Clarinet Quiz Questions and Answers
Q1. Who is generally credited with inventing the modern clarinet around 1700 by improving the chalumeau?
A. Theobald Boehm
B. Johann Christoph Denner
C. Hyacinthe Klose
D. Iwan Muller
Answer: B. Johann Christoph Denner
Q2. What was the single-reed predecessor instrument to the clarinet called?
A. Recorder
B. Shawm
C. Chalumeau
D. Oboe
Answer: C. Chalumeau
Q3. The name “clarinet” derives from the Italian word meaning what?
A. Little trumpet
B. Clear voice
C. Reed pipe
D. High wind
Answer: A. Little trumpet
Q4. Which key innovation by Johann Christoph Denner allowed the clarinet to access higher registers?
A. Adding a bell flare
B. Extending the bore length
C. Using a double reed
D. Introducing a register key
Answer: D. Introducing a register key
Q5. In what decade did the Boehm system clarinet, the most common modern keywork, become standardized?
A. 1700s
B. 1840s
C. 1900s
D. 1920s
Answer: B. 1840s
Q6. Which composer wrote the famous Clarinet Concerto in A major, K. 622?
A. Johannes Brahms
B. Carl Maria von Weber
C. Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
D. Aaron Copland
Answer: C. Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Q7. For which clarinetist did Mozart compose his Clarinet Quintet and Concerto?
A. Heinrich Baermann
B. Anton Stadler
C. Richard Muhlfeld
D. Benny Goodman
Answer: B. Anton Stadler
Q8. Which jazz clarinetist was known as the “King of Swing”?
A. Artie Shaw
B. Sidney Bechet
C. Benny Goodman
D. Pete Fountain
Answer: C. Benny Goodman
Q9. The most common material for professional clarinet bodies is what type of wood?
A. Boxwood
B. Rosewood
C. Maple
D. Grenadilla
Answer: D. Grenadilla
Q10. How many main sections does a standard soprano clarinet typically disassemble into?
A. 3
B. 4
C. 5
D. 6
Answer: C. 5
Q11. Which part of the clarinet is the flared end that projects sound and improves low-note tuning?
A. Barrel
B. Upper joint
C. Lower joint
D. Bell
Answer: D. Bell
Q12. The ligature on a clarinet serves what primary purpose?
A. Adjusts tuning
B. Holds the reed securely to the mouthpiece
C. Covers tone holes
D. Connects the barrel to the upper joint
Answer: B. Holds the reed securely to the mouthpiece
Q13. What is the flat surface on the mouthpiece called where the reed is placed?
A. Facing
B. Tip rail
C. Table
D. Chamber
Answer: C. Table
Q14. The most widely used keywork system on clarinets worldwide today is the what system?
A. Boehm
B. Albert
C. Oehler
D. Simple
Answer: A. Boehm
Q15. Which system is primarily used in Germany and Austria and known for a darker tone?
A. Boehm
B. Albert
C. Oehler
D. Reform-Boehm
Answer: C. Oehler
Q16. The Albert system clarinet is often associated with which musical genres?
A. Classical orchestra
B. Modern jazz
C. Avant-garde
D. Traditional jazz, klezmer, and Dixieland
Answer: D. Traditional jazz, klezmer, and Dixieland
Q17. What is the written low note on a standard Bb soprano clarinet?
A. C3
B. D3
C. E3
D. F3
Answer: C. E3
Q18. Which register of the clarinet is known for its rich, dark tone and named after its predecessor instrument?
A. Chalumeau
B. Throat tones
C. Clarion
D. Altissimo
Answer: A. Chalumeau
Q19. The “throat tones” on the clarinet are generally between which written notes?
A. E3 to F4
B. Open G to B-Flat
C. B4 to G6
D. Above G6
Answer: B. Open G to B-Flat
Q20. Why does the clarinet overblow at the twelfth rather than the octave like most woodwinds?
A. Due to its double reed
B. From the flared bell
C. Because of its cylindrical bore
D. Because of the register key placement
Answer: C. Because of its cylindrical bore
Q21. The clarinet is a transposing instrument; a Bb clarinet sounds what interval lower than written?
A. Major second
B. Minor third
C. Perfect fourth
D. Major sixth
Answer: A. Major second
Q22. In a standard symphony orchestra, how many clarinetists are typically included?
A. One
B. Two
C. Three
D. Four
Answer: B. Two
Q23. After each playing session, what is the most essential immediate maintenance step for a clarinet?
A. Oil the keys
B. Polish the silver
C. Swab out moisture from the bore
D. Replace the reed
Answer: C. Swab out moisture from the bore
Q24. Clarinet reeds are most commonly made from what material?
A. Synthetic plastic
B. Bamboo
C. Metal
D. Arundo donax
Answer: D. Arundo donax
Q25. When attaching a reed, the tip of the reed should align how with the mouthpiece tip?
A. Slightly below
B. Flush or with a tiny sliver of mouthpiece visible
C. Significantly above
D. At the middle of the facing
Answer: B. Flush or with a tiny sliver of mouthpiece visible