E flat Alto clarinet in symphonies?

Question

I want to pursue a career in music performance. I play alto clarinet. Do major symphonies accept altos? When i was doing research, I didn't see any on the rosters...

Answer 1

I would honestly ask. I play Bass Clarinet and I tried out for a summer symphony and got in. The instrument wasn't on the roster either, but they said they were looking for two. I know that high school symphonies aren't exactly professional gigs, but it's just an example. There are always Clarinet choirs and quintets that use altos. It all depends on how hard you look and what kind of groups you are willing to play with.

good luck!

Answer 2

maybe not, but you can play a Bb pretty easily.  if you want to expand your options, try some other woodwinds, like oboe.  that's the one they pushed me towards when I wanted to be a professional musican. now that I just play for fun, I use a Bb clarinet that I got off of ebay (from a person who had no clue what they had, but I only paid $100 for it)

Answer 3

There are very, very few pieces for symphony orchestra which include an alto clarinet part.  For that reason, an orchestra won't have alto clarinet players on the rosters; their clarinet section players will double it if need be.  All the professional clarinet players I know double soprano Eb, Bb and bass clarinets, and often saxophone as well.  As a purely Eb alto player, you're not going to have an easy time finding work.

Answer 4

I know some of this will be reitterating what the other posters have said, but...

Most symphonies and orchestras DON'T use alto clarinet.  There are so few parts actually written for it, that it is pointless to hire someone specifically to play that one part they MIGHT run across that year.  Usually, they ask one of the Bb clarinets to switch over for a piece.

If you are sitting there saying "well, I have parts all the time in my band"... it is because if you listen, all you do is double the 2nd alto sax part, the bass clarinet or bari part, or are playing the Bb clarinet part down an octave.  Don't get me wrong- I have had solo feature parts on alto clarinet, but again, I was asked to switch from Bb.  (EDIT: Many times publishers or composers will add an optional alto clarinet part just in a case like yours, especially when marketed for high schools that may be trying to give students some experience.)

Your best bet to play professionally, is to work your butt off with the Bb clarinet... and if you do land a gig, let them know you are well versed in playing alto clarinet too... it may not lead to better pay, but over time it can lead to dependability and respect.

On a side note: most pros really don't like having to play the alto clarinet or the bassett horn... they are awkward, have tuning issues, and many have fallen into disrepair... we hate them! Hahaha!

If you are one of those people who CAN play the stupid thing in tune, I tip my hat to you! LOL

Answer 5

Usually the Clarinet players in the major orchestras play all of the clarinets including Bb, A Eb and bass. That way they get to save money on players