Work : American Sketch
Composer : Francis H. McKay http://composers.com/frances-mckay
Difficulty Ranking : II
Publisher : C.L. Barnhouse Inc.
Year Published : 1937
Instrumentation : 3 Bb Clarinets and Bass Clarinet or 2 Bb Clarinets, Alto Clarinet, and Bass Clarinet
Potential Pedagogical Applications : Articulation matching, intonation (octave, unison, and chordal), ensemble mechanics (tempo transitions), phrase matching, tone development and blend
Sample Recording :
Where to Purchase Sheet Music : http://www.jwpepper.com/1006527.item#.VqwwJvl9600
Annotation : American Sketch is a short work for mixed clarinet quartet. The original score contains an alto clarinet part, but the work is more frequently performed with three Bb clarinets. The inclusion of the alto clarinet is more an indication of the trend of the time of composition. The range of the work only enters the altissimo register in the first clarinet part. The writing is also primarily grouped in pairs, making it easier for younger ensembles to identify the different lines.
