Author: Hank Lehrer
Date: 2016-11-16 15:04
Bob,
While my orchestra work is very limited, I can speak at length for band work. I've played, in my very long semi-professional career, with some very fine local wind ensembles loaded with good players and above all, good people. Sure, I've held the principal chair many times and been successful but the most fun I have had in the last few years is on bass clarinet.
In the past Sunday's concert, I had more exposed and solo passages on bass that I almost ever had as principal. It was a blast and many of my colleagues gave me some "attaboys" after and at the next rehearsal. Just like Chris P, I am originally a sax player that more seriously took up the clarinet much later in life and did well. But as I age, I don't want to have the heavy responsibility of principal (much of it self-induced) and look at bass clarinet as almost a vacation.
My main objective right now is to have as much facility on bass as on soprano clarinet; I work hard on the traditional clarinet literature and although the bass can present some ergonomic issues that are inherent with the beast, I'm surviving. And above all, in bands that play level 5 and 6 stuff, there are some juicy parts.
Often, concert bands have lots of bass clarinets but seldom is there a bravura-type player in the section. I strive to be that player and so far, I have gotten some nice smiles and nods from the conductor. The bass clarinet can be a strong and quite lovely force when needed.
There is life after the crappy experience you just experienced. Think about bass clarinet playing, working on your new designs, and doing some fun stuff. Life is too short to have to put up with petty, political situations.
HRL
PS If you want to have a real hoot get a bari sax!
Post Edited (2016-11-16 15:10)
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The Clarinet BBoard
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