So basically I’m auditioning for All-State Orchestra tomorrow and even after 3 months I just can’t play either of my audition songs, these are way more difficult than anything I’ve ever played before and I’ve checked several times that I do have the right music but I still feel like I must be missing something?

The first one gives me a total of 2 beats of rest throughout 95 total and I can’t breathe anywhere else without getting behind because it’s so fast, the second one only gives me half a beat out of 72 but it’s shorter and slower so I guess it isn’t as bad but I’m still running out of breath for both of them, and that’s not to mention I can’t even play a good third of these notes in the first place and my fingers just can’t move that fast

I don’t really know what I should do because I’ve been able to play everything they’ve given me until now with just a few weeks or so of practicing but I have made little to no progress over the past 3 months of trying to play these

I guess I’ll update this with how it goes tomorrow? I’m pretty much definitely not getting in though

I bought it for my spouse with 2 different reed sizes that are the Legere Reeds Bass Clarinet Reed Strength 2.0 and 2.5 and a yamaha neck strap for the bass clarinet. It is all I could afford and its a late birthday present. Since living on Big Island Hawaii we could not find a store that would rent to own sincd it has to be mailed here. Plus a lot of sellers on Reverb won't ship here due to the cost of shipping. So is this okay for a beginner? If she enjoys it we can then in a 2 years or 3 by a yamaha or something even better.

I plan on majoring in music education. I have a bass clarinet and soprano now. Will I need a low c bass clarinet or would my Eb suffice?

Does anyone have a chart for selmer/bundy contra alto clarinet overtone series ( for playing higher notes)

Hi!

I think i saw this on Instagram some time ago. It was a t-shirt showing the bass clarinet part where the bass clarinetist has more than 100 something bars of break (i think it was something from Romeo and juliet maybe). Please help me find it i kind of wanna wear it honestly.

Hello fellow musicians, I'm here for advice. I'm really considering getting myself a bass clarinet and start learning because I've always wanted to. I'm already playing the flute and baritone sax, and the bass was a close second when I picked the bari. So now, 8 years later, I'd like to take a shot at it. I've been looking around to find the best student model to get (because money isn't infinite), but I still want the full register. So I was thinking of getting the low C custom from Kessler. This is the first question, is that one the best I can do for that budget?

Second question is the mouthpiece. I play on a selmer S80 D on my bari, and I've seen people advocating for the selmers (concept and focus) and the vandorens (B40-B45). I'm willing to go a little more expensive on the mouthpiece as long as the quality is good. Which one to pick?

Thank you for reading

Got this bass off ebay but im not sure if its missing a pad or it’s supposed to be like that. The picture shows the lower half I’m looking at the third key.

I have a new Backun alpha low c bass clarinet. I noticed that when I play low c or c#, the thumb key don't close the low d hole entirely. It closes enough to play the note, but the pitch is sharp and the timbre is airy. I've deduced (though I may be wrong) that the problem is the mechanism that connects the c# and c thumb keys to the low d pad, because my low d plays just right, but when I play low c or c#, and use my foot to gently push on the d pad, the pitch is correct and the tone improves. Or alternatively I can also just push down on the low d key with my pinky but I'm guessing this is not intended to be necessary.

Is there an adjustment screw somewhere I can try adjusting myself or is this a trip to the tech?

Bass clarinetist here. My section-mate is learning contrabass clarinet, and finding that the low notes are extremely flat. The low Db sounds like a C and the C sounds like a Bb. It's a paperclip contra, not sure what brand, and they're playing on a #3 reed. They're borrowing the instrument from the school, and I had the same problem when I borrowed it last year.

Any help would be much appreciated.

Edit: It's a Leblanc

Coming from a 5rv lyre mouthpiece on Bb what should I try on bass? The smallest opening? B44?

don't think that's supposed to happen

Hi, this is Gael Hinojosa and I am doing a fundraiser with the MUSIC FOR ALL NATIONAL CONCERT BAND . Please follow the link to help me reach my goal of $500. Thank you for your help! https://groupfund.us/s/ikQwcoM?utm_source=share_button&utm_medium=social&utm_content=dashboard

my low G sounds funky and i have school tomorrow i need help

Hi, I dont really know were to go from here but ive just started play bass clarinet at the moment and I was wondering for tips for playing my instrument because my band teacher is really screwing me over by saying "yeah just wing it"

In concert b flat going up I have my C, D, E, F, G, A, down but past that I sound very squeaky or just wont push it out properly. Im well aware of how hard I have to push out the air and the fingering but im just stumped sense theres no videos on bass clarinet like anywhere. Im literally just trying to learn my B and C and I dont know what to do.

sigh I’m gonna be out until like 9:00 PM tonight playing pep band music and it’s gonna be super cold and I didn’t bring a jacket ☹️

Heya! I’m getting back into playing this year, I’ve got a Kessler & sons bass clarinet low eb with a vandoren b50 mouthpiece, from what I’ve gathered vandoren 2.5 v12 is the best choice for now to get the best sound with how big the b50 is. Is this the correct choice for now while I’m working on my breathing and regaining strength, then move to the 3?

Hi! My 8th grade daughter has been playing bass clarinet for the last year. I'd like to get her her own instrument, as the school loaner has pieces held together by hair ties lol. Just a few questions:

- There is a Selmer USA available for $600 in my area, I was thinking of offering $500, the pictures don't look like it was abused or anyting. I actually used to play bass clarinet decades ago in high school and noticed that the neck points more upright than I'm used to (picture included).. I'm assuming this isn't an issue or at worst I could replace the neck if needed?

- If I go and check it out, is there anything I should look for other than keys move freely and don't stick, and pads aren't falling out? (it does appear the lyre mount is missing, pictured)

- Are there any other instruments I should be looking at, other than Selmer, that could be had for under $1k budget? I could maybe stretch a little since she still seems interested and moving into high school next year.

- This comes with a jupiter mouthpiece... she could try it out but open to upgrading the mouthpiece if anyone has suggestions there as well?

Thanks for the help!!

There is also a Vito for sale for $500, but I'm not really familiar Vito brand or how they compare with the Selmer.