Instrumentation

Clarinet duet

Intermediate (grade 4)
Duration: 14’30”
I. With Nervous Energy 2:45
II. Idyll 3:32
III. Playful 2:27
IV. Ethereal 2:55
V. In Flight 2:50
2025

Available from:
JW Pepper
Sheet Music Direct
Sheet Music Plus

Media

Program Notes

As a private clarinet teacher, I’ve noticed that once students move into general band music, they rarely play in the clarinet’s lowest register. Unfortunately, that leads to students not knowing note names or fingerings for ledger lines below the staff.

To this end, Breaking Even focuses on the chalumeau and throat tones. The difficulty level is aimed at high school and college students. These move students beyond the basic introduction to low notes found in beginner books and early band literature. Students will become familiar with enharmonics and alternate fingerings.

Any two equal clarinets can play these duets (two B-flats, two basses, etc.). As the auxiliary instruments often don’t cooperate as well in higher ranges (don’t get me started on school horns!), this allows those players to access more challenging music without it being overly frustrating.

The chalumeau register is beautiful and doesn’t get nearly the attention it deserves.