Klarinet Archive - Posting 000162.txt from 1995/10

From: Fred Jacobowitz <fredj@-----.EDU>
Subj: Re: Question to the expertsd
Date: Sun, 8 Oct 1995 13:15:29 -0400

Micheal,
Funny you should bring this up. I just taught a new student with
your problem. I teach clarine/sax at Peabody's preparatory division (the
precollege). The situation is most probably one of not enough breath
support. Contrary to what most people think (even many clarinetists) the
most
important part to playing high notes is SUPPORT not tightening up. If you
can get the students to really push that air, then they will be able to
get up to pitch with only the necessary modicum of tightening (and their
tone quality will improve markedly too). One way I teach them is to have
them play a note SCREAMING loud and ugly as all get-out. (They LOVE this,
BTW) Then I have them do that same note blowing that hard but at a
pianissimo output. Lo and behold, they both tune and articulate
fabulously. So yes, tightening up is a quick fix, but it does not address
the basic issue which is support. All it does is create an artificial
kind of support because the little air that gets through does move faster
but not fast enough to properly play the note, so it speaks, but is out of
tune. Good luck.

On Sun, 8 Oct 1995 sysop@-----.ORG wrote:

> I have been a band director at all grade levels for years and have
> always struggled with clarinet intonation (I am a brass player - so,
> nobody's perfect, for cryin' ou loud!), and I would like some
> suggestions for teaching young players to play up to pitch in the upper
> register. I have made certain that the clarinets are all squeezed
> together and checked embouchures and corners yet there are some players
> whom, no matter what we try, will always play flat.
>
> This can wreck an otherwise wonderful band sound and also kill us at
> contest, which, quite frankly is a concern of mine!
>
> Suggestions would be helpful. I am a French Horn player and would
> gladly return the favor if anyone has any questions.
>
> Thanks!
>
> Michael Saul
> Quincy, IL
>
> (P.S. I love the von Weber Polacca!)
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