Klarinet Archive - Posting 000025.txt from 1996/01

From: "Scott D. Morrow" <SDM@-----.EDU>
Subj: Re: General Items
Date: Tue, 2 Jan 1996 15:51:15 -0500

>I would like to hear from others and I would particularly
>like to hear from people who are good at difficult rythmns and have them
>explain their process for playing it correctly. I.E. do you tap your
>foot, subdivide, memorize patterns or what?
>
>Jack Dannenberg
>music@-----.com

When I encounter difficult passages, I practice them VERY SLOWLY,
paying careful attention to where the notes fall on and around the beat
(yes, I tap - on the beat!). Sometimes it helps to "remove" ties (from the
notes, that is - I never wear a tie when I practice!), if the syncopation
is confusing, and, again, determine where the notes fall (put the ties back
later, of course!). After I feel comfortable with the rhythms, I work on
speeding it up to tempo. Do this gradually - it defeats the purpose if you
start fumbling! Don't be afraid to take it one measure at a time!
Before you start, be sure to warn everyone within earshot that you
are going to be playing the same thing over and over a zillion times, and
give them time to get out of the house, first!

Helpful hint for tappers: if you just tap your toes INSIDE your
shoe, people tend to not notice and it keeps the percussionists' union off
your back!

-Scott

Scott D. Morrow
Department of Biochemistry
School of Hygiene and Public Health
Johns Hopkins University
(410)-955-3631

SDM@-----.edu