Here are a few lesson planning ideas that you can use when learning about the clarinet in the music class.
Have fun making this simple single reed instrument You will need: pieces of paper and plastic combs, about 5cm x 5cm (two inches by two inches) Instructions: Hold a comb with the teeth pointed toward you. Place a piece of paper on the comb in line with the edge of the teeth and hold it in place with your thumbs. Place your lips around the paper and comb and blow to make a sound. This activity should make clear the concept of a single reed vibrating to create sound.
Spotlight on clarinet players: Share this information with your class in the manner that best suits you. Alternatively, assign these musicians to groups of students for short-term projects and have them give presentations.
An American clarinetist, best known for his jazz musicianship was Benny Goodman. He was born in 1909 to jewish immigrants in Chicago He learned the clarinet very quickly and worked as a professional musician while still a teenager. Goodman led a band in New York City in the 1920’s and 30‘s. They played a style of jazz called Swing, and Benny became known as “The King of Swing.” Benny Goodman is known as one of the best jazz clarinetists of all timse, as he continued to make recordings for the rest of his life He also crossed over to make some recordings of the classical repertoire.
Thea King (1925-2007) was an important English clarinetist. She played with many different groups, but perhaps her most significant position was principal clarinetist of the English Chamber Orchestra from 1964 to 1999. She was inducted into the Order of the British Empire in 1985, becoming “Dame Thea King.”
Richard Stoltzman (born 1942) is a well known American classical clarinetist. He has made both classical and jazz recordings Studying at Ohio State University, he majored in both Music and Mathematics Orchestras around the world would love to have him as soloist
Sabine Meyer, a German clarinetist born in 1959, was the first ever female member of the Berlin Philharmonic. She soon left when the other members didn’t accept her to become a full time clarinet soloist. She is also very involved in chamber music (music for a small group of players).
These are just a few ideas taken from the fun music company’s music lesson plans on instruments of the orchestra.
