Klarinet Archive - Posting 000512.txt from 1998/02

From: Roger Garrett <rgarrett@-----.edu>
Subj: Re: LH Eb/Bb key
Date: Wed, 11 Feb 1998 09:07:24 -0500

On Tue, 10 Feb 1998, Birch wrote:
> I have a question:
> Does anyone ever use the left hand Eb/Bb key (between the middle and
> ring fingers)? I have never ever used it on a boehm-system clarinet,
> though it is vital on an Albert. I was wondering if it actually does
> serve a practicle purpose, or whether it was just a leftover remnant of
> the Albert.

I assume Birch is referring to the fork key Eb/Bb which is used for
chromatic passages. I am responding to this question to address a common
problem I find in most of the young students who come to me after several
years of playing the instrument. Once we have addressed and resolved many
of the sound production problems, we move right to the chromatic scale -
usually as a way to teach pattern, fingerings, and, perhaps most
importantly, hand position. 9 out of 10 students are taught that the side
Eb/Bb key is the key to be using for chromatic passages. It takes a long
time to break this habit. The old adage, "Whenever possible keep
technique in one hand," is a good reason for using the Eb/Bb fork key.
The same holds true for the B/F# fork key of the right hand.

Roger Garrett
IWU