Klarinet Archive - Posting 000459.txt from 1997/02

From: Adam Michlin <amichlin@-----.COM>
Subj: Re: Sax/clarinet double
Date: Thu, 13 Feb 1997 22:53:02 -0500

>
> I play B-flat clarinet and alto saxophone. I will soon also be playing the
> tenor sax. I'm Having the same problems. I've learned to cope with it
> because I've been doing it for a year now I just losen up a lot with
> saxophone and for the low notes I drop my jaw a lot. I'm pretty sure this is
> not right. I'm only a soph. in high school, but if anyone else knows, I would
> also like the help.

You're correct that dropping the jaw is not the way play the low notes on
saxophone. Dropping the jaw (on either clarinet or saxophone) is probably
about the worst habit you can get into.

With that said, the question still remains. How do you play the low notes
on the saxophone? The answer is to take less mouthpiece in your mouth
as you go lower. This allows you to pay the notes in tune and in control.
Anyone having intonation or fuzziness problems in the lower register of the
clarinet should try the same thing, too.

The best way to train yourself to not drop the jaw is to learn to play
either instrument (perferably both) with the top teeth off the mouthpiece
(note: this does *not* mean play double lipped). With the top teeth
off the mouthpiece, you'll find yourself unable to play if you drop the jaw.
If your playing sounds the same with the top teeth off and on, then
you're doing the right thing with the jaw. I wouldnt be suprised
at all if you found that you drop the jaw on the clarinet, too.

-Adam
amichlin@-----.com
amichlin@-----.edu