Klarinet Archive - Posting 000164.txt from 1995/10

From: "Michael D. Moors" <mdmoors@-----.US>
Subj: Re: Question to the expertsd
Date: Sun, 8 Oct 1995 14:37:55 -0400

You are correct about the mouthpiece having a bearing on the reed size. The
closer the lay of the mouthpiece the greater the need to see if the reed is
hard enough. Reed size is a matter of personal opinion. I personally have
had good luck starting 6th graders on 2 1/2 Mitchell Lurie reeds (on B45
mouthpieces), by the end of the year they are on a three. You do need to
watch embouchure development. I know that if they start on a 2 1/2 I have
less intonation problems and it doesn't seem to be hard for them. It forces
a little more breath control. By high school most of our students are on a
4 Mitchell Lurie or 3 Vandoren. Being a clarinet player I have no problems
with kids not being able to handle it. You brought up some interesting
questions.

In contrast to my philosphy, I had a teacher once that played on a vd 1 1/2.
He could played fluently right up to double high c because the throat does
have a great effect on the upper register. He did all the right throat
things. His sound was thin.

At 12:37 PM 10/8/95 CST, you wrote:
> I have a question to Michael D. Moors responce. I thought reed
>strength was in part to the strength of the players cheek muscles and the
>kind of mouthpiece one has?? You suggested a 3 Vandorine or 4 ML and I
>know some people that have played for 25 years and never play anything
>harder than a 3 1/2 on any type of reed. Your comments are appreciated.
>
>

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Michael D. Moors (mdmoors@-----.us)
125 W. White
Alpena, Michigan 49707
517 356-3769
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