Description
My orchestra – the Venice Symphony in Florida – always starts their concerts with the Star Spangled Banner. We use the version for orchestra written by Walter Damrosch of the music by John Stafford Smith. My version mostly follows the bassoons and string basses, and is written entirely in bass clef, since that is what professional bass clarinetists are expected to be able to read. Since it is written in bass clef and uses the extended low range of the modern bass clarinet instrument down to low C, it takes this patriotic work and transforms it into a useful exercise. Through the repetition of each performance, your skills in reading bass clef will improve or keep current, as well as gain facility in playing the extended low notes on the bass clarinet. Do not be deceived – the last two staves can be very tricky!
This is a free download. Please consider our many fine products available here for purchase!
