Someone who owns *her* own alto clarinet.
The band director wants Suzy to play E-flat (aka Eb) alto clarinet for the Christmas concert. So we pulled it out and wow, it plays. It is a Leblanc Paris alto clarinet with a Walter Grabner mouthpiece. It even has a silver Vandoren one-screw lig, ain’t we fancy now.
There are some voicing issues but with time Suzy should be the loudest alto clarinet the director has ever heard. Most band directors won’t use alto clarinets unless there are two of them because they tend to be really soft voiced instruments. But they can add an interesting dynamic to the clarinet soli section and they are interesting to the uninitiated viewer.
What’s an alto clarinet? Well, I’m glad you asked grasshopper. It is the voicing between the soprano and the bass clarinet. You will see them in some concert bands but for the most part they are played in clarinet choirs. They have even been used in some jazz music by jazz phenoms like Joe Lovino.
Here’s your picture. It may be the only time you ever see this very rare of instruments that can be fun to play. For a sound track try the Dancing on Water CD.
The Bis Key Chronicles 
The picture is very good!
I think I have learned more about "Axes" since I have read your blog than I could ever hope to otherwise. And I like it. It gives me yet something more to have a conversation about.
That’s cool. I am familiar with the alto clarinet. I played in a band long long ago in school. :)
The wonderful car place on post wanted to charge me 700 bucks for a bunch of crap I don’t need done. I just went and paid for the brake pads and they ordered them. They said to call next week to see if they are in and make an appointment. Can’t wait to get it taken care of. I’m hitching rides when I can. My dad said it won’t hurt to drive it but it is so loud. I just prefer not to if I can help it.
Beth, Suzy hates having her picture taken. And I luv taking her picture. ;o)
Carol, I have been accused of spreading mass Jazz attacks to anyone who crosses my path.
Cassie, and you will admit that you played alto clarinet? You are a brave person. :o)
The photo just makes me smile!
–as to your comment on my space — we have a small theater here, and my hb acts in it a good bit (I did my one Bat Boy the musical and that’s enough for me! *laugh*) the symphony is in Asheville, but we’ve yet to go since we’ve moved here!
It’s weird, because we’re really quiet here in this cove, but at the bottom of the mountain they’ve built a golf course, okay, fine, it was there – but they are explanding it and putting up condos – ugly arse condos! and and…chopping down trees ..and…*sigh* how many condos do you need that stay empty most of the year? ah well….
So, my "Green Novel Publishing" — oh, if I could find a reputable publisher who was "Green" …yes, that would be nice. I don’t at this point want to self-publish, so that takes that out of the equation – unless it was such a thing that the company was so new because it was "Green" and needed support – and even then, I’d be VERY careful – there are so many places out there that love to take advantage of writers….good thing I’m cynical and careful and suspicious! *laugh*
very cool
Omg i wish they allowed these at my all-state! my life would be complete!