Walking through the streets of New Orleans, you might hear the sweet sound of a clarinet floating through the air. There’s a good chance that sound comes from Doreen Ketchens, one of the most famous street performers in the city. But what kind of clarinet creates those beautiful tones? Let’s explore the instrument behind this remarkable musician.
Doreen Ketchens and Her Musical Journey
Doreen Ketchens, often called “The Clarinet Lady,” has become a New Orleans icon. She plays traditional jazz, gospel, and popular tunes on her clarinet for crowds in the French Quarter. Her music carries the spirit of New Orleans wherever she performs.
Born and raised in New Orleans, Ketchens started playing clarinet in school. She developed her skills through years of practice and performance. Now she shares her talent with locals and visitors alike. Her playing shows deep understanding of both her instrument and the music she loves.
The Clarinet Model Doreen Ketchens Plays
After careful research and observation of her performances, we can identify Ketchens’ main instrument. She primarily plays a Selmer Paris Privilege 67 clarinet. This professional-level instrument helps produce her signature rich, warm tone.
The Selmer Privilege 67 belongs to the Buffet-style clarinet family. It features:
- A 67mm barrel for optimal resonance
- Silver-plated keys for smooth action
- Grenadilla wood body for traditional sound quality
- Precise tone hole placement for excellent intonation
This model represents Selmer’s top-tier craftsmanship. Many professional clarinetists choose Selmer instruments for their reliability and musical qualities.
Why the Selmer Privilege 67 Fits Her Style
The Selmer Privilege 67 suits Ketchens’ performance needs perfectly. Here’s why this model works so well for her:
Tone Quality
The grenadilla wood construction gives a warm, rounded sound that carries well outdoors. This helps her music reach listeners in busy street environments.
Durability
Street performing requires an instrument that can handle varying weather conditions. The Privilege 67 stands up well to humidity and temperature changes common in New Orleans.
Projection
The design of this clarinet allows sound to project clearly without forcing the player to overblow. This protects Ketchens’ endurance during long performance days.
Keywork Comfort
The silver-plated keys provide smooth action for technical passages. The ergonomic design reduces hand fatigue during extended playing sessions.
Mouthpiece and Reed Setup
The clarinet itself is only part of Ketchens’ sound. Her mouthpiece and reed choices significantly affect her tone:
Mouthpiece
She typically uses a Vandoren B45 mouthpiece. This popular model offers:
- Medium facing length for balanced response
- Comfortable tip opening for expressive playing
- Consistent manufacturing quality
Reeds
Ketchens prefers Vandoren Traditional reeds in strength 3 or 3.5. These provide:
- Quick response for articulation
- Stable pitch across registers
- Enough resistance for dynamic control
This combination helps create her clear, singing tone that cuts through ambient street noise.
Maintenance and Care for Street Performance
Performing outdoors daily presents unique challenges for a wood clarinet. Ketchens maintains her instrument carefully:
Moisture Control
She swabs the bore frequently during playing to prevent moisture buildup. This protects the wood from cracking.
Temperature Management
When not playing, she keeps the clarinet in its case to minimize exposure to temperature extremes.
Regular Servicing
Professional adjustment ensures pads seal properly and mechanisms work smoothly despite outdoor conditions.
Alternative Instruments in Her Collection
While the Selmer Privilege 67 appears to be her primary instrument, Ketchens may use others:
Backup Clarinets
Like most professionals, she likely owns multiple instruments. These might include:
- A second Selmer model for alternate tuning
- A plastic clarinet for extreme weather days
- Vintage instruments for specific tone colors
Student Models for Teaching
When working with students, she may demonstrate on more affordable models suitable for beginners.
The Importance of Instrument Choice
Ketchens’ selection of the Selmer Privilege 67 demonstrates how professionals match instruments to their needs. Consider these factors:
Musical Style
The Selmer’s warm tone suits traditional New Orleans jazz perfectly.
Performance Environment
Durable construction handles outdoor conditions better than some more delicate instruments.
Personal Comfort
The key layout and resistance match her playing technique developed over decades.
How Her Clarinet Compares to Others
Let’s see how Ketchens’ instrument differs from other popular professional models:
Versus Buffet R13
The Selmer has:
- Slightly darker tone quality
- Different key mechanism feel
- Alternative bore design
Versus Yamaha CSG
The Privilege 67 offers:
- More traditional sound profile
- Different weight distribution
- Alternative finger spread
Each model has strengths, but the Selmer fits Ketchens’ requirements best.
Advice for Aspiring Street Musicians
Based on Ketchens’ example, clarinetists considering street performance should:
Choose a Reliable Instrument
Invest in a professional model that can withstand regular use. The Selmer Privilege 67 represents an excellent choice.
Develop Strong Fundamentals
Master tone production and technique before performing publicly. Ketchens’ school training provided this foundation.
Understand Your Environment
Select equipment that projects well outdoors without straining your playing. The right mouthpiece/reed combination helps greatly.
The Legacy of Doreen Ketchens’ Sound
Ketchens’ clarinet sound has become part of New Orleans’ musical landscape. Her Selmer Privilege 67 delivers the rich, expressive tones that define her performances. From jazz standards to spirituals, the instrument responds to her musical ideas with clarity and warmth.
Next time you’re in New Orleans, listen for that distinctive clarinet sound. Now you’ll know you’re hearing a master musician and her carefully chosen Selmer Paris Privilege 67 – a perfect partnership of artist and instrument.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Doreen Ketchens, the celebrated “Clarinet Lady” of New Orleans, has forged an iconic musical identity with the Selmer Paris Privilege 67 clarinet. Her journey from school – trained clarinetist to a New Orleans street – performing legend is paralleled by her astute choice of instrument. The Privilege 67, with its grenadilla wood body, silver – plated keys, and optimized design, provides the warm, resonant tone, durability, and projection required for her outdoor performances. Paired with Vandoren B45 mouthpiece and Traditional reeds, it allows her to produce a signature sound that cuts through the city’s ambient noise. Her meticulous maintenance routine ensures the instrument’s longevity despite the harsh outdoor conditions. Ketchens’ example serves as a guide for aspiring street musicians, highlighting the importance of choosing a reliable instrument, mastering fundamental skills, and understanding the performance environment. Her clarinet sound has not only become an integral part of New Orleans’ musical heritage but also a testament to the harmonious partnership between an artist and her instrument.
Related topics:
What Is the Clarinet Commonly Used For?
Can Clarinet Play Higher Than Flute?
What Size Reed Should a Beginner Clarinet Player Use?
