Although different marching bands vary in terms of their instrumentation preferences, most bands include the clarinet in their presentations. Indeed, the clarinet has proven itself as an invaluable instrument to marching bands. However, you cannot afford to use just any clarinet while performing. This begs the question of what the best clarinets for a marching band are.
Whether you are in the marching band business for entertainment or competition, it is always best to provide top-quality music. To achieve this, you’d have put in time and effort in terms of training and rehearsals. More importantly, you have to make sure that your instruments are top-notch and well-suited for the activities you’ll put them through.
Therefore, now that you have chosen the clarinet as your instrument of choice, you need to explore the best options for you. So, if you are wondering, ‘what are the best clarinets for a marching band?’, you’re in good hands.
In this article, we will share insight into some of the clarinet models that are best for a marching band. Furthermore, we will also give you some tips on how to maintain your clarinet. This will ensure that the instrument keeps producing high-quality sounds for as long as possible. Keep reading to discover our list of top clarinets models.
Clarinets For A Marching Band: The Top Three Options You Have
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Before we dive into our review of the best clarinet options for a marching band, here’s something you should know. A wooden clarinet is always a poor choice if you plan to play in a marching band. This is because wood is more susceptible to temperature and weather changes. Besides, its resistance to physical trauma (such as dropping to the floor) is relatively low.
That said, let us look at what the best clarinets for a marching band are.
1) Yamaha YCL250 Clarinet
This clarinet certainly deserves the first place on our list of top marching band clarinets. The Yamaha YCL250 clarinet features a beautiful matte antique finish on an ABS resin body coupled with superbly-designed keys.
This ensures that you get an excellent blend of quality sounds and durability for your clarinet.
Furthermore, the Yamaha YCL250 is a B-flat clarinet which helps you with projection and intonation on lower notes. This particular characteristic makes it perfect for students, and of course, band members.
All-in-all, the Yamaha YCL250 is a beautiful and high-quality clarinet that we recommend for all instrument enthusiasts.
2) Aileen Lexington Bb Flat 17 Key Clarinet
Here is another fantastic option for clarinetists in a marching band. The Aileen Lexington Bb Flat 17 Key is an excellent choice for student players due to its affordability and professional grade.
It has a natural wood grain finish on its Bakelite body alongside nickel-plated keys. This combination makes the Aileen clarinet very aesthetically pleasing.
In terms of sound quality, you probably already guess that the clarinet is a B-flat model. However, that is not all. It has 17 keys, which make it easy-to-play for a beginner.
Besides, the Aileen Lexington clarinet features stainless steel spring needles, which help to prevent your instrument from leaking. Moreover, the clarinet has a replaceable mouthpiece.
3) Mendini MCT-E+SD+PB Black B Flat Clarinet
Here’s more on the best clarinets for marching bands. Don’t let the name fool you. Mendini MCT-E+SD+PB B-Flat is not a complex Clarinet. Indeed, they are perfect for student musicians, including marching band players.
This clarinet comes in an extensive array of colors, including black, blue, green, purple, pink, and more. You likely will not get this perk with other models. However, despite this, the clarinet remains relatively affordable.
Also, the Mendini MCT-E+SD+PB features a durable ebonite ABS body with nickel-plated keys. Furthermore, it has inline trill keys complete with a thumb-rest, which you may adjust to your preferred position. It is also worth adding that the clarinet is a B-flat clarinet.
Indeed, considering the price of the Mendini MCT-E+SD+PB B-Flat Clarinet and its delightful features, it is an excellent bargain for the beginner clarinetist.
How To Take Care Of Your Marching Band Clarinet
Now that you know the top options for marching band clarinets, let us look at how to take care of them. After all, you don’t want to buy an instrument that wouldn’t last long enough for you to enjoy it. Below is an instrument care guide for your clarinet investment:
Temperature and Your Clarinet
Temperature fluctuations and your clarinet are not the best of friends. But, there are several ways you can manage changes in temperature without ruining your instrument.
- Do not expose your clarinet to extreme temperatures.
- Do not blow warm air into a cool clarinet.
- If you have been playing your clarinet in hot weather, put it back in its case before you take it to colder areas (say, an airconditioned room).
- When indoors, keep your clarinet from air vents, either hot or cool.
- If the weather is uncomfortable for you, it probably is for your clarinet too.
Humidity & Your Clarinet
Humidity is another crucial factor you want to watch out for, as it can affect your instrument.
- When not playing, try to keep your clarinet in its case at humidity levels not exceeding 70%.
- Also, do not expose your clarinet to rapid changes in humidity.
Sweat & Your Clarinet
If you’re playing your clarinet in a marching band, there’s a high probability you will get some sweat on it. If this happens, do not panic. Here’s how to handle it:
- Wipe down the instrument with a clean and soft dry cloth.
- You can also use silver polish clothes to remove sweat, dust, grime, and other undesirables on your instrument.
- Typically, combining both steps will get you the best results.
Conclusion
They say musicians are only as good as their instruments. In other words, irrespective of your skill level, you can never produce the sounds you want without the right instrument. Hopefully, we have helped you gain insight into the best clarinets for marching bands. Regardless of the choice you make, we wish you an enjoyable marching band experience!