Klarinet Archive - Posting 000836.txt from 1998/02

From: Edward Branham <ebb@-----.net>
Subj: Re: Contrabass playing tips
Date: Mon, 23 Feb 1998 14:12:44 -0500

1) Make sure the horn is in good playing condition: no leaks, good
spring action, condition of pads.

2) Professional instruction: make sure that your instructor palys
contrabass regularly, and is qualified as a clarinet instructor.

3) You said it below ... lots of practice.

a. long tones.
b. scales - full range of the instrument.
c. arpeggios, intervals, and other technical studies.
d. music under rehersal.
e. things you play for enjoyment.

Use standard clarinet literature for technical development (Klose, Rose,
etc.) Play it as written. Use a metronome for all practice sessions.

You'll get lots more opportunity to succede at honors bands and
scholarship auditions with your contra rather than on
bass/alto/soprano/eefer.

Garrett Fitzgerald wrote:

> I'm playing contrabass in my Wind Symphony's clarinet choir. Does
> anyone have any tips on how to get it to play better, besides
> lots of practice? :-) I'm still getting lots of squeaks, and the
> throat Bb will barely sound: I get a better tone using the
> low Eb + register keys....
>
> Garrett from RI