I PLAY CLARINET AND AM TAKING GRADE 8, AND AM LOOKING TO START A WOODWIND INSTRMENT AS A SECOND INSTRUMENT TO INCREASE MY VERSATILITY AS AN ORCHESTRAL PERFORMER.
FLUTE IS OUT OF THE QUESTION AND SO IS OBOE.
HOWEVER CONCERNING SAXOPHONES, WHICH ONE DO YOU CONSIDER A GOOD ONE. IM THINKING ABOUT SOPRANO SAX OR MAYBE TENOR, OR PREHAPS ALTO OR BAS CLARINET.

ANY ADVICE OR HELP WOULD BE GREAT.

MATT
X

In terms of orchestral playing bass clarinet would be good because sometimes you have to play both for different pieces within the same orchestra. I play tenor saxophone which is great but in terms of orchestral playing I would say bass clarinet.

Totally agree Jazz man I think that if you play tenor or soprano sax then you will have more oppurtunities and they have similar embouchre as clarinets.

Well saxophones aren't generally in an orchestra - thought you would know that?!

So if you don't want to do flute or oboe then I guess it will have to be a bass clarinet or an Eb clarinet.

Why are flute and oboe out of the question?!

I was wondering that too. The flute is a great instrument. You'd probably find sax easier to move on to after the clarinet although the orchestral opportunities would be limited to say the least. Perhaps a few pieces by 20th Century French composers but that's about it.

Although I am a passionate saxophone player, if you want to increase your versatility as an orchestral performer then I suggest you take up the cello or tuba, as they are sought after instruments in most orchestras. Also these instruments would add variety to your current skills as a musician.