 The Fingering Forum
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Author: clarinetplayer01
Date: 2002-03-15 00:50
do any of u no anything about the Eb alto clarinet? my band director wants me to switch to one for better instrumentation, and i dont no n e thing about it! is it hard to play? does anyone play it? i need 2 no soon!! thankx!! any info about it would be appreciated!
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Author: saxy boy
Date: 2002-03-15 01:50
it is very similar to the bass clarinet. It is pitched a fifth higher than the Bb bass. It is different from the soprano clarinet, because it has a half hole venting in the first finger to improve intonation in higher registers.
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Author: Eoin
Date: 2002-03-15 08:24
The alto clarinet is easy to play if you can play a soprano clarinet. It uses almost exactly the same fingering as a soprano. The only differences are:
1. Alto clarinets have a low Eb (operated by the right little finger) which is a semitone lower than the normal lowest note on a clarinet.
2. For the very high (altissimo) register, instead of lifting the left first finger, you slide it to one side, uncovering a small hole in the pad.
As Saxy Boy has said, both these features are the same as the Bass clarinet.
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Author: Alicia
Date: 2004-11-11 02:39
I play the alto clarinet. The scores usually do not have many running notes with the exception of higher grade scores. However, there are some songs that do not have alto clarinet parts, so I borrow the Eb alto sax parts which are slightly harder.
Personally I find playing it difficult because I only started learning the clarinet for 5 months before I switched to the alto clarinet. Now it's my 4th month on the alto clarinet. If you've been playing the clarinet in the band for a very long time, you would most probably find it a lot easier than I did.
When you start the alto clarinet, you'll have to get used to the difference in key. The alto clarinet is in Eb, while the normal clarinet is in Bb. Also, you'll notice a small hole in the top most upper joint key. You have to cover that when playing in registers above the throat notes.
It's best the alto clarinet is supported with a strap or a stand, depending on the model. You'll have to get used to having the strap or stand.
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Author: Alicia
Date: 2004-11-11 02:54
I admit I might be wrong because of my lack of experience, because my account is based on what I have experienced during those 4 months. If anyone finds anything wrong in my account, please kindly correct me so that I can learn too.
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Author: Alyssa Marker
Date: 2004-11-19 13:22
Hi i need any history you can get on alto clarinet i have to do a 750worded report on them and i have nothing any thing oyu could give would be greatly appreciated!!!
Sincerely,
Alyssa Marker
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Author: mara
Date: 2006-01-27 14:53
I played it in one of our bands, it does take some getting used to, do you have a one piece or a two piece?
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