, everyone. Perhaps I shouldn't be posting anything, but I'm really bored currently, so I thought I would say hello. Let me introduce myself, as this is my first post on the board. I am a 14 year old clarinetist who has been playing for a little less than a year. My general instrument is the Euphonium (yuck) but last year around April a friend lent me his old clarinet (he had switched to Tuba), and I really enjoyed it. Although I'm still playing Euphonium in my band, I plan to be playing clarinet next year. Hurray for the clarinet! It is saving me from my big bad Euphonium. My problem is, my band teacher will not help me at all to improve as a clarinetist, most likely because he's hoping I will get discouraged and go back to Euphonium. Another problem would be that we cannot afford private lessons, and that anywhere that would give private lessons is a 45 minute drive from my house. I spend (literally) hours every day playing, but it's just mostly little "fun" things that I've acquired, and nothing really challenging or useful to me. Could anyone out there give me some tips on how I can train myself better? Basically what I'm using right now is that rather unhelpful "Accent on Achievements" thing (book 2), and a bunch of Disney solo books, etc, as well as some old band music that I've played hundreds of times, and is far too simple. Are there any good music studies, etc that I should be trying? Is it even possible to teach myself to get myself up to an acceptable level for playing within the band? I really don't want to be the "worst" clarinet in our band, or to hold the section back, because I play Euphonium rather well. The problem is that I really like the clarinet (2 hrs a day practicing versus the 15 minute Euphonium practice), and I would really like to play it next year. Any suggestions? BTW, in case anyone is curious, I'm still playing on my friend's Noblet, but this weekend I'm heading up to the music store to get my own clarinet! Yay!
Thanks,
John
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Author: bob gardner
Date: 2002-03-05 01:54
don't let them show you the big red one in the corner. (private joke0
There are any number of great instruction books on the market. Pick the one that suits you the best and go for it.
welcome aboard.
bob
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Author: diz
Date: 2002-03-05 02:16
Look - I know these books are sort of "old fashioned" but I remember "Tune-a-Day" in my youth and they seemed fairly progressive and often contained useful tips on playing - and certainly a diverse amount of music. These very well may be out of print.
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Author: jenna
Date: 2002-03-05 02:55
Did you try asking a high school kid for a little help? Your friend for instance? At 14 I would assume you're in 8th or 9th grade. Although I wouldn't put all my faith into the instruction of a high school student, valuable things can still be learned. I'm a senior in high school, and I do little things on the side for underclassmen on occasion, just to help out or explain something. It's worth a look into, as many high school kids would probably be willing to help out for little or no money. Perhaps they can stay after school one or two days a week to help you out (assuming your high and middle schools are combined if you're in 8th grade).
Just a thought...
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Author: David Pegel
Date: 2002-03-05 03:04
I was thining along the same lines as jenna. Some high school students can teach you a great deal if private instructors are hard to find.
You sort of remind me of me in one situation. We both cross over between brass and woodwinds. My personal advice for this would be: Even if you can't get a lesson's instructor, try and teach yourself as much as possible, and just follow the BB and look for ideas that might help. I mainly taught myself, and then I allowed myself to advance by trying things posted here, e.g., shoestring ligatures, embouchure adjustments, reed discussions.
If you think Euphonium is bad, don't ever play Tuba. When you want to play low try and get a Bass Clarinet.
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Author: Stephanie
Date: 2002-03-05 03:45
Lol to David. I had to teach myself too, and we can't really afford for me to take private lessons either. So, I think I know where you're coming from.
I started out with a STANDARD OF EXCELLENCE band book (or was it ESSENTIAL ELEMENTS?)to learn the fingerings and stuff. Then I started playing the band music. Eventually I started using the Rubank books. They work for me; I'm not the best in the world but I do okay I guess. It would've helped if I had had a teacher (I played with the wrong embouchure for 2 years) but oh well. Now I practice on All State music and stuff. I guess I could say that I play decently. Nothing can take the place of a good teacher, but if you just can't get one right now, practice and dedication always pays off. And you can learn TONS from this bulletin board. I am rambling again. I was bored too. But anyway, have fun and good clarineting!!!
P.S. Hey ya'll, wish me luck cuz I have Shoals Honor Band tryouts tomorrow!
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Author: Jim E.
Date: 2002-03-05 03:55
If you work your way through the 4 Rubank books (in order, of course) you will be well on your way with technique and scales etc. Play other stuff for fun as the Rubank series is a bit "dry."
Good Luck and good playing!
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Author: ron b
Date: 2002-03-05 04:48
John -
(and Diz, good suggestion 
"Tune-a-Day" books are readily available here in (central) California. They're quite popular, not difficult, and fun too. I think many schools around here use them.
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Author: Hiroshi
Date: 2002-03-05 05:24
You can read a good clarinet study guide here:
http://www.jdhite.com/study/Clarinet/intro.htm
As the theoretical aspects of playing, I recommend
'The Art of Clarinet Playing' by Keith Stein.
See here: http://www.vcisinc.com/
J&D Hite and Van Cott are one of the sponsers for this BBS.
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Author: Matt
Date: 2002-03-05 12:22
Hello John:
Enjoy the clarinet. I'm going to add my 2 cents from the perspective of someone who went through something similar in my "earlier" days. Here it is:
If you want to play the clarinet and not the euphonium, then play the clarinet. Don't be forced into an instrument you don't want to play by a director who doesn't have your best interests in mind. You'll look back some day and be sorry you did. If you have a good rapport with your director, talk to him. Tell him you would like his help becoming a better clarinet player. If he won't help, then use the other means at your disposal. This BB & website contains a wealth of information so don't be afraid to spend time here. Talk to other clarinet players.
Don't worry about holding the other clarinets back. If you practice and enjoy what you are playing, you will soon be at least as good as they are - probably better. I suspect that you'll improve quickly. Follow the other suggestions here for music. I would second ("third"?) the recommendations of the Rubank books. Make sure you play "music" as well as exercises. That's where you develop your sense of timing, rhythm, and musical self.
My Opinions Only,
Matt
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Author: DennisP
Date: 2002-03-05 12:56
Wow! A fourteen year old wanting and willing to practice. Good Clarineting!
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Author: William
Date: 2002-03-05 14:51
Before I convinced my parents to drive me 45 minutes to "the city" for private clarinet lessons, my teachers were Benny Goodman and Artie Shaw. Well, maybe not "in person" but via records which I collected, played and memorized to solos from as a 15 yr old. I suggest your "teachers" at the present moment could very well include Sabine Meyer, Charles Neidich, Harold Wright, Robert Marcellus, John Bruce-Yeh, Larry Combs, Pete Fountain, Eddie Daniels, Jonathon Cohler or any other reocrded clarinetist whose sound and style of playing appeals to you. Listen, and learn. Also, ask at your local music store, to see collections of clarinet solos or ensembles with CD accompaniment. You can play anything you want to on your Noblet, but a new LeBlanc, Buffet or Selmer will make playing easier. Try models from all of the clarinet makers and pick the one that you like best. As a former band director, I can understand your teachers reluctance to lose a good euphoneum player--they are so rare, especially in smaller programs. But I was alway equally as happy to gain a good player no matter what the instrument. Be persistant in your desire to play the instrument of your choice--if your teacher is a true educator, he/she will ultimately consent. But here's a thought, perhaps it would ease the "situation" if you would continue to play euphoneum on some arrangements where the part is really needed, but clarinet for most of the time. Playing the brass instrument will not harm your embouchure--as a part time trumpet player, it didn't mine--and it will help your bands instrumentation problem created by your switch to clarinet. As, it should make your band director/educator a little happier. So, welcome to the world of clarinet--we are a "dime a dozen" with too many of us for the professional jobs that exist, but we love it!!!! Good Clarineting!!!! (some day, also think "sax")
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Author: Paul
Date: 2002-03-05 15:52
Get the book by David Pino about the clarinet (I forgot the name of the book). It's has general information about practising, history, ligatures, etc...(everything). Also, what many of the instruction books don't tell you or mention it in passing is to keep ALL your fingers as close to all the other keys as possible while you play. I'm a returning clarinet player and I did not realize that my right hand pinky and ring finger would fly-up when not in use. This problem stopped me from gaining any speed. But through hard work and finger drills with my right hand I was able to solve the problem (took me about 6 mouths - a very slow process). Watch any great clarient player fingers and they seem to hardly move. Good luck and keep fighting! Paul
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Author: John Noecker
Date: 2002-03-05 23:22
Wow. Thanks for all the suggestions! I've started asking around my clarinet section seeing if anyone would be willing to help me out. Actually, I've found someone who is willing to help me already. I've also decided to just start attending the normal clarinet lesson period. I've made a deal with my director that I would play Euph. during marching season and clarinet during Symphonic this year, but he went back on his side, so now we've agreed that next year I will play clarinet. He's still reluctant, however, to help me at all (proof when I brought my broken clarinet and asked him to look at it and he wouldn't even touch it for me). Bah. Oh well, I will convince him eventually, even if I have to photocopy someone else's music and play against his will. I don't think that will go over very well, though. Anyhow, thanks for the help!!!
John
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Author: diz
Date: 2002-03-05 23:29
I'd seriously recommend you don't photocopy music - can be very costly and besides, some poor mug spent hours writting the stuff - s/he deserves to get paid - trust me, I know, I compose also.
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Author: David Pegel
Date: 2002-03-06 01:19
Diz: You aren't the only one. I'm fixing to send some stuff off for publication. I don't like the idea of photocopying of my work too much unless I know the person and they're a VERY good friend of mine.
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Author: Hiroshi
Date: 2002-03-06 04:12
Jack Brymer is a very famous English clarinetist and is now retired from active performance life.
There is a video where he teaches many things(provably) at your room. http://www.musicroom.com/se/ID_No/0006870/details.ihtml
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