On Tuesday, September 30, 2003, at 09:52 AM, Daniel Dorff wrote (in part):
A flutist associates high high C above the 5th line with a certain fingering and seeing that note up there sets up automatic muscle memory in fingers and embouchure that isn't true for the visual experience of the C on the 2nd ledger line.
Yes, and another way to think about this is to realize that beginning instrumentalists do not first learn to identify, label and play "notes," but "fingerings." They learn, in other words, a tablature that applies to their instrument, with each line or space denoting a specific fingering. Labeling those lines and spaces with note names is a lot more intellectual, and generally comes later in the learning process. When I first added viola to my violin playing, I didn't know what notes I was playing for a long time, but I did know how to finger them!
On the matter of ledger lines, I've enjoyed reading this thread, but it's really a non-argument. Instrumentalists learn to read the ledger lines that are typically used for their own instrument, and are uncomfortable reading ledger lines that are not. It's a matter of learning, like learning tenor or alto clef if it is not native to your instrument, and anyone can do it. Therefore I would second the suggestions that extended bass clarinet parts remain in treble clef with a 9th transposition.
What I would NOT do is expect an orchestral player (and certainly not a band player) to have a low C bass clarinet or even have access to one at any level below fully-professional, full-time orchestral specialists. Which comes down to the basic question of whom your music is intended for, and how willing you are to limit its playability by writing in ranges that are not, in fact, universal. There's a big difference between writing for publication and writing for immediate performance by people whose capabilities you are familiar with, like the old guys did.
John
-- John & Susie Howell Virginia Tech Department of Music Blacksburg, Virginia, U.S.A. 24061-0240 Vox (540) 231-8411 Fax (540) 231-5034 (mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]) http://www.music.vt.edu/faculty/howell/howell.html _______________________________________________ Finale mailing list [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://lists.shsu.edu/mailman/listinfo/finale
