Klarinet Archive - Posting 001407.txt from 1997/10

From: SDM@-----. Morrow)
Subj: Re: Long Tones
Date: Fri, 31 Oct 1997 05:37:59 -0500

I have been skimming through this discussion (sorry! I just can't
take being yelled at so much!), and feel I understand the participants'
viewpoints. I don't necessarily "practice" long tones, but I find it
helpful to ocassionally hold a tone to see what I can do with it. As
someone who confesses to actually playing only one note at a time on the
clarinet, I can understand the theory that "each note requires a different
embouchure".
The point I'd like to make, though, is that each note might not
require the exact same embouchure every time you play it! The advantage I
see to experimenting with a single tone is not so much "muscle memory", but
becoming proficient at using your "embouchure muscles" in conjunction with
your ears (I know: that conjures up a funny picture!) so that you are
better able to adjust quickly on any note!

I hope this made some sort of sense!

-Scott

Scott D. Morrow
Department of Biochemistry
School of Hygiene and Public Health
Johns Hopkins University
(410) 955-3631

SDM@-----.edu