Klarinet Archive - Posting 000616.txt from 1996/09

From: Tom Puwalski <Tski1128@-----.COM>
Subj: Re: Double Lip Embouchure
Date: Sat, 28 Sep 1996 23:45:09 -0400

Hi Bob, I've been playing double lip, since the first day I picked up a
clarinet. I play it standing up on Klezmer gigs, all the playing I do with
the Army Field band. The only reason I think it would be worth changing is,
if the playing angle of the clarinet (bringing closer to the body) improves
the sound and articulation. I think it's easier to play closer to the body
with single lip than double, and this is what I think makes the actual sound
different. I've spent lots of time with good mics and dat recorders and I
have found the playing angle one of the few things that made a difference on
tape.
Now "feel", thats a whole different ball game. I just love the way Double lip
feels! I tend to think the kinds of set-ups that double lippers play tend to
respond very fast. I also do alot of alto and soprano sax on gigs and I like
the fact (I single lip the sax) that for me it's a totaly different
embouchure. The only thing I hate about it is, double lip really screws up my
flute playing. I also can't think of an easier embouchure to teach to a
student. Lots of the problems, like excesive teeth presure is almost never a
problem for students who start double lip. Though I have to admit I was
watching Iggy Gennusa teach a young (9th grader) who was switching to
"double", He told Mr.G "It hurts more when I bite playing with both lips" and
Iggy said " Well then, don't bite".
We ought to start a list of things our teachers have said during lessons that
only really make sense many years later. Tom Puwalski