Author: ohsuzan
Date: 2005-08-06 14:27
<<So, then, if you play the clarinet, you're expected to remember that if the conductor calls for "Concert Bb", you're supposed to actually play a C scale?>>
Yeah. Just one of the hazards of playing a transposing instrument, I guess.
It's not all that difficult to remember. Before becoming an oboist, I played clarinet for years without a problem.
Actually, in terms of key signatures, the transposing instruments often have it easier in band music, because the music is often composed with them in mind (since they are the dominant instruments -- Clarinet, Trumpet, Tenor Sax, et al.) in the band.
For example, if the Bb instruments are playing a march scored (for them) in Bb major (two flats), that means you and I and the flutes and the trombones are going to have to be playing in Ab major (four flats). And when you get to the "trio" section of the march, which typically adds a flat to the key signature, that gives us "C' instrument players the dreaded Gb in our key signature. It's not even all that unusual to see a Cb in the oboist's key signature.
Which is why oboists are given the advice to practice flat scales with diligence -- you will need to use them.
Keep at it!
Susan
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