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All State Band Recordings

Low Clarinet

Junior Low Clarinet:  Audition Solo 1B, Moderato

  • Think in four-measure phrases throughout the solo.
  • Dynamic contrast between mp and mf should be clear.
  • Accents should be played using mainly the wind, with a little help from the tongue.
  • Articulation in both endings should be light and resonant.
  • Slow practice will help you achieve wide leaps and clear articulation.

Junior Low Clarinet:  Audition Solo 2B, Allegretto grazioso

  • This solo is more lyrical than technical. Follow the crescendos and decrescendos to add more drama to the melodic line.
  • The accents should be played using wind accents rather than tongue accents.
  • Use chromatic F# (first space) for any ascending or descending chromatic lines.
    • Fingering: regular F natural and add key 1,2 from the right side.
    • It is suggested to use this fingering in measure 3, 11, 22, 24, 37, and 42a.
  • The contrast in character between first and second part should be clear. The first part is lyrical and the second part is more playful.
  • Be aware of the key changes in measure 18 and 34.
  • Slow practice will help you achieve wide leaps and clear articulation.

Senior Low Clarinet: Audition Solo 3B, Andante con amore / Allegro agitato

  • Andante con amore
    • Think in long phrases (measure 1-4, pick up to 5-6 and 7-9)
    • Emphasize the tenutos using your air; try to not articulate them as an accent.
    • At the rubato, take time at the beginning of the ascending and descending parts of the phrase. It might sound slow-fast-slow-fast, and at the end of the phrase emphasize the tenuto on the eight note before the fermata.
  • Allegro agitato
    • This section should be played with a lightly-separated staccato.
    • Accents should be playing using mostly the wind, with a little help from the tongue.
    • The dynamics should be treated as big gestures, keeping the direction of the phrase.
    • Keep a constant wind stream and avoid taking breaths between consecutive rests.
    • Take deep breaths to be able to play long phrases.
      • Deep breathing: breath into your belly without moving your shoulders or chest up.
    • Slow practice will help you achieve wide leaps, clear articulation and clear finger technique.

Download these performance notes [pdf].