Hello there, I'm sure this is a really elementary question, but I must ask. How does music written for the B flat clarinet (or other instruments not in C for that matter) translate onto the piano? I have a strong music theory and teaching background, but I can never seem to keep this straight. Now I'm hoping to get a job in a school, and part of the description is assisting with the band, so I need to know. Thanks so much for taking the time to answer this. I've just found this site. I expect you'll be hearing a lot from me!

jodecarp

A Written C on a Bb Clarinet would be a Bb on the piano. You would have to transpose the whole piece down a whole step. The best trick I learned to remember: "Sally sees a C. When Sally sees a C, she plays (Instrument name here)" You then have to figure out that interval and transpose the whole piece accordingly. If you're going from piano to Bb Clarinet, you'd do the opposite: up a whole step.

Hope that helps!