clarinet news & Views

Cork Pads

Mon, 26 Jan 2009 07:43:35 -0500

I want to share a suggestion to consider when it’s time to repad your clarinet or refurbish a clarinet you buy online.

Before yesterday’s Wakefield Civic Band concert, a fellow clarinet player was showing me his beautiful Selmer wood clarinet, a horn he snagged for a “really great price” on eBay. Steve’s been using the clarinet for a while but decided it’s time for a repad.

I suggested that he have the upper joint repadded with cork pads. Steve hadn’t heard about cork pads so I figure there are other clarinetists who might not realize they have this option.

Cork pads are wonderful on the upper joint because the trill keys and other side keys - such as the left-hand “side” Eb and the C# keys in the chalumeau register - tend to collect...um...condensation. Conventional pads can break down under those wet conditions while cork is fairly impervious. Generally speaking, the register key still uses a conventional pad.

Yes, it will probably cost a little more to have cork pads installed on the upper joint but these pads have better staying power. The investment will pay off in the long run.

When you talk with your clarinet repair tech, ask about the possibility of repadding your clarinet with cork pads. I think you’ll like them.

Until next time,
Cindy

Wakefield Civic Band Concert to Benefit South County Hospital

Tue, 13 Jan 2009 07:07:50 -0500

Wakefield, Rhode Island—January 25, 2009 — The Wakefield Civic Band is pleased to present the Second Annual Benefit Concert, An Afternoon of Timeless Music, on Sunday, January 25, 2009, at 2:00 pm, at the South Kingstown High School. The concert will also feature a special appearance by the South Kingstown High School Jazz Ensemble under the direction of Vince Mattera. Dedicated to strengthening civic partnerships through music, the event will raise funds to help South County Hospital grow and enhance its comprehensive range of quality medical and surgical services, while continuing its rich tradition of commitment to the community.
Tickets are available the day of the event at the door. A $10.00 suggested donation for adults and teens - Children under 12 free.
The Wakefield Civic Band, founded in the late 1890’s, is an all volunteer community concert band that has been playing music throughout Rhode Island for more than a century. Its band members come from all walks of life with diverse musical backgrounds and wide ranging skills with a singular goal, to encourage community cultural enrichment and musical enjoyment through public performance. From Christmas Concerts in Retirement Homes and Rhode Island Malls to its Monday evening summer concert series in Marina Park, the 60-piece Wakefield Civic Band has earned a well-established reputation entertaining audiences in Providence and throughout South County.
Under the watchful and inspirational leadership of conductor Barry Lieberman, the concert will feature selections from composers including Gershwin, Shostakovich, John Williams, and Beethoven. Barry Lieberman, a retired accomplished Music Director and teacher from the Bedford Public Schools in Bedford, NY, has been the director of the Wakefield Civic Band since 2000. He also plays saxophone in the Coastline Swing Band.
To arrange an interview with the Wakefield Civic Band Director, Barry Lieberman, or for further information, please call (401) 294-7101.

Sowash’s “Memories of Corsica” Premiered in D.C.

Tue, 13 Jan 2009 06:50:27 -0500

Composer Rick Sowash’s Trio #3 for violin, clarinet, and piano, “Memories of Corsica,” was recently premiered by the Verdehr Trio at the Phillips Collection in Washington, D.C. Washington Post reviewer Stephen Brookes had high praise for Sowash’s “engaging, colorful tone poem.” Read the complete review here.
As you read the review, listen to Sowash’s new Concerto for Clarinet and Orchestra. You’ll see why I like Rick’s music so much!
For more information about Rick’s CDs, sheet music, filmscores, and books, visit www.sowash.com.