Accent on Performance Classical Collection: Clarinet 2 Book

This collection gives your second clarinet section real classical repertoire without the frustration of oversimplified transcriptions. The 22 carefully curated arrangements include genuine masterworks from Renaissance through Romantic eras, and O'Reilly's scoring ensures Clarinet 2 voices remain engaged and musically rewarding rather than relegated to unison doublings.

Stepping into a museum of musical history, but on terms that feel achievable. These arrangements preserve the character and melodic beauty of pieces by Mozart, Beethoven, and other masters while inviting students to participate fully in the musical conversation rather than simply supporting from the background.

High school and advanced middle school clarinetists who want exposure to classical literature without depending on full orchestral scores. This book works well for students using Accent on Achievement or studying classical repertoire as part of their concert band experience.

• Attend to phrase shapes even in supporting passages. Second clarinet lines often carry harmonic weight in these arrangements, and shaping the line expressively will anchor the section's blend.
• Balance dynamic changes with your section partner. These pieces move between different textures, so coordinate with Clarinet 1 to maintain ensemble integrity when one voice steps forward.
• Use the key signatures and style hints to understand the emotional context of each piece. Knowing whether you're in a minuet, chorale, or dance will inform your articulation and phrasing choices.

Pair selections with your spring classical concert to give students ownership of the material they're performing. Individual pieces also work as warm-up literature during rehearsal, since they're short enough to sight-read while reinforce phrasing and articulation in authentic musical contexts.

• Reading and performing in multiple keys (Renaissance through Romantic period signatures)
• Sustaining phrase shapes in harmonic (non-melodic) roles
• Articulation and style appropriate to baroque, classical, and romantic idioms
• Ensemble balance and blend when primary melodic material shifts between voices
• Historical context and musical literacy through direct engagement with masterworks