 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Morrigan
Date: 2002-10-12 16:21
Why do we play the clarinet?
This is a deep question, and in my opinion, could determine whether a clarinettist could 'make it' or not.
I started out with the instrument as a form of self-expression, and now I feel behind on things because up until I realised, after much debate, I may find more results playing the instrument to achieve mastery of it's art. To me, this defines the two sorts of players.
Now going into 6 1/2 years of playing, I think I need to get serious because I've made the decision that I want to be a clarinet player, but my attitude needs to change. I need to move away from the self-indulgent personal expression, to mastering the art form which is the clarinet.
Does anyone else have this sort of internal struggle?
To the pros: Did you set out to master the instrument or did that attitude develop later on?
To the ameteurs: Did you not continue on to be a pro because you'd rather use the instrument for personal expression as opposed to mastering it's art?
Once again, thanks in advance!
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Author: Fred
Date: 2002-10-12 18:51
As an amateur, I did not pursue clarinet with everything I had because I never felt I could overtake those that had much more "natural talent" than I had. (Insert huge controversy here.)
Yes, I don't believe that every human can run the 100m in less than 10 seconds, paint like Rembrandt, or compose like Bach if they just worked hard enough at it. Same for clarinet - why should it be any different? I'm just not as musically coordinated as some of the folks I went to school with. I was not going to "master" the clarinet; there was always going to lots of people I could never play like. So I became a good, solid, dependable player - but never a soloist.
I continued playing because I liked the social aspect of music and the delightful diversion from the scientific side of my life. I play today only in church, because it is there that I learn the most about self-expression in music. We play some great charts and featured numbers, but about 2/3 of what we play I don't even have a part for. It was scary at first . . . but I'm becoming the musician I really wanted to be. Still not a competitive technician - never will be that . . . but a lot better musician than I ever dreamed I could be.
What's your dream?
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Author: Laura
Date: 2002-10-12 19:19
Because I love it. I love it to death. the entire clarinet section in my band thinks I am crazy, because I practice whenever I can. last year, I even practiced during my lunch period.
To directly answer your question, I play it because I want to master it. I want to be the best clarinet player I can. Right now I am a high school senior, so I am not really a pro or amateur. I know that I would be happy as a pro - but my mom has objections to it on the money level. But I am going to keep playing for as long as possible.
Also, I don't really have "natural talent" I don't think. I didn't make District Band my freshman year in North carolina. Then I moved to Fairfax county my sophomore year (for those of you who don't know about fairfax - the last chair in my schools top band could make first chair about anywhere else). I didn't even make top band there, let alone District. This year I am hoping to make all-state. I can have a reasonable hope of doing that because I practice like crazy, and my private teacher is wonderful. In North Carolina, my teacher was a jazz tenor sax player. up here, my teacher is principal clarinet in the Georgetown Symphony Orchestra.
My dream is to play in Carnegie hall. which is possible, provided I get into the American Youth Philharmonic.
Laura
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Author: Gregory Smith
Date: 2002-10-12 19:24
Dear Morrigan,
In the broadest sense, one always plays an instrument to serve the music.
1)There is the challenge of the craft of playing the clarinet which is one matter (but not entirely seperate from the music).
2)Then there are the musical challenges that will be served by knowing one's craft.
And these two are not necessarily mutually exclusive!
The paradox is that many aspects of the craft will be solved if one ultimately uses the music as the pathway to their ends. In other words, using the music as one's guide will solve many technical (craft-related) problems.
This is a kind of credo that I was priviledged to learn from my teacher Robert Marcellus - and that I heard oft repeated by other masterful instrumentalists...Marc Lifschey, Julius Baker, Adolph Herseth to name a few. Do you know these great instrumentalists' playing?
If not, perhaps listening to them with these ideas in mind will be like a picture....worth more than 10,000 words.
Best,
Gregory Smith
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Author: William
Date: 2002-10-12 20:08
Hmmm.....As a third grader going into fourth, I chose the clarinet over the trumpet my Dad wanted me to play because all those shinny keys looked so interesting. And upon taking it home and assembling it, without any prior instruction, I produced my first note--with the mouthpiece on upside-down (how I got the reed on right is not recalled). I am still disappointed that I did not get the really "neat" sivler clarinet with the golden keys--that went to an eigth grader who "outranked" me. But the real "losers" got the big, bulky looking black ones--at least, I got a "swift looking" skinny one all colored silver. Fourth grade in a town of 600 residents--and beginning band, a wonderful time of life!!!!
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Author: bob gardner
Date: 2002-10-12 22:00
william: you are a gifted young man. Not many your age know that "you are living a wonderful life."
stay with it and you will go far.
peace
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Author: Fred
Date: 2002-10-12 22:30
Bob, I think William left out the "Once Upon A Time" intro to his story and began at the double bar. As smart as he is, he must be closer to the Coda than he is to fourth grade.
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Author: William
Date: 2002-10-12 23:07
Bob and Fred--More like just reaching the "go to Coda" and hoping it's a long one--LOL
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Author: Allie
Date: 2002-10-12 23:33
That's really a cool question to ask!! I've been playing about the same length of time as you, Morrigan, and recently been thinking that same stuff through.
Can't it be a combination of both? My family is very musical. My parents both sing and play the
piano, and my family--there are seven of us-- has been singing together for as long as I can remember. When I decided to play the clarinet is was another musical outlet, but yet at the same time, it was a chalenge, and I set out to master it. Sometimes practice can be a drag, but I still absolutely love clarinet!!
~Allie
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Author: JUlia
Date: 2002-10-12 23:57
It's funny. This morning on my way to mass I somehow got to thinking about how I might react if the bus rolled over, and I was seriously injured with paralysis on half my body. I don't normally think of things like that, but the first thing that would devastate me would be to not be able to play clarinet or piano. I love music and I've been in music for 13 years now--and I'm 20. Having started clarinet in 4th grade, but not really taking it seriously and knowing that I really wanted to continue until after my freshman year of hs, I can say that my love for the clarinet has developed over the years. Piano was always my first love in music, and when I started clarinet it was just another way to be involved in the music that I loved. Of course that's still true, but like I said I've definitely grown a love for the clarinet too. I always wanted to teach little children, and because music was something I really loved, I wanted to impart that to them somehow. That's always been my goal, and it still is. I was never performance inclined and always hated performing for people, but that too is still in the process of changing. I am still by no means a soloist, but being in college for 2 years now in the middle of my third year, I'm becoming more comfortable with performing and even enjoying it occasionally (though definitely more in a small ensemble setting). So, here at school I have two wonderful degrees: BA in music, and BS in inclusive elementary and special education with a FIA concentration. It's a lot of work, and things have changed quite a bit in the last couple of years, but my love for music and my desire to teach children has remained and only grown fonder. People may wonder why I'm not a music eddie--well, originally I was, and at heart I still am. People also ask, what are you going to do with a BA in music? Well, I don't really know. I just know that i love music and I wouldn't change being a major for the life of me. Someone asked me not too long ago if I wanted to play in an orchestra. And though I had never given it much thought because my focus has always been on teaching, I would absolutely love to play in an orchestra. For myself, I like orchestras a lot better than wind ensembles; but they both have their pluses and minuses. Anyway, that's my spiel on playing clarinet, music in general, and my goals.
Julia
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Author: Jessica
Date: 2002-10-13 00:23
I agree with Allie, for me it's a combination of both--I get personal enjoyment out of mastering the instrument and learning the music. My favorite thing to play is scales (I love my scale books) because they have such a simple, beautiful sound, plus they help a lot in mastering the technical aspect of playing clarinet.
For me, as a junior in high school planning to play in college and (cross your fingers) professionally some day, it has to be a combination of both. If I just wanted to play, but didn't have the drive to "master" the clarinet, I would never make it. On the other hand, I've had experiences with songs where I just wanted to learn the part (like mastering the instrument) and I got fed up and broke down during third period (I couldn't even think of going to fourth period band) because I had lost the meaning behind the music.
I think it has a lot to do with the individual person though, that's just my experience.
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Author: Clairgirl
Date: 2002-10-13 02:38
Don't these two things go hand in hand? I think that mastering the instrument is the foundation for effortless and articulate self expression.
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Author: Allen Cole
Date: 2002-10-13 04:49
Actually, it was forced on me in certain ways. The main reason that I joined the band was because I detested the 'general music' that's taught in elementary school, although recorder was fun. So band was my only chance to make music without playing the piano and without singing what I viewed as stupid kids songs.
The clarinet was also forced on me, because I intended to play trumpet but could not buzz my lips well enough even for trombone. Saxophones were too expensive. I was crushed at being handed a 'girl's' instrument, and can remember my Dad trying to console me by telling me how cool he thought all the different keys and buttons were.
But clarinet was something that I could play music on, and I went on and took to it. I wasn't much of a practicer in the traditional sense, but did well at playing tunes by ear, and at playing duets with myself using my Mom's tape recorder. While in middle school, I still longed for a 'cool' instrument and learned to play string bass. In college, I took up saxophone which is my primary moneymaker today, but clarinet is my first love and I play it 3 nights a week in community bands.
I agree with Gregory that MUSIC is what made it happen and is the best way to go. For this reason, I put my students on very basic technical exercises and keep them playing songs and duets as much as possible. I believe that there are very few exercises which work as effectively as simply producing recognizable music.
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Author: sfalexi
Date: 2002-10-13 05:30
This is a long one.
I played clarinet from 3rd grade through HS, took two years off, and now am getting back into it. Been back into it for about a month.
I started music in 2nd grade. The music teacher came around and told us we could play a musical instument. Unforuntaely, for 2nd graders, it had to be a string instrument. Band instruments were left for 3rd grade and up. I chose violin. Here's where I could tell that I had somewhat of musical talent. At third grade, by the end of the year, I was the best violinist in our school. Not saying much considering the area it was from, but my music teacher was impressed, and switched me to cello in third grade. I also started the clarinet.
I became the best cellist/clarinetist in school from fourth grade on trhough sixth, then in seventh I moved to a new town. I had to choose either clarinet or cello. It was a hard decision for a (what was, 12 maybe?) year old to make. But somehow, I don't remember why, but I chose clarinet. I think it was because the string program was obviously behind. I was playing songs in the seventh grade that I had already played in concerts at fifth grade level.
At ninth grade through senior year I was first chair at my school. Not much considering once again it wasn't the strongest music program, but I was proud to beat out the senior while I was a freshman (but I let her sit in first chair cause I figured it's her senior year, why shouldn't she be able to get some glory?). I'm a nice guy. I didn't sit in that first chair until my junior year cause there was no senior then. I played the solos, but the other people could sit there. I had no problem with it.
All throughout HS it was a social thing. Be in the band, go to band camp, make friends in the band. I was a wrestler/baseball player and band always took backseat to those sports. Even though I made district and I think region band once, I missed the region band concert and ended up dropping out cause "it interfered with a wrestling match" I think was the reason.
Now I look back, and wonder just what I could have done. Could I have made state band if I had tried to learn my scales harder? Could I have been better? And now, that's my focus. I wanna see how far I can go.
I'm a math major in college with a music minor. I was really worried about getting a job in music performance, but I'm from NJ and we are lacking math teachers so that's almost a shoe-in. I figured I can practice and get my degree in music later on, play in bands in the summer. My ultimate goal, my DREAM, is to play for broadway shows. But I don't even wanna try that till I'm older, married, ........ stable I guess. Get some money, maybe after retirement, maybe I'll retire early and go there. Maybe I won't make it at all. But that's my goal.
Bottom line, it started out as a fun thing to do with friends, and now (unfortunately I wish I had realized it sooner), now it's become something I strive master.
Alexi
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Author: Charles
Date: 2002-10-13 07:27
I identify with the response from Fred - like him I have minimal 'talent' but enjoy the experiece of playing in a concert band - the social aspects are as important as the musical ones. I think I have as much fun as the good clarinet players in our band!!
(actually, since I took up the bass I have had even more fun - I find the charts easier to cope with and I love the sound)
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Author: Lisa
Date: 2002-10-13 12:27
Initially, I started playing by fluke. My uncle visited us from America and bought his clarinet with him - I was about 7 years old at the time. I don't quite know what happened from there, because I don't remember the big "wanting to play and getting the instrument for my birthday" period of my life at all. I can't even remember how I came to own my first one! All i can remember is never really being without it.
Later on, I played because it was a part of who I was. Everything in my life revolved around music. I also played keyboards in a school "pop" group (we were awful!), I did music as my main subject at school. I grew up with the people in my local band, which I played with about 4 times a week for a good 15 years, and I just didn't know any different, and couldn't imagine life without it.
Nowadays, after a significant lapse in playing, I'm doing it simply because I enjoy it. No more, no less. I'm not in a band at the moment, so it's purely for my own satisfaction.
Lisa (UK)
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Author: Casey
Date: 2002-10-13 14:25
Hey, I just saw this post and thought id add to it...
In sixth grade I remember sitting there with the band director letting me try all the different instruments out and me dissmissing each one as I played on them. Then I came across a recorder looking like thing (I stunk at the recorder in elementary school) and figured I would try it just for fun. When I blew through the mouthpiece and horn, there was a huge glorious SQUEEK that awoke everyone in the band hall. Right then in there is when i decided this would be a WONDERFUL way to disturb my neighbors, as well as the dogs that I dont really like (im more of a no pet person). Then I noticed the price on that sucker, and you know little kids, they want to get what they can't have, and the most expensive thing out there. So of course, I wanted that (not to mention the reeds didnt taste half bad). Today I am very glad that I squeeked on that instrument and wanted to disturb everyone around me, or I wouldn't be playing clarinet today.
*~*Casey*~*
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Author: JohnH
Date: 2002-10-13 19:37
Interesting thread - and a question that I really was asked to explain:
I was not interested in making music when I was young. Tried a couple of times, but never really had the desire to commit the energy to find that thing that would have made it a part of my life. However, there were two events that have shaped my desire to play the clarinet and make music.
First - years ago, while I was in college, I remember a specific moment that has stayed with me and started something. I was assigned one of the music professors as an advisor in error. One day I was waiting to meet with her to discuss my reassignment, when I met an old High School chum who was there to practice his alto sax. I remember sitting on a window ledge and listened him play some jazz piece. I watch his concentration, his enjoyment, and the expressions and reactions of those around us. I have been hooked on music ever since and it is memory that has stayed with me.
The second event was more recent, I have a co-worker who is woodwind player, pick one and he owns and plays it. He offered to teach me any one that I wanted. I spend most of my current workdays dealing with cold hard facts and figures. Something was missing. I thought about it and decided on the clarinet. This was based on the assumptions, how hard can it be; it is not a loud instrument, and I won't have to spend a lot of time practicing.
That was three years ago and now I am studying with a professional clarinetist and am committing 15 hours a week to practice and lessons.
Why do I play and spend as much time an money on this...at this point I can't see doing anything else.
John
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Author: william ainsworth
Date: 2002-10-13 22:53
I bought a clarinet when I was in my thirties because I just love the sound. Then I gave it up after a short while because I was on shift work and doing a lot of overtime. I took it up again when I was in my early sixties and retirement gave me lots of time to practice. As well, a small group was playing at my church and I thought that I could join them later.
I have been playing now for about nine years with very slow progress. I like to practice and have no problem spending time on scales and arpeggios and have reached about intermediate high school level I would guess.
I play third clarinet in a community band. The conductor is very ambitious for us and picks out difficult music. It is certainly making me try hard but knowing that just about everybody in the band can play better than I makes it hard on the ego.
In our city we have two community bands that are attempting music that is above my level, even the Horizon band at the university, where the band members are in the same position as me. I just wish there were more bands that just want to play crowd-pleasing music that was not too difficult, but I seem to be a minority of one.
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Author: David
Date: 2002-10-13 23:56
Because it's fast (even if I'm not...) and has a stunning range of dynamic and compass.
But mostly because most instruments have one sound, and a clarinet hasn't. It has this wonderful sound, wide and rich, velvety and steely, with (at least) 3 dimensions to it. It has 4 distinctly different sounds that tie the room together. Not all the notes are perfect, and you really have a sense of actually getting somewhere when you graduate from the hellish beginner's sound to "Bingo!, it actually sounds like a real clarinet."
Different players get different sounds and all the varieties (personal opinions aside) are good. It makes a subtle yet absolutely positive addition to the sound of an orchestra. Don't get me wrong. I like anything pre-"Paris" symphony, but the whole orchestral sound is nicer and more complex with a couple of clarinets thrown in.
And everyone likes the sound of a clarinet.
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Author: diz
Date: 2002-10-14 01:39
As a pro: I chose not to play the clarinet (professionally - although I have in pit work) and changed to viola as there were more jobs availabe (at the time). This is a decision I don't regret as I achieved my goals (somewhat) and have played viola professionally as both rank and file and principal. As to the clarinet, I still play, still adore it and still live for it. I just wish I could play both simultaneously as I think viola and clarinet is a lovely combination.
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Author: d dow
Date: 2002-10-14 02:10
I really like working in music because of the variety of challenges. I have also come to enjoy many styles of music over the recent years and now I don't listen to alot of music, unless on vacation.
Music is spiritual, it is spontaneous, funny, sad and just about everything that life is....a good player should bring all of these things to the clarinet, one''s playing should be like a mirror that reflects the inner soul. It should never be boring in spite of fact one may do it ever day.
Sincerely
D d
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Author: Kirk
Date: 2002-10-14 19:57
I liked how it sounded ever since I in grammar school playing a plastic flute. I grew up in New Orleans, La listening to Pete Fountain and Al Hirt. When given the chance to join my school band, I chose clarinet. I have returned after a long "vacation" and still love its sound. I play for my own pleasure. I have on a few occaisions played in exchange for free suppers at my neighborhood watch association meetings as background dinner music before the meeting starts.
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Author: Morrigan
Date: 2002-10-15 11:17
WOW thanks guys, for your truly heart-warming stories!
I've witnessed in the thread just how much happiness the instrument and music in general brings to people, and you've all inspired me so much!
One thing I noticed, after reading this, is the pleasure and accomplishment people feel from being a member of an ensemble. It concerns me that I no longer feel this - quite the opposite, actually. I had to go to a rehearsal today of Takamitsu's "Rain Spell" and was quite disgruntled about it because I didn't feel like it was worth attending, as I felt I wouldn't get anything out of it. I should be very grateful that the woodwind co-ordinator thought that a 1st year could play in a post-grad/3rd year ensemble, but somehow, I feel it's not worth my time turning up.
Sometimes I think I need a holiday to refresh myself, yet at the same time I wouldn't want to put down my clarinet for a second! Have any professionals had a 'holiday' and come back to professional playing? Was it beneficial?
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