It's from the 40 Modern Studies for Modern Clarinet, By James Rae.

I'm not definitely going to play this for my grade 5, but other than the middle section, I'm getting on with very well and I think there's great expansion for dynamics and really controlling the tone differently, with the accented parts at the beginning - I like the way the opening's so strong... and the little slurred bits, then with the long slurred, softer passage in the middle before it gets much louder and bolder again... the melodies sound interesting to play with the accidentals...and the different time signatures I'm finding surprisingly ok!!

Enough of 'bigging up' the piece; my problem lies with the middle section, as the title says. I've tried using a metronome and not, tried playing the phrases seperately, but I just don't seem to be able to get it any faster than one crotchet = 115.... and the marking is 138 on it!! The rest, yes, I seem to be nearly there.. but just this darned middle section, lol! Also, it seems to sound rushed when I do play it fast, and this really isn't what I'm hoping it will sound like when I've finally got it up to speed. Maybe I just need to get used to the fingering more... you do have to hop between the register, but usually, I'm fine with that!

Any advice/ did anyone perform it for their G5?

Thanks in advance...

I played it for my grade 5, and loved it. The middle section is 'tricky'. calm down, slow down until you can play it easily.
Just take your time learning it and eventually it all falls into place. Just don't see it as a problematic middle bit, more as an exciting exspansion on the title. You will get there, just don't try and get up to speed too quickly, you'll see, it's a really fun piece !

Great piece, I did that for my Grade 5 too!

As trudi said, just practise slowly, and then slowly practise increasing the speed. Thing is, know when to stop increasing the speed! I always found myself running away with it and then getting all tangled up!

Good luck, anyway!

good choice of piece! i played this and will play it again. if i have any advice i'll let you know.

I'm a clarinet teacher and I hope the following helps:
Those metronome markings are often the maximum speed recommended - ie don't go any faster. They are there to help you establish the right approach and mood, and needn't be slavishly obeyed. Examiners will often comment on your choice of tempo and most would rather hear a solid performance than a slightly faster, uneven one. Have you tried slowing the whole thing down to the speed you can play the middle section at? I've found that's generally a good way to practise. Good luck.

I used to have problems with the "across the break" bits (A, Bb, C in quick succession) but if you use the trill keys you can often get away with it when its up to speed!

Thanks for the replies everyone, I must really work on playing the rest slower so it's all the same speed at least. The reply about the trill keys helped too - I remembered my teacher did encourage me to use them, but I forgot! Hum. Anyway, thanks a lot, I'll tell you if I 'decide' to choose it!!