Teaching about the clarinet? here are a a few ideas for you. These are just a few ideas for music lesson planning available at the fun music company.
A simple single reed instrument can easily be made in the classroom Gather the following 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 While a teenager he learned the clarinet very quickly and became a professional musician Goodman led a band in New York City in the 1920’s and 30‘s. Goodman even became known as “The King of Swing” as his music was very popular during the swing era Goodman continued to play and make recordings for the rest of his life, and is one of the best known jazz clarinetists of all time. He was one of the few jazz musicians to cross over to the classical realm and make recordings of well known classical pieces.
Thea King (1925-2007) was an important English clarinetist. She was the principal clarinetist of the English Chamber Orchestra from 1964 to 1999, and played with many other groups. She was inducted into the Order of the British Empire in 1985, becoming “Dame Thea King.”
A well known American classical clarinetist is Richard Stoltzman. He has also made some jazz recordings. He majored in both music and mathematics at Ohio State University. 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. The other members didn’t accept her, however, and after a short time she left to become a full-time clarinet soloist. She is also an accomplished Chamber Music player.
