Pop Duets for All (Revised and Updated): B-flat Clarinet, Bass Clarinet Book

Story's arrangements preserve the infectious energy of these iconic pop and classic songs while meeting clarinet players exactly where they are. The parallel difficulty levels within a single score mean you can run genuine duets with mixed-level students without tedium or simplification, and the no-page-turn layout keeps rehearsals focused on music-making rather than logistics.

These arrangements celebrate the groove and personality of the original songs while keeping the writing playful and idiomatic to the clarinet family. From the syncopated funk of 'What'd I Say' to the nostalgic charm of 'Scooby Doo, Where Are You?' and the shimmer of 'Over the Rainbow,' the collection balances familiar melodic hooks with satisfying harmonic color.

This book serves duet ensembles ranging from middle school students building fundamental skills through advanced high school and college players seeking quality pop arrangements. It works equally well for studio teachers pairing students of different levels, community bands filling duet slots, or any ensemble wanting approachable, genuinely fun repertoire.

• Balance the two clarinet lines by having the higher part sit slightly forward in the texture; bass clarinet can anchor from below without overpowering the melody.
• Lock the opening entrance together by counting off with a clear beat and matching the articulation marked in the score.
• Experiment with slight rubato in the ballads to let the arrangement breathe; these pop standards benefit from conversational phrasing rather than strict tempo.
• Use the song's recorded version as a reference for style and groove, especially in funk or swing-inflected numbers like 'I Got Rhythm' and 'Domino.'

Program a duet pairing in a concert as a lighter moment between heavier classical works, or build an entire pop-themed concert section with combinations pulled from this book. The variety of tempos and moods also makes these effective for chamber ensemble festivals, audition warm-ups, and informal recitals where students benefit from playing recognizable, confidence-building repertoire.

• Reading two independent clarinet lines simultaneously
• Balancing melody and harmony within a duet texture
• Executing rhythmic precision in syncopated pop grooves
• Adapting articulation and style to match popular music idioms
• Managing alternate notation and range options within a single score