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Question: Should I play tenor sax or bass clarinet!?
Ok so i'm in my school's marching band and since football season is nearing an end, we're slowly transitioning into concert season!.
I've been playing tenor sax this year, I used to play bass clarinet (I switched over the summer)!. And I told our director that I'd play bass clarinet for concert season!. I've been playing bass clarinet for like 6 years and tenor sax for barely 7 months!. The thing is I've gotten so used to tenor that I think I should play it for the 1st half or our concert season (we do a little concert stuff @ the end of the 1st semester, 2nd semester its the class)!.
Again, my band director knows that i'm playing b!. clar!. but do u think it would inconvinience her to much if i didn't!?
Sorry if this is so complicated!.!.!.Www@QuestionHome@Com
Best Answer - Chosen by Asker:
Well, sometimes band directors use this time of the season to run through possible concert season pieces and just see what they're going to sound like or if they'll be good choices for competition, etc!. If you play tenor, she may not be hearing the bass clarinet part- the saxes may be too heavy, and the low voices too light!. AND it wouldn't hurt for you to get acquainted with the part you may be playing next semester!.
also, it depends on the instrumentation- is there a "sea of saxes", as is common in middle school and high school bands!? Your director may NEED you on bass clarinet, just to fill out the voicing and add the bass clarinet harmony!. Even if there is another bass clarinet, it may not be loud enough!.
When in doubt though, talk to the source!. Ask your director which they would prefer you to play, but let them know that you would be willing to do either!. Maybe you could get lucky and do both, depending on what certain pieces require! You never know until you ask!
Good luck, and have fun! :)
EDIT: Usually you can rent instruments for about $25 a month!.!.!. however more "rare" instruments (like the bass clarinet, bari sax, etc) can cost a little more- it depends on the store, but it could be up to about $45 a month!. Try to go through the store that deals with your school (ask your band director) and you may get a discount!. You may also get a discount on maintenance if you mention which school you're from!.Www@QuestionHome@Com
Depending on the size of your school and band and what instrument your band needs most is what i would base my decision on!.
Ok!. On what you've told me, i would go with the bass clarinet!. What pieces are you playing!?Www@QuestionHome@Com
I would go with the bass clarinet, that's my instrument lol!. I love it!. Choose whichever one you like to play more!.Www@QuestionHome@Com