The examination of the musical practices of Roman people living in the Biga district of Çanakkale province through the clarinet instrument

Turkish music, with a history dating back centuries, spread from Central Asia to Anatolia and the Balkans. During this process, it not only introduced its own culture to the regions it passed through but also was influenced by the cultures of those regions. This interaction can be seen in the clarinet instrument, which originated from the Balkans in the field of music. It first spread to the Thrace region, then to the Aegean and throughout the country. The clarinet, played in many regions of our country, has found an important place in Turkish art music and Turkish folk music. Today, the clarinet is performed by many virtuoso artists and holds a significant position as an instrument in both Turkish music and world music stages. This study examines the musical practices of clarinet artists who live in or are originally from the Biga district of Çanakkale, Turkey, including those who now reside in other cities. This study aims to gather data on the differences in the usage of the clarinet, an instrument used in all areas of Turkish music, particularly in the Biga district of Çanakkale Province, compared to other regions. It also seeks to explore the differences in performance and playing techniques related to Turkish maqam music, as well as how well the clarinet's style aligns with Turkish maqam music. In this study, a semi-structured interview form, participatory observation, and source review methods were used to collect data. It is thought that the study is an important example for researchers who will conduct field research.