Klarinet Archive - Posting 000694.txt from 1996/10

From: Christian Perry <cperry@-----.CA>
Subj: Re: Bass Clarinet
Date: Sun, 27 Oct 1996 17:50:55 -0500

On Fri, 25 Oct 1996, Sydney R. Polk wrote:

> I would like to add that many people when starting on bass clarinet
> from soprano clarinet are not aware of the first finger vent key at all.
> When playing D or above (actaully I do it on C# also), instead of lifting
> your first finger completely, expose the pin hole in the key of the
> first finger. If you don't, you will have a heard time getting the altinisimmo
> notes to speak, even if you are doing everything else right.

I'm playing alto clarinet this term, and had wondered what that little pin
hole was for! I wasn't able to get any altissimo notes out very well, but
blamed it on my inexperience with the instrument. Today I tried it, and
presto, I got a nice high E and F. (The question of why some
composers/arrangers write parts for alto clarinet way up there remains
unanswered....)

Thanks, from someone who's never played anything other than soprano
clarinet.

-Christian Perry
cperry@-----.ca