Welcome to Clarinet Playground!
What’s New?
$65
(The first 20 orders will get a FREE Finger Labyrinth sticker!)
$4
DIGITAL and PRINT – $35
3rd Prize Winner of the ICA Low Clarinet Festival Composition Competition (2023).
DIGITAL and PRINT – $15
Looking for Lessons?
$100 – Regular Consortium Members
$60 – College Students and Retired Clarinetists/Clarinet Enthusiasts
December 1, 2023 – Deadline to join the consortium
THE DEADLINE TO JOIN THE CONSORTIUM HAS PASSED. STAY TUNED FOR ANNOUNCEMENTS REGARDING WHEN THIS PIECE WILL BE RELEASED TO THE PUBLIC!
All consortium members will have their name printed in the score, will have exclusive premiere and performance rights until the end of 2024, and will receive a digital score (printed scores will be available at a discount for members).
Commission by ICA Clarinet Enthusiasts Committee with Consortium
Work for solo clarinet (any clarinet in the clarinet family)
Three movements (fast – slow – fast)
8 minutes total
Enthusiast level with the slow movement being the easiest
Each movement will be able to stand alone (no transitions/attacca)
Timeline: Enthusiast event is in April of 2024 on a Saturday from 12:00 to 3:00 ET – date will be selected later
Finalize music by around Christmas
Masterclass led by composer at the Enthusiast Event
Character/Style: Irish inspiration to vibe with ClarinetFest® 2024 in Dublin, Ireland
Piece will receive its official premiere at ICA Dublin
CLICK HERE OR ON THE VIDEO ABOVE TO JOIN THE CONSORTIUM!
BIG NEWS for Clarinet Playground!
FOR THOSE PURCHASING THIS BOOK FOR OKLAHOMA ALL-STATE AUDITIONS FOR LOW CLARINETS (OkMEA), PLEASE NOTE THAT DIGITAL COPIES ARE INTENDED FOR THE USE OF ONE PERSON ONLY. DIGITAL MATERIALS ARE A LITTLE TRICKY. IF YOU PURCHASE A DIGITAL COPY, IT WILL BE PERSONALIZED FOR THE USE OF ONE PERSON. IF YOU’D PREFER TO HAVE A COPY FOR YOUR BAND LIBRARY, PLEASE PURCHASE A PRINT COPY. I AM A LIVING COMPOSER. I HAVE NO HOPES OF GETTING RICH DOING THIS WORK, BUT I DO HAVE TO MAKE A LIVING IF I AM ABLE TO CONTINUE CREATING MORE MATERIALS. THANK YOU FOR UNDERSTANDING!
What’s New-ish?
DIGITAL – FREE
Featured Items!
DIGITAL and PRINT – $10
Visit my STORE for more!
What are People Saying?
“Bravo to Kristen Denny-Chambers for writing such lovely études! They are good finger busters and, as a bonus, very musical and rewarding to play. Many of these pieces are so good they should become new standards in the clarinet repertoire.”
–Michele Zukovsky: Retired Principal Clarinet, LA Philharmonic Orchestra (54 years)
(Primary editor: Finger Fitness Études for Clarinet and Auxiliary Clarinets, Book 1)
“If you are looking for a thorough interval workout while basking in beautiful musical gems with a human touch and a supportive online community, look no further than the Finger Fitness Études series and the invaluable ‘Clarinet Playground’ experience by Kristen Denny-Chambers.”
–Andrew Simon: Principal Clarinet, The Hong Kong Philharmonic
(Primary editor: Finger Fitness Études for Clarinet and Auxiliary Clarinets, Book 2)
“Finger Fitness Études are like a well-planned vacation. There’s a lot to explore, but don’t hurry or you’ll miss something! Each étude opens the door to a new discovery. You’ll want to return again and again.”
–Paula Corley: Clarinetist, Educator, and Mayor of Clarinet City (clarinetcity.com)
(Primary editor: Finger Fitness Foundations for Clarinet)
“…a beautiful collection of original études that are fun and engaging. Each étude has been mindfully constructed to explore and refine clarinet fingering hurdles. Clarinetists of all ages will enjoy working through these études!”
–Dr. Julianne Kirk Doyle: Professor of Clarinet, Crane School of Music – SUNY Potsdam
“These études build a comprehensive technical foundation while allowing the player to develop their musical voice through fun and charming melodies. Every clarinetist and teacher should own this excellent resource!”
–Trevor Stewart: Principal Clarinet, Wichita Symphony and Symphony of Northwest Arkansas
(Primary editor: Finger Fitness Etudes for Clarinet and Auxiliary Clarinets, Book 3 and Cortejo de Aves)
“As a time-pressed adult clarinet enthusiast, I ask a lot of the music on my stand: it must be entertaining enough to encourage joyous, regular practice, it has to build my technique, and it needs to inspire creativity. Finger Fitness Études consistently checks ALL the boxes!”
–Katherine Carleton: C.M., Executive Director, Orchestras Canada
“The Finger Fitness Études series is a breath of fresh air in building and developing dexterity for all players! The real bonus is the playful themes that also enhance one’s musical expression and interpretation skills.”
–Krystal Williams: Woodwind Adjunct, University of Maryland, Baltimore County
“I love the catchy titles and engaging material – it’s like the musical equivalent of sneaking vegetables into other dishes!”
–Dr. Jenny Maclay: Vandoren Artist-Clinician and Clarinet Blogger: Jenny Clarinet
“These are cleverly written études that feel good to play on any clarinet, and they evoke effective and vivid imagery with the various compositional techniques used. Nicely done!”
–Tyler Mazone: Composer and Clarinetist
“Thank you so much, Doc! My students in the Klarigarten Academy are head over heels in LOVE with all things Clarinet Playground affiliated. Thank you for creating material that is not only highly effective but also super fun for today’s young and hungry clarinetist in training.”
–Trayon C. Spivey-Hall: Clarinetist and Educator, founder of the Klarigarten Academy
“Finger Fitness Foundations is a must-have companion for aspiring clarinetists who want to develop strong technical fundamentals. With a thoughtful and thorough approach, including practice tips and fingering suggestions, this book offers a daily dose of inspiration and fun!”
–Ixi Chen: Professor of Clarinet, Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music
“Finger Fitness Foundations covers the most common problems my students come to me with: alternate fingerings, navigating large leaps, side key usage, sliding when appropriate, double sharps, and voicing. This book has it all. What a terrific resource!”
–Mark J. Cramer: Professor of Clarinet, Tennessee Tech University
“Finger Fitness Foundations is a delightful way to practice important technical motions hidden in fun and approachable études. It’s perfect for beginners just learning to coordinate tricky passages; however, at faster speeds, these études can serve advanced players who want to clean up and speed up their fingers.”
–Sarah Manasreh: Professor of Clarinet, University of Wisconsin – Stevens Point
“Dr. Denny Chambers’ Finger Fitness Foundations is a superior addition to any clarinetist’s daily practice routine! These engaging and addictive exercises will guide students of all levels to improve finger coordination, independence, strength, flexibility, dexterity, proper positioning, and control.”
–Shannon Kiewitt: “The President’s Own” United States Marine Band
“The Finger Fitness Études collection is a wonderful tool for technique building and the development of well-rounded musicians. This third installment continues to challenge and inspire, exposing the player to new compositional styles while making the journey just as enjoyable as ever. You’ll never want to take this book off your stand!”
–Chris Mothersole: EFX Clarinetist, Composer & Arranger
“The third book of Kristen Denny-Chambers’ Finger Fitness Études is a wonderfully constructed resource for any clarinetist. Fingering challenges are delightfully hidden within charming melodies with picturesque étude titles. The Clarinet Playground series is a fresh and welcome addition to our clarinet pedagogy. These musical gems honor and celebrate inclusivity in our modern world of professional clarinetists.”
–Mary Alice Druhan: Professor of Clarinet, Texas A&M University-Commerce
“My favorite part about Book 3 is that it offers a wide range of musical ideas to study. I have performed études from previous Finger Fitness Études books for chamber concerts around the world, in online classes, and at conventions. Book 3 will be a part of my touring list for years to come because of how musically appealing it is.”
–Marcus Moore: Clarinetist, MARFORPAC Band
“Book 3 is my favorite set of Finger Fitness Études yet. Kristen Denny-Chambers has a remarkable ability to weave challenging technical patterns into playful, thoroughly musical works in a variety of styles. This book is a must-have for any clarinetist seeking musical growth and a fun learning experience.”
–Caitlin Beare: Asst. Professor of Clarinet, Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi
“These études are challenging for students AND professionals. To top it off, the melodies are interesting and pleasant to listen to and play. I highly recommend Finger Fitness Études for anyone looking for a collection that is new and refreshing. Brava!”
–David Sapadin: Principal Clarinet, The New York Pops
Book Reviews
Clarinet Playground Chats!
Featured Chat: Meet Trevor Stewart, one of the sounds of Clarinet Playground. Trevor has recorded ALL 40 études from Finger Fitness Études, Book 2 and his MP3 available now in my store individually and with the book as a bundle!
Click HERE for more Clarinet Playground Chats!
Online Communities!
