{"id":1255,"date":"2020-12-29T11:10:06","date_gmt":"2020-12-29T11:10:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/groovewiz.com\/?p=1255"},"modified":"2021-10-08T18:36:50","modified_gmt":"2021-10-08T18:36:50","slug":"9-reasons-why-the-clarinet-is-so-popular","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/groovewiz.com\/9-reasons-why-the-clarinet-is-so-popular\/","title":{"rendered":"9 Reasons Why The Clarinet Is So Popular"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Invented around 1700, the clarinet has been a popular instrument from the very start. From beginners to advanced musicians, you can find people playing clarinet as a solo instrument, in small chamber groups and large ensembles. Why is it so popular?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>The clarinet has a beautiful sound, is relatively easy to learn and is affordable. The instrument is needed for both bands and orchestras and is versatile. Many choose the clarinet because it\u2019s so much fun to play and a good way to make friends.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In beginning bands, a larger number of people start on the clarinet than on most of the other instruments. Let\u2019s look at nine good reasons why the clarinet is so popular.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_63 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<label for=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-65f3c1596b31b\" class=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-label\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/label><input type=\"checkbox\"  id=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-65f3c1596b31b\" checked aria-label=\"Toggle\" \/><nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/groovewiz.com\/9-reasons-why-the-clarinet-is-so-popular\/#1_The_clarinet_sounds_beautiful\" title=\"#1: The clarinet sounds beautiful\">#1: The clarinet sounds beautiful<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/groovewiz.com\/9-reasons-why-the-clarinet-is-so-popular\/#2_The_clarinet_is_easy_for_beginners_to_learn\" title=\"#2: The clarinet is easy for beginners to learn\">#2: The clarinet is easy for beginners to learn<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/groovewiz.com\/9-reasons-why-the-clarinet-is-so-popular\/#When_youre_just_starting_out\" title=\"When you\u2019re just starting out\">When you\u2019re just starting out<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/groovewiz.com\/9-reasons-why-the-clarinet-is-so-popular\/#Fingerings\" title=\"Fingerings\">Fingerings<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/groovewiz.com\/9-reasons-why-the-clarinet-is-so-popular\/#Strength_in_numbers\" title=\"Strength in numbers\">Strength in numbers<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/groovewiz.com\/9-reasons-why-the-clarinet-is-so-popular\/#3_Clarinet_players_are_in_demand\" title=\"#3: Clarinet players are in demand\">#3: Clarinet players are in demand<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/groovewiz.com\/9-reasons-why-the-clarinet-is-so-popular\/#4_The_Clarinet_is_an_affordable_instrument\" title=\"#4: The Clarinet is an affordable instrument\">#4: The Clarinet is an affordable instrument<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/groovewiz.com\/9-reasons-why-the-clarinet-is-so-popular\/#5_The_Clarinet_is_versatile_and_prestigious\" title=\"#5: The Clarinet is versatile and prestigious\">#5: The Clarinet is versatile and prestigious<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/groovewiz.com\/9-reasons-why-the-clarinet-is-so-popular\/#6_The_Clarinet_is_highly_portable\" title=\"#6: The Clarinet is highly portable\">#6: The Clarinet is highly portable<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/groovewiz.com\/9-reasons-why-the-clarinet-is-so-popular\/#7_The_Clarinet_is_not_too_noisy\" title=\"#7: The Clarinet is not too noisy\">#7: The Clarinet is not too noisy<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/groovewiz.com\/9-reasons-why-the-clarinet-is-so-popular\/#8_The_Clarinet_makes_a_great_second_instrument\" title=\"#8: The Clarinet makes a great second instrument\">#8: The Clarinet makes a great second instrument<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/groovewiz.com\/9-reasons-why-the-clarinet-is-so-popular\/#9_The_Clarinet_is_gender_neutral\" title=\"#9: The Clarinet is gender neutral\">#9: The Clarinet is gender neutral<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/groovewiz.com\/9-reasons-why-the-clarinet-is-so-popular\/#Final_words\" title=\"Final words\">Final words<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"1_The_clarinet_sounds_beautiful\"><\/span>#1: The clarinet sounds beautiful<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Since the time it was invented, people have been attracted to the sound of the clarinet. One of the best things about it is its <strong>warm and full tone<\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As a player improves on the instrument, strengthening their embouchure and learning how to breathe correctly, they\u2019re able to produce a sound which is <strong>beautiful from the low register to the high register<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Also, the clarinet <strong>blends well with other instruments<\/strong> like the flute, bassoon or piano. For this reason, the clarinet is used in a good deal of music for small ensembles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"2_The_clarinet_is_easy_for_beginners_to_learn\"><\/span>#2: The clarinet is easy for beginners to learn<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"When_youre_just_starting_out\"><\/span>When you\u2019re just starting out<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Starting out on any new instrument can be a big challenge, but the clarinet is <strong>one of the easier instruments for a beginner<\/strong>. You learn how to hold the mouthpiece with your mouth (embouchure) and blow into the instrument. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Most beginners are able to make a relatively good sound right from the start.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Squeaks occasionally happen, but as your embouchure strengthens and your fingers gain confidence, squeaks become less of a problem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Fingerings\"><\/span>Fingerings<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The fingerings for the clarinet make sense. In general, when you lift a finger up, the pitch goes up. <strong>When you press a finger down, the pitch goes down<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The clarinet plays <strong>one note at a time<\/strong>, so you don\u2019t have to learn to play chords. In contrast, with instruments like the guitar and the piano, you&nbsp;must learn to play multiple notes at the same time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Strength_in_numbers\"><\/span>Strength in numbers<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>In a beginning band, there are usually a larger number of students starting on the clarinet than on some of the other instruments. This can help you feel less self-conscious while learning. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Not only can the teacher help several students at the same, the students can also help each other. You can also make new friends who like the clarinet, too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"640\" height=\"427\" src=\"https:\/\/groovewiz.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/male-student-with-friends-blow-the-clarinet-with-the-band-for-performance-on-stage-at-night_t20_N069Zn.jpg\" alt=\"clarinet players are in demand\" class=\"wp-image-1414\" srcset=\"https:\/\/groovewiz.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/male-student-with-friends-blow-the-clarinet-with-the-band-for-performance-on-stage-at-night_t20_N069Zn.jpg 640w, https:\/\/groovewiz.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/male-student-with-friends-blow-the-clarinet-with-the-band-for-performance-on-stage-at-night_t20_N069Zn-300x200.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>See also: <a href=\"https:\/\/groovewiz.com\/which-is-easier-flute-or-clarinet\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" title=\"Which is easier, flute or clarinet?\">Which is easier, flute or clarinet?<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"3_Clarinet_players_are_in_demand\"><\/span>#3: Clarinet players are in demand<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Clarinets are a must for a successful band. They are like the violin section of the orchestra, often providing the <strong>melody and fast-moving notes<\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you start out on clarinet in middle school, you can be sure the <strong>high school and college bands<\/strong> will need you when you get there.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Bands generally need a good number of clarinet players in the ensemble, unlike instruments like piccolo or oboe, which often have only one person playing. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Because the section functions like a violin section, more people are needed to project the melody. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But clarinets aren\u2019t only used in concert bands. They\u2019re an important component of <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/groovewiz.com\/is-marching-band-a-career\/\">marching bands<\/a> and military bands<\/strong>, too. So you know you\u2019ll be in high demand for as long as you want to play.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A smaller number of clarinets play in an <strong>orchestra<\/strong>. Here, you get the challenge of learning to play your own part by yourself. You also get to play some of the best music ever written.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"4_The_Clarinet_is_an_affordable_instrument\"><\/span>#4: The Clarinet is an affordable instrument<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Playing any instrument requires an initial investment for the instrument, the needed equipment (like reeds) and possibly printed music. Compared to many other instruments, getting everything you need to play clarinet is relatively inexpensive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>An example of an affordable clarinet for a beginner is the <strong>Buffet B12<\/strong> is a standard plastic model. A used B12 can be found for around $200. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You may want to ask your band director or music teacher to look over any used instrument to be sure it\u2019s in good condition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As long as you treat a clarinet with care, it\u2019s <strong>quite durable<\/strong>. Plastic instruments can withstand weather and temperature conditions. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Occasionally, a pad or cork may fall out, or a key may get bent, but this is usually fairly <strong>inexpensive to have fixed<\/strong> at a music repair shop..<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"5_The_Clarinet_is_versatile_and_prestigious\"><\/span>#5: The Clarinet is versatile and prestigious<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>There is a <strong>wide range of music written for the clarinet<\/strong>, because the instrument is so versatile. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Whether you\u2019re looking for something from the Classical Period by a composer like Mozart, or a great jazz solo to play, it\u2019s easy to find good music for the clarinet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It\u2019s also incredibly flexible. It can sound <strong>melancholic and sombre<\/strong>. It can sound <strong>happy and fun<\/strong>. It can also sound <strong>exciting and aggressive<\/strong>, with many fast-moving notes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The clarinet sounds good playing a solo in church, or with the clarinet section in a marching band. There are so many different styles to try.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>The pitch range of the clarinet is much wider<\/strong> than most of the other band instruments. Its standard range is concert D3-Bb7. That\u2019s nearly four octaves!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Add to that the fact that there are many other clarinets in the clarinet family, and you see that clarinets have a range that rivals the piano. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Other clarinets that are commonly used are the Eb, which is smaller and pitched higher than the standard Bb clarinet, the <strong>lower alto clarinet<\/strong>, which is also pitched in Eb, and the <strong>Bb bass clarinet<\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>There are even <strong>contra alto and contrabass clarinets<\/strong>, pitched in Eb and Bb.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Because it\u2019s capable of so much, the clarinet is highly regarded in nearly every style of music. It\u2019s at home playing Classical style, orchestral and band music, polkas, klezmer, Dixieland, Swing and even rock music.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"6_The_Clarinet_is_highly_portable\"><\/span>#6: The Clarinet is highly portable<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Contrary to larger instruments like the piano, the tuba, or the double bass, the clarinet is <strong>compact and easy to transport<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A Bb clarinet is around <strong>26 inches long<\/strong>. <strong>It weighs about two pounds<\/strong>, which means it\u2019s not too heavy when you\u2019re playing in a marching band.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It\u2019s easy to <a href=\"https:\/\/groovewiz.com\/can-you-leave-a-clarinet-assembled\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" title=\"Can You Leave a Clarinet Assembled? Things You Should Know\">disassemble a clarinet<\/a> and put each piece into its case, and it\u2019s even possible to get a case which can be worn <strong>like a backpack<\/strong> for easy carrying.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Because you can take your instrument anywhere, it\u2019s easy to <strong>pick up your clarinet and play anytime<\/strong>. Assembly is easier than an electronic instrument which needs power.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"7_The_Clarinet_is_not_too_noisy\"><\/span>#7: The Clarinet is not too noisy<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>For beginners on many band instruments, it\u2019s easiest to play loud. Trumpet, saxophone and drums are harder to control when trying to play medium soft <em>(mp)<\/em> or soft <em>(p)<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>After playing the clarinet a short while, most beginners are able to <strong>output a sound which isn\u2019t too loud<\/strong>. They learn quickly how to produce <strong>different dynamic levels<\/strong>. The clarinet is able to play very softly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"8_The_Clarinet_makes_a_great_second_instrument\"><\/span>#8: The Clarinet makes a great second instrument<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>If you already play another instrument, the clarinet is a fun second instrument to learn. This is true especially if you started out on a different woodwind instrument like flute or saxophone, because many of the <strong>fingerings are the same<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It\u2019s very common for woodwind players to double on another woodwind instrument. A <strong>flutist who also plays clarinet<\/strong>, or a <strong>clarinetist who also plays saxophone<\/strong> are more likely to be in high demand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"9_The_Clarinet_is_gender_neutral\"><\/span>#9: The Clarinet is gender neutral<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Everyone can enjoy playing the clarinet. It isn\u2019t seen as just a boy\u2019s instrument or just a girl\u2019s instrument. There are many different professional male and female clarinetists around the world.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Paquito D\u2019Rivera<\/strong> is a famous male clarinetist who is amazing at everything from Classical music to Latin jazz. <strong>Elsa Ludewig-Verdehr<\/strong> is known for being an outstanding musician and an early famous female clarinetist in the US.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Final_words\"><\/span>Final words<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Playing clarinet is fun because you learn to play a fantastic instrument. It can become challenging, but it\u2019s fairly easy for a beginner to get started. It\u2019s also more affordable than some instruments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Because it\u2019s so flexible, there is a lot of music available for the instrument. It\u2019s needed in both bands and orchestras, and it\u2019s also a great way to make new friends.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Invented around 1700, the clarinet has been a popular instrument from the very start. From beginners to advanced musicians, you can find people playing clarinet as a solo instrument, in small chamber groups and large ensembles. Why is it so popular? The clarinet has a beautiful sound, is relatively easy to learn and is affordable. &#8230; <a title=\"9 Reasons Why The Clarinet Is So Popular\" class=\"read-more\" href=\"https:\/\/groovewiz.com\/9-reasons-why-the-clarinet-is-so-popular\/\" aria-label=\"More on 9 Reasons Why The Clarinet Is So Popular\">Read more<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":1412,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[13],"tags":[],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/groovewiz.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1255"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/groovewiz.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/groovewiz.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/groovewiz.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/groovewiz.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1255"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/groovewiz.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1255\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/groovewiz.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1412"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/groovewiz.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1255"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/groovewiz.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1255"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/groovewiz.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1255"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}