The clarinet is a single reed member of the woodwind family. The reed is held on a mouthpiece with a ligature, so that when the player moves air through the mouthpiece, the reed can vibrate to make a sound. Clarinets can play solo, in chamber groups, in clarinet choirs, in bands, and in symphony orchestras. Sometimes you might see a saxophone player take a clarinet solo in a jazz band! Beginners start on the soprano clarinet, but many advanced bands also include the sopranino clarinet, the bass clarinet, and even a contralto or contrabass clarinet.
You might be a great clarinet player if:
You might be a great clarinet player if:
- You like both high and low pitched sounds
- You can hiss with the back of your mouth, like a cat
- You have very nimble fingers
- You can make a long and steady sound on a clarinet mouthpiece and barrel
Julian Bliss started playing the clarinet at a very young age. Now he is one of the best in the world!
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This clarinet choir has many different types of clarinets.
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Financial Information
The Clarinet is the least expensive of the reed instruments, but students are still responsible for providing reeds. First year clarinet players typically rent their first instrument. Students often upgrade in high school, keeping their old student model for marching band. Reeds can range from $20 to $40 per box, and students typically use 2-4 boxes per year, depending on how well they take care of them. Students should invest in low-cost reed guards to extend the life of reeds that are in use.