Corinna,
You may not be as bad at memorizing as you think. I find that I could never memorize anything without actually singing it ALONG WITH the music. Reading it 1,000 times wouldn't do it. I also find that I can memorize things much more easily if I have heard them repeatedly. (This makes it a little harder to learn my own songs). Another factor I have noticed is that no matter how intensely I work on a piece, a certain amount of time (2-3 weeks) must pass before I really have it. I have also heard, in reference to stage productions, that seventeen rehearsals are needed. Since that would take about three weeks, it tends to support my observation. So, you may have much more talent thatn you give yourself credit for. Now, if you could learn to sing and play your clarinet at the same time....

Bert C