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Clarinet Essentials Trivia Quiz

I have played the clarinet for the last nine years and hope to play for many more. See how well you know the basics of the clarinet.

A multiple-choice quiz by Matt685. Estimated time: 3 mins.

Author
Matt685

Time
3 mins

Type
Multiple Choice

Quiz #
118,668

Updated
Dec 03 21

# Qns
10

Difficulty
Average

Avg Score
7 / 10

Plays
2555

Last 3 plays: Guest 216 (4/10), Guest 119 (8/10), Guest 223 (8/10).

One at a Time - Single Page - Timed Game

Question 1 of 10

1. The traditional B flat soprano clarinet has how many open holes to be covered by fingers? Hint

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Question 2 of 10

2. Which of these materials is NOT usually used to make clarinets of any type? Hint

plastic

wood

stone

metal

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Question 3 of 10

3. Which of these soprano clarinets is not used in standard repertoire? Hint

B flat

E flat

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Question 4 of 10

4. Benny Goodman (the King of Swing) held the first jazz concert at Carnegie Hall.

True

False

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Question 5 of 10

5. How many pieces does a soprano clarinet disassemble into? This does not include the reed and the ligature. Hint

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Question 6 of 10

6. What is the firmest, hence most difficult reed (of those named)? Hint

3.5

4.5

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Question 7 of 10

7. Which fingering system is currently used on clarinets? Hint

Classical system

Sousa system

Boehm system

Sax system

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Question 8 of 10

8. In a concert band, the clarinets sit near to the conductor.

True

False

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Question 9 of 10

9. Which continent does the wood to make clarinets come from?

Answer: (one word)

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Question 10 of 10

10. What is the function of the ligature? Hint

To hold the reed in place on the mouthpiece

To shave reeds that are warped or too thick

To tune clarinets

To hold music in place for marching band players

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Most Recent Scores

Dec 14 2024 : Guest 216: 4/10
Nov 16 2024 : Guest 119: 8/10
Nov 15 2024 : Guest 223: 8/10
Nov 07 2024 : Guest 69: 4/10

Score Distribution

Quiz Answer Key and Fun Facts

1. The traditional B flat soprano clarinet has how many open holes to be covered by fingers?

Answer: 7

There are three holes for each hand plus one hole in the back for the left thumb.

2. Which of these materials is NOT usually used to make clarinets of any type?

Answer: stone

While wood is the preferable material for a clarinet body, plastic is used commonly, and metal has been used in the past. I am not aware of any stone clarinets.

3. Which of these soprano clarinets is not used in standard repertoire?

Answer: F

The most widely used clarinet is the B flat. However, the larger A clarinet and smaller E flat clarinets are used in orchestral settings.

4. Benny Goodman (the King of Swing) held the first jazz concert at Carnegie Hall.

Answer: true

The concert occurred in 1938. Goodman also broke racial barriers by including Lionel Hampton on the vibraphone. Gene Krupa was playing the drums that night.

5. How many pieces does a soprano clarinet disassemble into? This does not include the reed and the ligature.

Answer: 5

There is the mouthpiece, the barrel, the two middle pieces which have all of the keys and holes (upper hand and lower hand), and the bell.

6. What is the firmest, hence most difficult reed (of those named)?

Answer: 4.5

The 4.5 reed size is not the largest size reed. In fact, you can usually buy reeds up to size five. I have even heard of a size ten reed. However, in general, the larger size the reed, the more difficult it is to play. Weak reeds produce flimsy sounds.

7. Which fingering system is currently used on clarinets?

Answer: Boehm system

In 1844, two french musicians named Buffet and Klose` applied the Boehm flute key system to the clarinet. This consisted of two steps: first, they placed each hole so that each note would have the same tone quality; then, they made a key system to cover all of the holes. It was a success, and the Boehm system clarinet became popular around the world.

8. In a concert band, the clarinets sit near to the conductor.

Answer: true

You will also find the flutes and oboes within close proximity to the conductor. Watch out for flying wands- they can be sharp.

9. Which continent does the wood to make clarinets come from?

Answer: Africa

The tree is named Mpingo or African blackwood; it takes a very long time to grow and is very knotty. The wood is dense and resonates well to make the warm sound of a clarinet. It is expensive but the preferred material of good players.

10. What is the function of the ligature?

Answer: To hold the reed in place on the mouthpiece

The ligature is constantly being reinvented. Many players think it is the key to better sound. It is placed around the mouthpiece and tightened by a screw or screws to hold the reed firmly in place in order to be played.

Source: Author Matt685

This quiz was reviewed by FunTrivia editor bullymom before going online.
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