A BASS CLARINET DUO CONSORTIUM
BE PART OF COMMISSIONING A NEW WORK FOR TWO BASS CLARINETS
BY JONATHAN RUSSELL
CONSORTIUM LEAD: DR. KIM FULLERTON
THE IDEA
Many of you know me through my work with Jeff Anderle in the Sqwonk bass clarinet duo.
In our nearly 20 years of existence, Sqwonk has had a huge impact on the bass clarinet world, bringing into existence a whole new genre of bass clarinet duos. Sqwonk’s music grooves, it rocks, it’s fun, joyous, wacky, intense, and extreme.
But it’s also HARD! We know!! We realize that there are lots of you out there who love our style and vibe – but trying to learn to play our music can be incredibly daunting.
So Dr. Kim Fullerton had the brilliant idea of commissioning me to write a set of “Sqwonklets” – short, fun pieces that fully tap into the Sqwonk vibe and spirit, but at a playing level that is more approachable. So NO to extreme altissimo, crazy extended techniques, impossibly complex interlocked rhythms, and insane leaps. But still YES to low parallel fifths, groovy rhythms, soaring melodies, playful interplay, and raucous honks and wails!
Please JOIN US and become part of a community of enthusiastic bass clarinetists who are helping to make this vision a reality. We would love to have you on board!
Sneak preview: listen to the first Sqwonklet HERE!
THE PIECE
Being part of this commissioning consortium funds the creation of a new 12-15 minute set of short, intermediate level bass clarinet duets. These duets will tap into the spirit of the existing Sqwonk repertoire, but at a level suitable to the intermediate bass clarinetist. There will be no extended techniques, no extreme altissimo, and there will be musically satisfying alternatives to any notes that go below low E-flat. So no matter what make or model of instrument you have access to, you’ll be able to play everything.
That said, these pieces will still sound and feel like full-fledged Sqwonk pieces, with all the style and pizzazz you expect from a proper Sqwonk tune.
Teachers: we think these pieces could be especially useful in a pedagogical setting, to play with your students or to have your students play with each other. Please see the “Studio Package” below to learn how you can license Sqwonklets for use by ALL members of your studio!
Want to get a more concrete sense of what I’m talking about? I’ve already finished the first Sqwonklet, and you can listen to it and peruse the sheet music for it HERE!
TIMELINE
Consortium launch: July 1, 2025
Consortium close: August 1, 2025
New piece will be delivered via email on or before: October 1, 2025
Exclusive performance rights for all consortium members through: September 30, 2026
HOW IT WORKS
As a co-commissioner of the work, you will have exclusive rights to perform the new piece (along with the other co-commissioners) for 12 months after its completion. Your name will also be included in the score, program notes, and promotional materials. Additional perks are also available depending on the package you select (see below). Consortium members may be either individuals or duos; the price is the same either way. There is a discount available for students, as well as a special package for entire clarinet studios!
PACKAGES
There are five different consortium packages available at different price points and with different features and perks. Please read on to determine which package is right for you.
1. STUDENT DISCOUNT PACKAGE: Open to any current, full-time student, at any educational institution, at any level
– Digital sheet music
– Your name included on the score as a consortium member
– 12 months exclusive performance rights (shared with other consortium members)
– Exclusive behind-the-scenes updates on the creation process
Price: $45
Register and pay at the above link.
You will receive an email within 24 hours confirming your membership.
Before registering, please read the consortium agreement here. By purchasing a package, you are agreeing to the contents of this agreement.
2. BASIC PACKAGE
– Digital sheet music
– Your name included on the score as a consortium member
– 12 months exclusive performance rights (shared with other consortium members)
– Exclusive behind-the-scenes updates on the creation process
Price: $75
Register and pay using the above link.
You will receive an email within 24 hours confirming your membership.
Before registering, please read the consortium agreement here. By purchasing a package, you are agreeing to the contents of this agreement.
3. PLUS PACKAGE
– Digital sheet music
– Your name included on the score as a consortium member
– 12 months exclusive performance rights (shared with other consortium members)
– Exclusive behind-the-scenes updates on the creation process
– “Sqwonk-minus-one” recordings of the pieces, recorded by Jon and Jeff, that you can play along with
Price: $100
Register and pay using the above link.
You will receive an email within 24 hours confirming your membership.
Before registering, please read the consortium agreement here. By purchasing a package, you are agreeing to the contents of this agreement.
4. DELUXE PACKAGE
– Digital sheet music
– Your name included on the score as a consortium member
– 12 months exclusive performance rights (shared with other consortium members)
– Exclusive behind-the-scenes updates on the creation process
– “Sqwonk-minus-one” recordings of the pieces, recorded by Jon and Jeff, that you can play along with
– One 60-minute private (Zoom) coaching on the pieces with Jon
Price: $150
Register and pay using the above link.
You will receive an email within 24 hours confirming your membership.
Before registering, please read the consortium agreement here. By purchasing a package, you are agreeing to the contents of this agreement.
5. STUDIO PACKAGE: Open to any clarinet studio at any educational institution, as well as private studios, this package licenses “Sqwonklets” for use by ALL current and future members of your clarinet studio.
– Digital sheet music
– Your name and institution included on the score as a consortium member
– 12 months exclusive performance rights for your entire studio (shared with other consortium members)
– Exclusive behind-the-scenes updates on the creation process
– “Sqwonk-minus-one” recordings of the pieces, recorded by Jon and Jeff, that your studio can play along with
– One 60-minute private (Zoom) session with Jon. This could be a coaching on the piece, a general Q+A, or anything else your studio would like to do with Jon.
Price: $250
Register and pay using the above link.
You will receive an email within 24 hours confirming your membership.
Before registering, please read the consortium agreement here. By purchasing a package, you are agreeing to the contents of this agreement.
Thanks for your interest in this project!
ANY QUESTIONS?
ASK JON!