Klarinet Archive - Posting 000359.txt from 1996/10

From: Steve Prescott <mipresc@-----.EDU>
Subj: Re: Embouchure position in clarinet playing
Date: Mon, 14 Oct 1996 11:01:09 -0400

Jonathan and Neil have been debating embouchure, reed placement, air etc.
and I have good news...They're both right! Which means everybody who has
commented on this subject is also right.

Summary:

1. For a correct embouchure, please read Keith Stein's book on clarinet.

2. The embouchure and tongue remain stable during playing.

3. The embouchure and tongue make minute, imperceptible adjustments during
playing.

4. To find out the physics and what makes it (embouchure etc.) work, read
Benade's book on acoustics or ask Jonathan Cohler.

5. The air is supplied by breathing in and pushing the stomach out. This
creates
opposing forces. These forces, working against each other, create the
control we desire. The diaphragm is, by the way, involuntary.

Steve.

Steve Prescott
Instrument Rep.Tech./ Clarinetist
Indiana State University
mipresc@-----.edu