Klarinet Archive - Posting 000223.txt from 1997/07

From: "Edwin V. Lacy" <el2@-----.edu>
Subj: Re: tonguing
Date: Mon, 7 Jul 1997 18:22:01 -0400

On Mon, 7 Jul 1997, Noah A. Smith wrote:

> I don't know what level, you're on, so I feel kind of funny sending you
> advice. I'm 18, and I've been playing clarinet since I was 9. My advice
> is this: try a softer reed. Also, make sure your ligature is tight
> enough that the reed can't slide around (my teacher never tightens his
> ligature, but if I did that, my reed wouldn't stay still). I tell my
> students to hit the reed with the smallest amount of tongue possible,
> just the very tip. Another possibility might be that you're not
> supporting enough. Good luck, and hope I helped.

I applaud your attempts to help your younger colleague, and in general I
think you gave him some useful advice. However, I personally would NEVER
use the word "hit" when talking with a student about articulation. The
tongue does not hit the reed - it pulls away from the reed, allowing it to
vibrate. The action of the tongue is like a valve which allows the air to
flow through the instrument.

When I teach my woodwind techniques class, there is a list of absolutely
forbidden words. These include "hit" with regard to tongueing and such
descriptions as "hard" and "tight" in conjunction with discussions of
embouchure.

Ed Lacy
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Dr. Edwin Lacy University of Evansville
Professor of Music 1800 Lincoln Avenue
Evansville, IN 47722
el2@-----.edu (812)479-2754
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