Clarinet Now Blog

Armed Forces Day Concert this Sunday 15 MAY

Thu, 16 May 2013 21:05:28 -0400

Occasionally, I have to remind folks what I do, I'm a @WestPointBand clarinetist and play free concerts and ceremonies in the New York Hudson Valley Region on a regular basis. West Point is only an hour North of New York City, so we also play media events and athletic events (Yankees, Jets, Giants) in the city. We've also played Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center to name a few concert spots. This Sunday 15 MAY at 3 p.m. in the Eisenhower Hall Theatre at West Point, you are invited to our Armed Forces Day Concert. We are performing the major musical works associated with each U.S. service: Coast Guard, Air Force, Navy, Marines and Army. Since this is Graduation Week at West Point, we are also featuring traditional graduation music with the addition of music composed for the West Point Bicentennial in 2002. In 2017, the West Point Band will have its very own official Bicentennial celebration. The following link takes you to the West Point Band performance page and you can download free tickets for the concert Sunday. Hope to see you at our events. Chris

Stale air problem on Clarinet

Wed, 15 May 2013 20:56:25 -0400

Hello, I've been playing clarinet for roughly a year and have been struggling with breathing issues throughout but I feel as if it has gotten worse within

Musician Jobs Oboe/English Horn and Ceremonial Piccolo

Tue, 14 May 2013 16:33:13 -0400

Are you wondering why, on a clarinet website, I'm posting West Point Band jobs for Oboe/English Horn and Ceremonial Piccolo? Well, I'm hoping you either pass this information onto your fellow oboists and piccolo players and I'm also hoping to find top notch doublers. Concert Band Oboe/English Horn If you are a clarinetist that happens to play plenty of double reed music on shows, musicals, or other gigs, please submit your information at the below link. See deadline of 14 JUN 2013. The Hellcats Ceremonial Piccolo If you are a clarinetist that plays a good deal of flute and/or piccolo or maybe you are a world class fifer, please see the below link. See deadline of 1 JUL 2013 (note there are three positions here). Advice for clarinetists, jobs for clarinet only are becoming rarer. You must at least know how to play other clarinets, like Eb soprano and/or bass. Having chops on saxophone and flute are next on the list. And, if you also fiddle with double-reeds and piccolo, again, you are more marketable (especially for this audition). If you have questions, contact information is on each PDF link. You can also visit the Contact link on this site to ask questions. Best. Chris

Awful Whistle Sound on Clarinet!!!!

Thu, 9 May 2013 07:00:54 -0400

I sometimes get an excruciating loud high pitched whistle when playing a fast rising figure when I have to go from A(second space) to D(fourth line). It

Pain in the lower lip

Mon, 29 Apr 2013 21:10:35 -0400

I have been playing the clarinet for few years, but when practicing seriously for long periods of time and pressing on the lower teeth doing the embouchure,

clarinet quartet sheet music

Thu, 18 Apr 2013 21:03:05 -0400

The best Clarinet Quartet Sheet Music to start with while building your collection.

clarinet quartet

Thu, 18 Apr 2013 21:01:41 -0400

How to organize a clarinet quartet to include the best sheet music for the group.

General Schwarzkopf Funeral Music

Fri, 1 Mar 2013 00:15:38 -0500

Today 28 FEB 2013, I served as Drum Major of the West Point Band honoring General (Retired) H. Norman Schwarzkopf here at the West Point Cemetery. The links below take you to a Short Video, Still Photos, and a Synopsis of the Music played at the ceremony and how it relates to General Schwarzkopf and U.S. Military Academy graduates. A short video on the Ceremony: Still Photos Still Photos of Schwarzkopf Funeral Ceremony Synopsis of Music:

Anyone Working on the Brahms' Sonatas, Trio, or Quintet?

Sun, 17 Feb 2013 14:33:37 -0500

If so, do you know who inspired Brahms' to compose those pieces? Richard Mühlfeld did. Do you know what is mug looks like? Check it out below...

Clarinetist Mühlfeld inspired Brahms Mug by clarinetnow
Browse Clarinetist Mugs online at Zazzle.com

Famous Clarinet Players

Fri, 8 Feb 2013 07:31:48 -0500

Read through lists of Famous Clarinet Players to include Solo, Orchestral, Jazz, Grammy, Klezmer, World, and Orchestral Principals.

What are your favorite Epic Tunes?

Sun, 3 Feb 2013 00:54:37 -0500

Okay my friends, I’ve been digging into to what I call, “Epic Battlefield Music.” Music that people listen to before (or while they) do something epic. For most people, that is exercising, like running, or working out at the gym. You put your headphones on, listen to this music, and it loses you in the moment and psychologically makes the time go faster (and you run faster). Another version, though, is in the movies and video games: Think of “Braveheart”, “Gladiator”, and “Lord of the Rings.” I’m not a gamer, so I’ve heard music this is on video games that sounds epic. I will not cite my interests now. Being in the Army, I see troops marching in a forward direction in formation, and as a bandsman, they march to great American marches. These were at once, popular songs. Now, I’m interested in figuring out this “Epic Battlefield Music” to make those lean forward in formation. So, why is this on the Clarinet-Now.com blog? I want to ask, do you like this stuff? What do you like about it and why? Would you play it if it were a clarinet quartet? I know I would. Check out this compilation of Epic Tunes: If you have a chance, tell me on ClarinetNow Twitter or ClarinetNow Facebook what epic tunes you like. Thanks for listening.

I Heart Clarinet! Music from the Heart and Soul! Valentines Day must be near

Sat, 2 Feb 2013 00:02:36 -0500

Music from the Heart and Soul T-shirt

Music from the Heart and Soul T-shirts by clarinetnow
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I Heart Clarinet Clock

I Love Clarinet Round Clock by clarinetnow
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I Heart Clarinet Trucker Hat

I Love Clarinet with Heart Hat by clarinetnow
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Find I Heart Clarinet T-shirts, cards, mugs, teapots, stickers, ornaments, aprons, baby clothes, if you Heart Clarinet at the following link.

Clarinet Scales

Tue, 22 Jan 2013 06:40:26 -0500

Why practice clarinet scales? Musicality or scale strategy? Getting FREE POINTS on your All-State Audition with scales. Scale links and the Major Scale Plan.

New to the clarinet, New to music

Fri, 28 Dec 2012 01:09:04 -0500

Hi Mr Jones, I really do not know where to start this. First let me thank you for having a site like this, it is really great for you to take

Vicki, beginner clarinet student in an adult band

Wed, 26 Dec 2012 11:53:55 -0500

I played the piano as a kid, and a gazillion years later, I am learning to play the clarinet. Your tips are brilliant. I have just hired a young teacher

West Point Holiday Special on Fox News 24 and 25 DEC

Mon, 24 Dec 2012 11:48:07 -0500

The West Point Band's Holiday special that we shot last year will re-air this week on Fox News! It is currently scheduled to air: Monday Night Dec 24th: 10pm Eastern (7pm Pacific) 1am Eastern (10pm Pacific) 4am Eastern (1am Pacific) Tuesday Dec 25th: 1pm Eastern (10am Pacific)

"Duty, Honor, Country" Video by the History channel with West Point Band performing the music score

Thu, 20 Dec 2012 23:11:27 -0500

History Channel "Duty, Honor, Country" Video 2012 is the 50th anniversary of the "Duty, Honor, Country" speech General-of-the-Army Douglas MacArthur gave to the United States Corps of Cadets at the U.S. Military Academy, West Point, New York. The video, "History's Salute to The Army Navy Game" was a collaboration of the History channel with the U.S. Military Academy Band and the Cadet Glee Club and performed for the first time at the Army/Navy Game on 8 December 2012 at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The U.S. Naval Academy Band also performed side-by-side with the U.S. Military Academy Band during the halftime show. "Duty, Honor, Country" - This video integrates iconic military, historical and current images mixed with General MacArthur's voice-over and an on-camera presence from current U.S. Military Academy Cadets and U.S. Naval Academy Midshipmen. The powerful, grand, and inspiring music score was composed by the U.S. Military Academy Band's arranger Sgt. Major Douglas Richard and recorded by the U.S. Military Academy Band. "Anchors Aweigh", "The Marines Hymn", and "The Army Song" - The video focuses on each service as the official song is performed by the West Point Cadet Glee Club and the U.S. Military Academy Band. The U.S. Military Academy Band is grateful to History and to all of those who cooperated to make this production work. Thank you!

A West Point Holiday Concert - Free Tickets or Free Downloads, your choice...

Fri, 14 Dec 2012 00:47:55 -0500

Yes, I know you live in a land far, far away from West Point, New York, so you can’t take advantage of these free West Point Band Holiday Concert Tickets: FREE TICKETS But, you can download the West Point Band Holiday Music via this link: 15 tracks for your listening pleasure. ENJOY!!!

Halftime Show at Army vs. Navy Game

Tue, 11 Dec 2012 23:55:01 -0500

At the Army vs. Navy football game last week, the Cadet Glee Club, West Point Band, and U.S. Naval Academy Band performed together during halftime. We performed the "2012 Army/Navy Fanfare", "Columbia Gem of the Ocean", "Duty, Honor, Country", and "Anchors Aweigh", "The Marines Hymn", and "The Army Song." In celebration of the 50th anniversary of General Douglas MacArthur giving his "Duty, Honor, Country" speech to the U.S. Corps of Cadets at West Point, the History Channel put together a wonderful video to accompany our halftime show. Hopefully, I'll get to add a link to that video soon. You can see still photos at the following link:

What does a Clarinet Forest Bag, Teapot, and Skateboard have in common? Clarinet-Now.com

Tue, 11 Dec 2012 08:36:25 -0500

Zazzle has coupon code deals everyday and is not limited to Clarinet Gear alone. Click here and look for the “Click for Code” button at the top of the page: ClarinetNow. This Richshaw Laptop bag is sure to keep your laptop warm and cozy with smooth clarinet tones.

Clarinet Forest Richshaw Laptop Bag by clarinetnow
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Need a place to store reeds?

Clarinet Forest Wristlet by clarinetnow
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Need to keep warm in between practice sessions?

Clarinet Forest Teapot by clarinetnow
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If there is a Teapot, there must be Mugs

Clarinet Forest Mug by clarinetnow
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Playing high and fast on clarinet leads to higher faster skate boarding. Just make sure you don’t break your arm, you need to practice clarinet?

Clarinet Forest Skateboard by clarinetnow
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Let's Be Real Here

Mon, 3 Dec 2012 00:27:22 -0500

I think Squidward might be the best clarinet player anywhere. I've never heard of anyone else being able to play underwater!!! FROM CLARINET-NOW.COM

How are we Clarinetists going to change this?

Mon, 19 Nov 2012 22:13:23 -0500

This blog post should be titled: Anat Cohen "Claroscuro" CD Review by Chicago Tribune From 2008 to 2012, Anat Cohen has been honored by the Jazz Journalists Association as Jazz Clarinetist of the Year. This article reviewed her latest CD "Claroscuro". So, if you are a clarinetist, you should own a recording of Anat now or soon! Ask for it for Christmas. You can find the CD(or MP3) here on Amazon: Claroscuro Now, about this article, the author Mr. Howard Reich writes about the variety of music on the CD and gives background on the title and players on the CD. He also writes: "All of this work could serve to heighten the profile of an instrument long marginalized in jazz. For although the clarinet enjoyed immense popularity during the Swing Era, thanks largely to the work of Benny Goodman and Artie Shaw – both of whom transcended the world of jazz to become pop stars – it has struggled to be heard in our noisier musical world." Also, Mr. Reich quotes Anat, "Clarinet is not part of (today's) sound. You don't hear in recordings on any modern sound. You don't hear it in any R&B band. It's really not there." Anat is bringing the sound of clarinet to many who have no idea what the instrument can offer. This is our charge. Somehow, we clarinetists have to bring clarinet to this 'noisier musical world.' We need to make it part 'of today’s sound.' We need to hear clarinet in recordings known for modern sounds. One way to start, listen to Anat. Pick-up on the Brazilian Choro scene. Let's get working on this. Let's get practicing!!! Go get your Clarinet Now, and practice! Don't forget to check out this CD: Claroscuro Thanks for listening to me rant. Chris See full Chicago Tribune article on the permalink below.

Not As Easy As It Looks

Thu, 15 Nov 2012 00:04:42 -0500

When I was younger, I used to think Squidward is so bad and thought the jokes referencing his playing were funny. But when I started playing clarinet,

The Transformative Power of Classical Music

Tue, 6 Nov 2012 22:07:17 -0500

Benjamin Zander explains the Transformative Power of Classical Music. This is an awesome TED production lecture. If you have a heart for classical music, it is a must see...

Clarinet Halloween is Near

Sun, 21 Oct 2012 00:43:59 -0400

Happy Halloween!!! The Skull and Clarinets t-shirt and many other items have returned. Now, go play "The Nightmare Before Christmas" or something on clarinet.

Skull and clarinets - Black on white T Shirts by clarinetnow
Design a photo t-shirt online at zazzle.com

Find hats, pins, stickers, magnets, black t-shirts, iphone covers, ipad covers, aprons, ties, mugs, cards, baby clothes, etc at this permalink

Buzzing Clarinet

Sun, 21 Oct 2012 00:19:16 -0400

Hi, Your site has really helped me and encourages me to continue to play and practice (and change reeds, haha). I am a newbie to music period. I took

College Auditions

Sat, 20 Oct 2012 23:57:35 -0400

Hi There! I have college auditions coming up soon and I don't even know where to begin! I have yet to purchase any music. Can you recommend anything for

Tenor sax notes to clarinet

Mon, 15 Oct 2012 16:42:14 -0400

Hi my name is Brianna and I've been playing the clarinet for a while now. So I know my way around a clarinet pretty well. Anyway my conductor is running

Haven't played in over 16 years! Where to start?

Sun, 14 Oct 2012 08:36:16 -0400

I recently decided to join a local community band to utilize my clarinet skills that I learned many years ago. Following the very first practice session,

Clarinet Notes

Fri, 21 Sep 2012 00:15:31 -0400

Sign-up for Clarinet Notes Newsletter to keep up-to-date with Clarinet-Now.com postings.

$5 Off Clarinet T-shirts here til Sunday

Fri, 14 Sep 2012 22:50:52 -0400

Get 5 dollars off these Clarinet t-shirts or search for more. Savings code is GIMME5ZAZZLE and ends Sunday. Have fun!

Clarinetist Muhlfeld inspired Brahms Tee Shirt by clarinetnow
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Clarinetist Anton Stadler and composer Mozart Tshirts by clarinetnow
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9/11 Salute to the Resilience of America at Trinity Church near WTC site in NYC

Tue, 11 Sep 2012 18:31:01 -0400

On 9/11/2012, the United States Military Academy Band presented an hour-long program titled "On This Day: Celebrating the Resilience of America" featuring patriotic music written by New York City composers. The band performed at Trinity Church in lower Manhattan steps away from the World Trade Center site. The concert was streamed over the internet and is available to watch here:

Clarinetist Mühlfeld inspired Johannes Brahms

Sun, 2 Sep 2012 08:00:19 -0400

Clarinetist Richard Mühlfeld played for Johannes Brahms at a time when Mr. Brahms decided to stop composing completely. So inspired by Mühlfeld's artistry and sound, the master decided to compose the Trio, Op 114; Quintet, Op 115; and Sonatas, Op 120 all for clarinet. These works are among the greatest ever written for clarinet. Now, who will you inspire?

Richard Muhlfeld inspired Brahms Posters by clarinetnow
Make a poster at Zazzle

At the link below, see hats, aprons, mugs, greeting cards, mousepads, bags, buttons, ipad cases, notebooks, and binders with Mühlfeld and Brahms.

Practice and Hope

Fri, 24 Aug 2012 16:01:23 -0400

Practice and hope - discover the power of practice and develop your musical discipline.

Beginning Clarinet Books

Tue, 14 Aug 2012 07:09:39 -0400

Discover the best Beginning Clarinet Books to suppliment your band methods. These books are also good for self-study or private clarinet lessons.

See Opperman presentation and recital at 2012 ClarinetFest

Tue, 24 Jul 2012 23:45:23 -0400

In case you are attending the International Clarinet Association ClarinetFest 2012 at the University of Nebraska, Lincoln, Nebraska, August 1-5, 2012, MAKE SURE YOU SEE THESE TWO EVENTS: 1) Saturday, August 4th – 9 a.m. Lecture Series 4 – >b>“Kalmen Opperman: A Legacy of Excellence” presented by Denise Gainey in Westbrook Recital Hall #199. 2) Saturday, August 4th - 11 a.m. Students of Kalmen Opperman: Adam Ebert and Eric Ginsberg in Kimball Recital Hall.

Reed position on mouthpiece

Sun, 22 Jul 2012 00:44:30 -0400

Hi, I'm really enjoying your site. I am studying the saxophone and am enjoying doubling on the clarinet. I'm not exactly clear on exactly where to place

Upper lip importance?

Sun, 22 Jul 2012 00:31:46 -0400

I have played the clarinet for many years in amateur wind orchestras in Norway. My embouchure was quite wrong at the beginning, but I was reasonably clever

Clarinet Case Tag

Sat, 14 Jul 2012 23:44:56 -0400

Alright folks, we all know you need to have a way to tell which clarinet is yours when you grab it off the band shelf after school to take it home to practice. Now, customize your very own Clarinet Case Tag on both the front and back, and strap it to your case. Have fun!

Clarinet Case Tag Travel Bag Tags by clarinetnow
See other Luggage Tags online at zazzle.com

thatoneclarinetgirl on Clarinet 'Dark, smoky loveliness'

Tue, 12 Jun 2012 00:57:00 -0400

Honestly Squidward gives us a bad name. The clarinet is not supposed to sound like something dying a painful death, it is supposed to sound like dark,

Bore Oil?

Tue, 12 Jun 2012 00:19:50 -0400

Hi, What do you recommend in terms of oiling the bore of my R13? I've played high-quality baroque recorders for years, and they require regular (bi-annual)

Awesome Playing!

Wed, 30 May 2012 17:08:11 -0400

Hear Hungarian clarinetist Istvan Kohan playing the Bach Sonata for solo violin in g minor, Presto here:

First 6 Months on Clarinet

Thu, 24 May 2012 07:50:29 -0400

Hi Chris, I bought myself a cheap clarinet while I was travelling in Argentina (it’s a Benson) and now I'm living in a very small town in Argentina and

Audition for band

Thu, 24 May 2012 07:21:36 -0400

Hi, I'm in 8th grade and I have to audition for band as a freshman. What are the clarinet fundamentals and major scales that you think the band director

Reed Death?

Fri, 13 Apr 2012 11:28:56 -0400

How do you know when to throw out a reed? I have some reeds that seem to squeak more than they used to (could just be me). I play on a #3 vandoren reed

Embouchure changing

Fri, 13 Apr 2012 10:58:51 -0400

After taking a break for the clarinet for two years I am back. My embouchure is giving me problems as it always have. Great tone and pitch for the lower

Win This Clarinet T-shirt NOW!

Fri, 6 Apr 2012 08:05:07 -0400

Join the Clarinet Notes Newsletter, or Ezine if you want to call it that, and win this Skull and Cross-Clarinets T-shirt. Clarinet Notes is nearly at 300 subscribers. The 300th one will win. Here is the Clarinet Notes link and below is the T-shirt.

Skull and clarinets - Black on white by clarinetnow
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NY City Bus with Clarinet Ad on side

Sun, 1 Apr 2012 01:21:54 -0400

You do not see a NY City Bus with a Clarinet Ad on the side very often. Make sure you come to the Clarinet Now Facebook page to keep up with the latest performances and other interesting activities. See that Clarinet Bus on following link...

Watch Today Show this Wed 28 MAR 0630-9am

Tue, 27 Mar 2012 00:56:46 -0400

The West Point Band will perform on the Today Show this coming Wednesday, 28 MAR sometime between 0630-0900 am, Eastern Standard Time. The band will play patriotic selections. TV is never easy to predict, it could last 10 seconds or 3 minutes or perform the ins and out of several commercial breaks. To learn more about the West Point Band, visit www.WestPointBand.com. Check out the new Clarinet-Now.com Facebook page. If you Like it, Like It! Thanks for visiting. The Clarinet Notes Ezine has almost reached 300 subscribers. The 300th subscriber will get a Skull and Cross-clarinets T-shirt . Joint today and maybe, you'll win it. And do not forget Clarinetnow on Twitter. Keep on practicing and watch the West Point Band on the Today Show this Wednesday. Thanks. Best, Chris

Tuning

Mon, 26 Mar 2012 23:23:37 -0400

I have to pull the barrel and the mid-sections apart to get anywhere close to in tune...are there reasons why? FROM CLARINET-NOW.COM Hello Carol,

Clarinet Parents Guide

Fri, 24 Feb 2012 08:04:14 -0500

The Clarinet Parents Guide gives you 12 Steps to Improve Your Young Clarinetist's Musical Experience.

Poor Clarinet Embouchure

Thu, 23 Feb 2012 23:28:08 -0500

Descriptions of the poor clarinet embouchure and a troubleshooting guide to fixing them.

Squeaking problem

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 23:10:19 -0500

I keep squeaking and I guess I was biting too hard. The clarinet is really heavy for me! So I bit the clarinet to lessen the weight on my right thumb.

Top Ten Clarinet Solos

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 22:55:51 -0500

1. Mozart Concerto 2. Copland Concerto 3. Finzi Concerto 4. Debussy Premiere Rhapsodie 5. Finzi Bagatelles (cl & pf) 6. Rabaud Solo de Concours (cl & pf)