 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: janlynn
Date: 2012-04-12 15:59
Some time back I asked for some advice on what part to play in my wind symphony.
I had taken a couple semesters off and my position as first clarinetist (2nd chair) was filled. As we are allowed to play where we want - I could had reclaimed a 1st part (3rd chair). I had always playes 1st part - h.s., college, and beyond.
Second part was filled..... (1 very strong player)
third part - a friend asked me to play third part with her.
I didnt really want to but at the same time, I wanted what was best for the band. I learned A LOT by not always playing the melody.
This semester there are only 3 clarinetists in a 60+ piece band. I am on 3rd part and loving every minute of it.
I am not a strong player compared to many of you here - but I am compared to my peers here - and what a nice balance we have - as commented by the conductor this week.
I just want to tell some of the younger folks if you are striving for 1st chair and dont get it - dont fret. 2nd and 3rd parts can be awsome too.
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Author: Joseph Brenner, Jr.
Date: 2012-04-12 16:36
Thank you, janlynn; well stated. You demonstrate real character. One should avoid the destructive path in pursuit of a goal. You could have allowed your ego to prevail and bruised relationships with other people in your drive, but you put the quality of the group first without sacrificing relationships. In so doing you improved the quality of the group and maintained the respect of your peers and your conductor. What you did and the result you saw carry over to many roles where one interacts with other people--in employment and clubs and interest groups, for example. best wishes!
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Author: BartHx
Date: 2012-04-12 20:07
I have to agree with the above. In our community band, we have several former band directors in our clarinet section (most also playing professionally elsewhere). Our solo position player is exceptional and stays with that part. The rest of us generally stay with the same parts but, occasionally shuffle parts to remind ourselves of where the other parts fit in. It also helps us to think in terms of section balance when we might have a third part sitting between two seconds. My book (and most other clarinetists) has first, second, and third position parts. It also tends to equalize egos so that we are able to function more easily as a cohesive section.
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Author: JJAlbrecht
Date: 2012-04-12 20:29
in our community band, the 1st and 4th chair players are probably our strongest individuals, and our director likes to make sure that we have strong players in each section. I just play whatever part he needs me to play. Currently that means I am principal 3rd, as they needed help in the 3rd section. Works for the band, and it works for me!
Jeff
“Everyone discovers their own way of destroying themselves, and some people choose the clarinet.” Kalman Opperman, 1919-2010
"A drummer is a musician's best friend."
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Author: Tony F
Date: 2012-04-13 00:04
I play in two community bands. In one, which started several years ago as a novice band, I play 1st clarinet. In the other, which is an established band with over a century of history I play 3rd clarinet.
I play 1st in the novice band because by default I was the most experienced player when they started. We've had some experienced players join since, but most of out clarinets are still playing at a early student level. I joined the established band because the novice band didn't provide much of a challenge, and it was an interesting experience. The standard of musicianship in the band is much higher, and at first I found myself floundering, but after 6 months its starting to come together.
I thoroughly enjoy playing in both bands, and I find that 3rd is just as much a challenge as 1st.
Tony F.
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Author: Kaeren
Date: 2012-04-13 19:52
I play in 3 community bands, 2 during the school year and 1 during the summer. I'm currently playing 2nd in one band and 3rd in the other. (Last night -all- the 2nds were missing from practice, so I shifted to 2nd parts if I had them in my folio.)
Playing 1st is definitely higher pressure; one of the band directors gave me a 1st part to work up, and my first reaction was to let out a little "Meep!" like Beaker on The Muppet Show. Currently I enjoy 2nd clarinet more than 1st, simply because I get to do harmonies. Must be my Inner Beatle calling to me.
Post Edited (2012-04-13 19:53)
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Author: Sylvain
Date: 2012-04-13 20:06
I am a very strong proponent of rotations in community groups (actually why not all groups!).
The group I am currently in rotates players for each piece, so that everyone gets a chance to play all parts of the puzzle.
It makes for a better group for many reason. First it gets people to sit next to someone different and learn how to blend with them. It also gives opportunity for traditionally 2nd/3rd players to have a crack at at a first part. It allows traditionally 1st players to get a bit of a break by getting less notes to learn. But most importantly, it gives everyone a chance to become familiar with the role of each part in an ensemble, making for a more cohesive, less egocentric group, which ultimately serves the music better.
--
Sylvain Bouix <sbouix@gmail.com>
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Author: janlynn
Date: 2012-04-14 13:37
sylvain I so totally agree! and done understand why this doesnt happen more often.
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Author: SamuelChan
Date: 2012-04-14 14:14
I'm the section leader of a clarinet section in my band, and I always make it a point to put the strongest players in 3rds and 2nds. I feel they give the support of the whole section, while the 1st plays the melody. Moreover, the 2nd part to me is ALWAYS filled with excitement!
Lots of school players have the mindset that the lower the part, the lousier the player. I totally DISAGREE with that.
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Author: Hank Lehrer
Date: 2012-04-14 16:41
Hi,
I have two thoughts about the discussion above.
While it is nice to give everyone a chance, if a person can not play well in tune with a reasonable tone, 1st clarinet is not the place to be seated. With most of the part centered in the clarion register (with lots of altissimo to boot) one has to have great ears and good chops.
IMHO 2nd clarinet has to be the toughest part to play. There is a lot cross-break work to contend with and the harmonic importance of the notes is significant. You've got to know all the alternate fingerings as well as be able to perform some difficult trills at times. If you don't believe me, check out Rocky Point Holiday.
But then, I tend to frequent community bands that play some pretty tough stuff (and they play it well). This past year, I have performed Pines of the Appian Way, Lincolnshire Posy, Victory at Sea, and Puszta; I did not get every darn note as hard as I tried!
One must find the place where he or she can thrive as well as contribute the most to the organization.
HRL
Post Edited (2012-04-14 18:58)
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