 The Doublers BBoard
|
Author: FrankM
Date: 2006-10-02 18:25
I know that I get most of my musical/show gigs based on my ability to double, but I have to admit, I really dislike doubling….by that I mean playing assorted instruments on the same gig . I’ve played in big bands where the reed players had racks of winds in front of the (looks like window displays in a music store front) so I assume many enjoy the spectacle. Truth be told, I love getting calls for jobs which require one horn, rare though they are.
Now, I enjoy the variety of playing several instruments, ( or different members of the same family) just not all in one gig. It always seems like one instrument is feeling warmed up a comfortable, and the music calls for a switch. The question posted above about multiple cases got me thinking….there are times I leave my house for a gig packing so much junk, I look like my wife threw me out! I’m starting “Urinetown” next month…clarinet, bass clarinet, alto and soprano sax….Oh, my aching back !
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: rcnelson
Date: 2006-10-04 11:34
I think the most difficult thing about doubling is staying sharp on each of the instruments you play, especially if you spend 40+ hours a week working outside of music and have a family. I play alto and tenor saxes, flute and Bb clarinet, and have not play clarinet in public since April. But the good news my flute skills have increased dramatically.
But on the other hand, it is one of the most challenging things a woodwind player can do. And of course the "spectacle" is always fascinating for the observer and good for the ego for the musician.
Ron
Selmer Mark VI tenor (1957), Selmer Mark VII alto (1975)
Buescher True Tone soprano (1924), Selmer CL210 Bb Clarinet, Gemeinhardt 3SHB Flute, Pearl PFP105 Piccolo
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: leonardA
Date: 2006-10-04 21:00
I sometimes feel the same way as the views expressed above. I wonder if I am doubling just to impress people with my versatility. Upon reflection, I doubt that people are less impressed with someone who plays one instrument well, so why go to the extra trouble. I guess the other side of it is that I do like the sound of all the instruments I play, sax, clarinet and flute, so I guess that's why I trudge on with all of them. I am most comfortable with sax, followed by flute and then clarinet, so I try to choose the music I play in public accordingly and match my skills. I guess my desire to double came from attending a wedding at which the player played flute in the pre-wedding music and sax and clarinet at the reception after the wedding. I decided then and there that I wanted to be able to do that.
Leonard
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: kfrank1
Date: 2006-10-13 08:34
The only reason I got into doubling is my teacher made me do it. His reasoning was that, unless you are a virtuoso who can afford the luxury of playing just one instrument, the more strings you have to your bow the better. I never became a pro, but continue to work on all three instruments. After taking the trouble to learn clarinet and flute in addition to sax, it would be a bit of waste to give them up now.
Although he was primarily a sax, clarinet and flute player, my teacher also could play bass, trombone, piano, guitar and trumpet. He reckoned he learned to play them out of boredom.
I'm looking forward to maybe one day playing in a pit band. I've just bought a bass clarinet for that purpose. To date my doubling has consisted of switching instruments between songs rather than in the same tune, either in a jazz quartet or horn section of a salsa band.
I'm also thinking of getting an alto flute and piccolo. It seems like this can go on and on. Next an Eb clarinet? How about taking up bassoon? With a day job there must come a time when you become too thinly spread for your own good.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Loralie
Date: 2006-12-30 02:56
I started doubling over the past couple of years. I've been playing flute for over 10 years but realized that I should probably start doubling if I want to play in more than just a few musicals. So now I play flute, piccolo, clarinet and saxaphone. The most difficult thing for me is the clarinet because of the different fingering in the lower register
I can't say I dislike doubling though, but the quick switches can be a pain sometimes.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
The Clarinet Pages
|
 |
