Klarinet Archive - Posting 000525.txt from 1997/08

From: deerich@-----.net
Subj: Re:
Date: Thu, 14 Aug 1997 12:21:29 -0400

Matthew A Cullen wrote:
>
> Hello,
> Some of you may consider me ignorant for what I am going to ask.
> I am looking for the opinion of many other proffesional (or non)
> Clarinetists, on the subject of the Ligature and the mouthpeice. I am
> only a Junior in High school, and I am currently the principal
> Clarinetist of the Tarpon Springs High School Wind Ensemble, And I am
> looking for any suggestions on how to achieve a better sound, one that is
> more clear and has the " Dark" quality. I would also like suggestions as
> to what mouthpeices and ligatures others have used to achieve a clear,
> "dark" clarinet sound. I currently play on a Buffet r-13,the mouthpiece
> is a Vandoren 5rvl, and I use a rovner ligature... I am not totally
> satisfied with the tone I get, and so In my quest to better my playing (
> especially the tonal aspects) I ask your suggestions and any help that
> you may give! Thanks for your time!
> Matt Cullen

It sounds like you have a good setup. I am assuming that you are using
a quality reed of an appropriate strength to go with that mouthpiece and
set up.

My suggestion is, unfortunately, very boring. Play long tones. Hold
them as long as possible trying to get the sound you are after. Listen
very closely to yourself. Any time that note sounds right, continue to
hold it. Then try the next note. The objective here is embouchure
development and proper breath support (as I tell my 10 year old
daughter, push the air with your belly button not the chest).

   
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