Klarinet Archive - Posting 000669.txt from 1995/06

From: Jack Dannenberg <jackd@-----.COM>
Subj: Re: Bass Clarinets and the like
Date: Wed, 28 Jun 1995 10:54:35 -0400

>
> Hello, all. :)
> I've been playing the Bass Clarinet for about 3 years now, (I'm in high
> school) and I find that my part is often never heard, even when it is a
> very exposed (and important) part. I put in as much air as I possibly
> can, and I can hardly break a mezzo forte. This is also the problem of
> the other three bass clarinet players in my section, and we are _always_
> overpowered by the lone bari sax. Does anyone have any suggestions? I
> have been working on my lung power, and it has helped some, but not as
> much I would expect it to (I'm a singer, and my lung exercises have been
> of immense help when in choir, so I know that I am making progress).
> Any ideas?
> Also, I've had a hard time hitting the low notes on my tenor sax, which I
> just took up a couple of months ago...ideas for that, too? :)
>
> -M. Zaiem Beg
> zbeg@-----.org
>
I am having the same problem on Bass Clarinet. I can say that different
mouthpieces make a lot of difference but I still feel there is something
I am doing wrong. I am looking forward to the responses this group gives
you. I also play Tenor Sax and had problems with the low notes. I went
over the instrument very carefully and repaired any leaks. I also switched
to a more closed mouthpiece (Selmer C**)
over the instrument and repaired all leaks which is very important. I
also found that a more closed mouthpiece worked better for me. I am using
a Selmer C**. And last I found that I must use a much looser embouchre
and take more mouthpiece in my mouth than I am used to from clarinet
playing. I am curious as to what you are doing for lung exercises as you
had mentioned that.
jackd@-----.com

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