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Post by javelin on Mar 27, 2007 20:57:38 GMT -5
My advice is always to get someone to help you (like your bd if they're nice enough), and pick one you like best. I wouldn't give a crap about what anyone else thought. And don't rule out used or refurbished clarinets. Mine is used and refurbished and works great, and I'm happy with it. I try to stay away from recommending brands are far as sound, because that would probably make your decision kind of biased, even if it most likely already is. If I knew about horn durability (as in it's not a piece of junk that falls apart), I might recommend that, since that's important no matter what.
Also, you may want to look into a new mouthpiece... And I have the same advice for that as well, though you might want to keep in mind the quality of tone you want to produce. Likely, you'll want a more closed mouthpiece for a darker sound for a concert setting. I can't remember the measurements for what kind of tips would be considered "closed," though I'm sure someone here would know, and that certain mouthpieces are just reputed to be dark or bright.
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Post by bariclaribob on Mar 28, 2007 8:00:58 GMT -5
^I recently got a new mouthpiece--Vandoren B45 hard rubber. But my clarinet is what needs to by replaced. One of the pads came off a while ago that was replaced using a too-big pad, so now the keys don't exactly fit... but there's no point in getting all the pads replaced if I want a new one. As for asking my bd for suggestions... he doesn't really know that much about clarinets.
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Post by clarinetgoddess on Mar 28, 2007 12:14:12 GMT -5
o wow...
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Post by javelin on Mar 28, 2007 18:53:01 GMT -5
As for asking my bd for suggestions... he doesn't really know that much about clarinets. Mine is a saxophonist and a trombonist, but he was still helpful. It's nice just to have a music-y person with you for picking out instruments, in general. If you can get someone who is knowledgeable in clarinet, then by all means take them with you. Keep in mind that your mouthpiece might not be optimal with your new clarinet. I wouldn't worry about it too much, though. Is it an intermediate or a professional model you're looking into? Don't get a professional unless you really are actually going to be one. Even if you were going to be a professional, it still actually seems inappropriate at this point. And my reasons actually go beyond simple inappropriateness.
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Post by bariclaribob on Mar 29, 2007 19:41:19 GMT -5
^I was looking (for fun, not seriously) at professional models... but even if I was a prodigy already playing in some symphony orchestra they are way out of my price range! I was thinking an intermediate model... wood for sure, but otherwise I'm not too picky as long as it plays well. I was going to talk to my bd about it at my next lesson, but we'll be too busy getting music ready for solo/ensemble... but I'll still make sure to check with him before getting a new/used one.
As for the mouthpiece thing... I know that it may not be the best for my new clarinet, but my bd mentioned that if I got a new instrument that came with a mouthpiece he'd still suggest that I use the newer one. But I'll keep your advice in mind.
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Post by javelin on Mar 30, 2007 15:10:07 GMT -5
As for the mouthpiece thing... I know that it may not be the best for my new clarinet, but my bd mentioned that if I got a new instrument that came with a mouthpiece he'd still suggest that I use the newer one. But I'll keep your advice in mind. Cool. Now, if understand what you said, your BD told you to use your new mouthpiece that you use now. Yeah. In general, don't use stock mouthpieces (come with the instrument). They're not your choice, and are usually not very good.
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Post by bariclaribob on Mar 30, 2007 16:59:53 GMT -5
^I figured as much. When they say: "Includes swab, reed guard, cork grease, mouthpiece cap, and mouthpiece," you kind of figure the mouthpiece isn't top-notch, since the swab seemed more important to them. To confirm, yes, my bd says to use the new mouthpiece that I am currently using, not whatever junky one they send with the new clarinet.
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Post by javelin on May 12, 2007 23:10:35 GMT -5
Can anyone recommend good clarinetists to listen to and perhaps ensembles these clarinetists play in? What about pieces? Or even specific recordings? I plan on trying to get some material to listen to so I can learn a little from them. More specifically, I'm starting out by getting a recording of a professional playing the solo I played for S&E, Brahms's Clarinet Sonata No. 1 in F minor, Op. 120 No. 1. I'm looking at this: www.amazon.com/Brahms-Clarinet-Sonata-Schumann-Fantasiest%C3%BCcke/dp/B0000006VL . Sounds good to me.
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Post by drummajor07 on May 14, 2007 11:09:08 GMT -5
Look up the Jim Cullins Jazz Band from San Antonio TX. They have a great clarinetist that you should listen to. I am new to this so I am a clarinet player since the 6th grade, bass since the 9th grade and contra bass since the 10th. I love them all but the bass is my favorite. I love the clarinet and wouldn't trade it for the world. As for clarinet players and music and stuff. There is the 32nd clarinet book. It is filled with etudes and professional recordings as well. I really recommend it. It's what we use for Region band in Texas and I can't live without it. It as a little of everything. I hope that helped.
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Mori
Newbie
Can't we just beat the rookies over the head?
Posts: 23
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Post by Mori on Jun 2, 2007 19:40:31 GMT -5
Can anybody else recommend ways I could improve my playing? I'm an '08 senior and at my currently level I'll never get in anywhere. And before the usual suggestions come out:
1. My BD played trumpet, and I'm at the "certain point" where he can't help a woodwind anymore. 2. I'm the only senior clarinet, so there's no one more experienced or with more ability enough to help. 3. I don't have lesson money.
Please?
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Post by bariclaribob on Jun 13, 2007 16:30:13 GMT -5
^Oh. Similar issues that I have. Bd is a trumpet player who couldn't help me out, and I'm just a freshman! That's a reflection on his skill level, not mine, by the way...
His wife recommended lessons for me. I don't have the money for them either, but she knew someone who recruits for colleges and sometimes gives a free lesson for those "shopping" for teachers. I would suggest finding someone who would be interested in doing that, first and foremost.
Secondly, are you looking to continue with clarinet in college? If the answer is yes, then I would say that when you go college-hunting to see if they have anyone there who would be willing to help you out--though you'd have to wait until you got accepted and started out there for that to be of much help.
I guess I'd also advise that you listen to good clarinetists. Find recordings of them, listen to their phrasing, style... the only problem with that is that you might know what you want to sound like but not how to... or you may wind up just copying the performer and not finding your own style. That may sound dumb/confusing/corny/mixture of all three, but it's the best I've got for you.
Good luck!
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Mori
Newbie
Can't we just beat the rookies over the head?
Posts: 23
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Post by Mori on Jun 18, 2007 17:31:43 GMT -5
Thanks. I'm definitely going on in college ( I'm going for Music Ed.), and I really suppose I'm just nervous, because I have all my International Baccalaureate stuff due the same month as my audition and I know I won't have much time to practice, and my confidence levels are at an all-time low because I'm not sure if I can handle the 17 rookies the clarinet section is getting this year. Stupid, I know, but hey.
And by the way, bariclaribob, Vandoren B45s ROCK.
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Post by prongs4band on Jun 21, 2007 9:16:35 GMT -5
Two of my favorite clarinetists played a double clarinet concerto together, and it's amazing! Julian Bliss and Sabine Meyer. Sabine Meyer is more of my favorite clarinetist next to Emma Johnson. Here's the link: www.youtube.com/watch?v=GEPfqgV7K74I, personally, have always enjoyed double concertos, and they play very well-blended together. And Julian Bliss did (not sure if he still does) learn privately with Sabine Meyer for a while. They're both magnificant players! Enjoy! Also look around for Emma Johnson. She, her playing, and her sound, ect. are always debated, but I really enjoy listening to her play.
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Post by prongs4band on Jun 21, 2007 9:21:02 GMT -5
Sabine Meyer's dress rehearsal for the Mozart clarinet concerto in A, frist movement, is also very good. You can tell she was a little flustered at the end, there. Barely rushing, but she was getting upset. I still thought it was a great rehearsal. That video is on there, too, right below the Julian and Sabine one. It's a small clip, but nonetheless enjoyable, in my opinion.
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Post by bariclaribob on Jun 21, 2007 15:32:34 GMT -5
I'm watching those right now. It almost makes me want to cry. I mean, people tell me I'm good, and then I hear someone who's actually good, and I feel really hopeless. I'd been thinking of practicing today... but what's the point? I mean, how can you trill that fast? My stubby little fingers weren't meant to move that quickly. I think I'll just quit while I'm ahead-- or rather, before I'm embarrassingly far behind. Ha, the only thing is now *flute at heart* isn't allowed to laugh at me for swaying gently in time to the music. I have to show her how much Sabine moves. modified: Okay, now I'm thoroughly depressed. I'm watching the clip of her rehearsing the Clarinet Concerto in Brussels-- ha. Mr. B gave me a copy of that to work on for solo/ensemble in years to come. Utterly laughable. I could never play that. Ever.
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