Klarinet Archive - Posting 000269.txt from 1997/07

From: hlandry@-----.com (Harvey G Landry)
Subj: Re: technique and clarinetfest
Date: Wed, 9 Jul 1997 11:14:38 -0400

Nick,

Actually, there is an article in the OCR about developing the correct
hand position. The address is
http://sneezy.mika.com/OCR/articles/moors4.html.
I used to have this problem myself. My beginning band teacher told me
how to train my fingers to behave independently with this (fun) exercise:

1. Put your right hand on a sturdy flat surface.
2. Lift your thumb without picking up any other fingers.
3. Put the thumb back down.
4. Repeat "drumming" your thumb until you can move it rapidly.
5. Proceed this with the other fingers. Remember, the goal is to
let each one move without moving any other. This will take a
while to master. When you do, practice with different combinations
of fingers (thumb and pinky, pointer finger and ring finger, etc.)

You can do this anywhere, I am unaware of any damage to the joints it may
cause, and you can always get a laugh by daring your nonmusical friends
to try it as well. I think I've also noticed my typing speed improve,
BTW, when I practice my clarinet and/or do these exercises often. Try
it yourself. It's so silly it works.

The difference between silver and nickel plated keys? I suppose a
hundred dollars or so. ;-)

I also can't go to Clarinetfest (I live in North Texas, it's so
depressing!) Does anyone know if the newspapers here will cover it, or if
there's any way I can get information about improving my clarinet playing
by internet or snail-mail?

Mel
hlandry@-----.com