The place and importance of the clarinet in the Tokat-Erbaa Region

This thesis examines the role and significance of the clarinet in musical performances in the Tokat/Erbaa Region. It explores how the clarinet has found its place within the rich historical and cultural background of Tokat, how it has been integrated into the local musical culture, and how it has evolved over time. In particular, the study investigates the impact of the clarinet on the region's musical culture, especially after its introduction through Western music during the Ottoman period and the expansion of music education institutions in the Republican era. In this context, the aim of the study is to reveal the historical roots of clarinet use in the Tokat/Erbaa Region, the contributions of music education institutions to this instrument, and the efforts of local music festivals to promote and popularize the clarinet. The place of the clarinet in Turkish folk music, the roles of clarinet performers, and the reflections of this instrument in modern music are also elaborated. The research adopts a qualitative methodology, utilizing literature review, semi-structured interviews with clarinet performers in the Tokat/Erbaa Region, field observations, and musical piece analyses. Through this method, the use of the clarinet in the region is evaluated in both historical and social contexts. In this framework, the study discusses the clarinet's contribution to cultural continuity in the Tokat/Erbaa Region and how music strengthens social bonds; it also comprehensively addresses the social and cultural impacts of the instrument, the significance of clarinet performers in local and national music scenes, and the role of music festivals and events in popularizing the clarinet. Moreover, innovations and challenges in clarinet education are assessed, and the contributions of regional music education institutions to the development of this instrument are emphasized.