Author: mrn
Date: 2009-08-21 19:56
The international standard pitch for A above middle C is 440 Hz.
However, many orchestras, including some major American orchestras tune higher, usually to 442 Hz (the Houston Symphony does, I know--and I think the NY Philharmonic does, too).
As a practical matter, though, you're probably more likely to hear 440 Hz in America and 442 Hz in Europe (although Berlin and Vienna tune even higher than that).
Whatever group you're in, you need to tune to whatever pitch the group is at, 440, 442, or whatever it is. This is something you can find out from your director.
Now, as far as purchasing mouthpieces and other equipment goes, you can generally buy equipment that is pitched for 440 Hz or 442 Hz in most places. Most Vandoren mouthpieces, for example, are tuned for 442 Hz (except those which are marketed as "American pitch," which are tuned for 440 Hz).
In most cases, from a practical standpoint, you ought be able to get away with purchasing a 442 mouthpiece, even if you play in a group that tunes to 440. The reason for this is that a 442 mouthpiece will make you sharp, and if you're sharp you can always pull out your barrel/middle joint. If you try to play a 440 mouthpiece in a 442 group, on the other hand, your only recourse will be to shorten the instrument (by using a different barrel).
Post Edited (2009-08-21 21:00)
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The Clarinet BBoard
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