Klarinet Archive - Posting 000149.txt from 1995/10

From: "B. Keplinger" <Caslinger@-----.COM>
Subj: Clarinet sound production/control
Date: Sat, 7 Oct 1995 20:02:27 -0400

In all the discussions on the importance of maintaining firm but relaxed
diaphragm support and a firm but relaxed embouchure, I have not seen anyone
mention the benefits of the study of singing. During a dry clarinet time for
me I kept up my musical involvement by singing in a 100+ choir that sang with
the symphony here (heard them do beethoven's 9th last night for 7th (or so)
time, did it twice myself. Possibly too much of a good thing, but the work
still doesn't fail to give me chills...). After a few years of that, I
wanted to shoot for membership in a chamber choir. To prepare myself, I
started studying voice and I went from a medium baratone to heigh
baritone/low tenor, and in the process, amazed myself.

Anyway, I digress (only slightly). The point is, the necessity of bodily
relaxation in all musical production is esspecially pronounced in singing. I
can truly say that what I got out of three years of vocal coaching did more
for me than many more years of clarinet lessons, **because the results were
immediatly appearant**.

If you have the time, money and/or inclination, I highly recommend vocal
training.

Bruce

P.S. For those of you who sit when practicing, have you tried one of those
ergonomically-designed chairs that you sortof kneel into rather than sitting
in? They really are great for practicing.