How to Convert an E Flat Clarinet to a B Flat Clarinet

The e-flat or "soprano" clarinet is a higher-pitched and piercing cousin to the b-flat clarinet. Although quite rare in orchestras and jazz ensembles, it is used often in concert bands and marching bands. Because of the rarity of the e-flat clarinets, using a b-flat to cover the parts is a common and manageable solution. Like many instruments, the natural pitch coming from clarinets is not at concert pitch and requires some transposition--more so when transposing the e-flat clarinet to a b-flat clarinet. With a notation program or just a basic understanding of theory, this shouldn't be a problem, or at the least a nice exercise in music theory.

Instructions

1. Write out the e-flat clarinet's melody. If you are using a notation program like Finale or Sibelius. write it exactly as it appears on the page--key signature and accidentals. Do not do any transposition at this point.

2. Transpose the piece up a perfect fourth. Make the key signature follow suit (eg: if the piece has the soprano clarinet in D-major, then the b-flat clarinet should be in G-major) Using a notation program, this can be done automatically using the transpose function, normally the key signature will move accordingly.

3. Check to make sure that the accidentals are logical and readable. Any double flats and double sharps should be avoided unless they are used correctly.

4. Play back the part on the b-flat clarinet and see if it sounds correct. If the transposition is done correctly, then all harmonies should be the same as it was using the e-flat.

References

• Transposition Tutorial
• Music Theory Exercises