Klarinet Archive - Posting 000258.txt from 1995/06

From: Thomas Labadorf <Labadorf@-----.COM>
Subj: Re: circular breathing
Date: Tue, 13 Jun 1995 22:19:46 -0400

On June 13 Rien Stein wrote:

"Can anybody on this list give me some hints as to how to learn
the technique of circular breathing, particularly on a bass
clarinet (or is it the same on both soprano and bass)?"

The technique of circular breathing is the same for Bb sop clarinet as for
bass clarinet. The difficulty of this technique is dependant upon the amount
of backup pressure you are used to and the capacity for air reserve in your
cheeks. Even though the bass and Bb are different in this regard, it doesn't
mean the C. B. is more difficult on one than the other - just a little
different.

To learn how to circular breath, I recommend the following book:

Trent P. Kynaston, _Circular Breathing for the wind performer_. Studio
224, 224 S. Lebanon St., Lebanon, Indiana 46052: 1978.

Even if you don't want to learn, this book offers valuable information on
breath support and layman term description on how the lungs work to support
sound. It's very short (20 pages total) and shouldn't take you nearly as
long to read as it will to learn how to do it.

Good luck.

Tom L.