Klarinet Archive - Posting 000255.txt from 1997/03

From: Matthew A Fedder <enigmamf@-----.com>
Subj: Re: Breathing on the clarinet (and wind instruments in general)
Date: Fri, 7 Mar 1997 23:30:19 -0500

As of now I am a sophmore and 4th chair in my high school band. I've
noticed the phenomena you are talking about.

Do you (or anyone) have any good methods for learning circular breathing?
Any good referance materials about learning said breathing? Thanks!

On Fri, 7 Mar 1997 23:30:16 -0500 Jonathan Cohler <cohler@-----.NET>
writes:
>A couple of points that I have discovered in many years of teaching
>and
>playing.
>
> (1) People make more technical mistakes before, after and
> near breathing points than at other points.
>
> (2) An individual can usually last for nearly twice as long
> as he or she thinks.
>
> (3) Circular breathing is an essential skill that all
>clarinetists
> can and should learn.
>

. . .

>
>That brings us to point number (3). By circular breathing in those
>phrases
>which absolutely cannot be sustained in a single breath we eliminate
>all of
>the technical problems caused by breathing while staying true to the
>musical line.
>
>Circular breathing not only allows us to play the music as the
>composer
>wanted it, it also allows us to relax in passages where we would
>otherwise
>be getting tense due to lack of oxygen.
>
>********************************************
>
>
>I hope this clarifies a bit of what I referred to in my previous
>message.
>
>------------------------
>Jonathan Cohler
>cohler@-----.net
>