Description
The music in this book has been composed as a direct result of an increasing demand from players interested in breaking into the world of show playing. The skill of the multi-instrumentalist has long been a given for theatre orchestrators and indeed the parts in recent years have become steadily more complicated.
Teaching posts now frequently require applicants to play ‘woodwind’ and should a career be considered in anything other than orchestral playing, then the ability to play more than one instrument is invaluable.
In my own case, after I left Music College, I rapidly found that playing one instrument was simply not enough. At the time of writing, Music Colleges have now started to recognise that the ‘multi- instrumentalist’ is now a specialist area of study and in some cases, they are developing courses in woodwind doubling.
These pieces are designed to be practiced and performed whilst sitting down. This emulates the environment of a pit player with the instruments required, (Flute, Clarinet and Alto Sax), ready on stands in front of you, exactly as a recording studio or theatre pit.
Quick instrument changes and varying styles provide you with an insight into the world of a multi-instrumentalist. Your aim is to always ‘make the change’ cleanly and on time.
Live recordings of the piano parts, expertly played by Torquil Munro, are available to download free of charge from Spartan Press.
Good luck and enjoy!
Table of Contents
- Acid
- Charlwood
- How Cool Can You Be
- To Rio
- Matinee Idol
- Treading the Bored
- Tried and Dried
Reviews
Saunders’ tunes are fun and musically satisfying—to my tastes, the best among the doubling etude books so far. Styles are what you might find in contemporary rock/pop-based musical theater.
So You Want to Play is a solid addition to the flute/clarinet/alto materials available, challenging but fun for an up-and-coming doubler.
These trebling resources from Paul Saunders are a real gem, offering players who need to keep their mind and fingers limber a rare treat - the varying levels of standard allows aspiring treblers to develop skills in a bespoke and fun way, not just focusing on the playability on each instrument but the logistics of changing instrument at a few bars notice! As a saxophonist, clarinettist and a struggling flautist it became clear to me that everyone will find their strengths and weaknesses to build on. The jazzy styles of this series engages your ear, helping you to transfer your skills. A breath of fresh air for woodwind players. Highly recommended.