66 Festive & Famous Chorales for Band: 3rd Clarinet Book

This collection gives third clarinet players genuinely musical material instead of filler. Erickson's voicing keeps the third part engaged and singable while maintaining the integrity of the harmonic foundation, so players at this level feel they're contributing to something substantial, not relegated to doublings or sustained notes.

Working through these chorales feels unhurried and purposeful. Each piece unfolds with harmonic clarity and melodic grace, giving players space to listen, breathe together, and develop the kind of musical sensitivity that separates competent playing from expressive ensemble work.

Third clarinet players in beginning to intermediate concert bands will find this collection essential for building musicianship alongside technique. Teachers and directors also value these pieces as warm-up material that teaches phrasing and intonation without requiring separate sectional drill books.

• Listen actively to the first and second clarinets to lock the sectional blend; your part often provides harmonic support, and intonation in the clarinet section depends on balancing all three voices.
• Shape your phrase even when holding longer notes. Erickson's chorales reward subtle dynamic inflection and breath placement that follows the harmonic rhythm rather than the measure line.
• Mark your part with the concert key context. Knowing which voice carries the melody in each chorale helps you understand where your part fits harmonically and why certain balances matter.

Open rehearsals with a chorale or two to establish focus and blend before moving into more complex repertoire. You can also program individual favorites on concerts, either as standalone pieces for smaller ensembles or as part of a medley that showcases the breadth of the collection.

• Harmonic awareness and listening for balance within a section
• Phrasing and expressive shaping across four-part textures
• Intonation tuning in ensemble contexts
• Sight-reading fluency across diverse chorale styles
• Understanding voice leading and one's role within it