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Alternative title

Phat Concerto for Bass Clarinet

Date of Award

Spring 2025

Document Type

Masters Thesis

Department or Program Affiliation

College of Fine and Performing Arts, Music

Degree Name

Master of Music (MMus)

Department

Music

First Advisor

Halka, Charles, 1982-

Second Advisor

Hamilton, Bruce, 1966-

Third Advisor

Gholami, Mehrdad, 1990-

Fourth Advisor

Bain, Paul (Band director)

Abstract

In a world so heavily catered to thinness, where and how do fat people find their way in this world? Since I can remember, the media, medical practices, and capitalism have told me that being thin is the best and only way a person should live. The negativity towards people of larger body sizes has wormed its way into our careers, schools, pop culture, and our own bias toward our bodies. With how the world has made me view my own body I wanted to dive deeper into how the mentality of anti-fat bias influences the world of clarinet performance.

The findings reveal that fat clarinetists encounter discrimination in multiple forms, including hiring biases, body shaming, lack of representation, and a lack of accessible professional and performance attire. This research addresses the internalized stigma that many fat clarinetists experience due to societal beauty standards. The lack of representation of fat musicians in the classical music industry perpetuates the notion that success is inherently tied to thinness. As a result, fat musicians often battle negative self-perceptions, fearing that audiences, colleagues, and even educators judge their abilities based on their appearance rather than their hard work and dedication to the craft. This internalized bias can significantly impact performance confidence and career trajectory. Ultimately, this paper and musical piece aims to challenge existing norms, advocate for change, and encourage a more accepting representation in the clarinet community.

Type

Text

Keywords

Fat Body Politics, Anti-Fat Bias, Clarinet, Bass Clarinet, Chamber Ensemble, Clarinet Concerto

Publisher

Western Washington University

OCLC Number

1523232408

Subject – LCSH

Overweight persons; Discrimination against overweight persons; Clarinetists; Bass clarinet; Clarinet

Format

application/pdf

Genre/Form

masters theses

Language

English

Rights

Copying of this document in whole or in part is allowable only for scholarly purposes. It is understood, however, that any copying or publication of this document for commercial purposes, or for financial gain, shall not be allowed without the author’s written permission.

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