Three Pieces for Unencumbered Clarinet

My introduction to the world of instrumental music came during fourth grade in a tiny school in upstate New York when the music teacher came around and asked, "which instrument would you like to play?" Since I had already made up my mind way back in second grade, I immediately said, "trombone." A week or so later, I was handed a long, skinny case . . . much too small to be a trombone with the admonition, "your arm is not long enough . . . you're much better suited to the clarinet!" After my initial disappointment, I came to love the instrument which eventually led to a substantial college scholarship, meeting my future wife, Nelle and a lifetime of wonderful music making.In this piece, I have tried to evoke the diversity of the clarinet with its fantastic range of colors and technical facility. It was composed for my daughter-in-law, Belle O'Neill, an accomplished clarinetist. Not much more to be said . . .so . . . practice, practice, practice and be sure your keys are well oiled!