Klarinet Archive - Posting 000628.txt from 1996/09

From: David Niethamer <niethamer@-----.EDU>
Subj: Re: Ridenour's (or anyone's) throat Bb fingering (?)
Date: Sun, 29 Sep 1996 22:28:57 -0400

Bill Fogle asked:

BF> One more (Ridenour-inspired) question. The book on fingering
BF> discusses half-holing (left index finger) for smoother
BF> transition between clarion and altissimo tones. Is this used
BF> often?

Well maybe, but not by me! Before the flame throwers come out, let me say
that half-holing is *sometimes* useful. But unless it's used incredibly
carefully, it tends to flatten altissimo notes that tend in that direction
anyway. I get my students to learn smooth intervals into the altissimo with
a good air column and a clean lift of the LH index finger. Then if the
situation warrants, they can get "fancy" if it seems to help.

David

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David Niethamer, Principal Clarinet
Richmond Symphony Orchestra
niethamer@-----.edu
http://users.aol.com/dbnclar1/
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