Klarinet Archive - Posting 000306.txt from 1998/03

From: avrahm galper <agalper@-----.com>
Subj: ITS A FACT (4)
Date: Fri, 6 Mar 1998 14:42:49 -0500

IT'S A FACT (4)

These FACTS are taken from the CLARINET, a symphony quarterly that
appeared in the early 50s and are the opinions of various prominent
players and teachers at the time.
*****************

When buying old mouthpieces, be sure that the section of the facing upon
which the reed rests is not too wide.
The thin borders of the reed shank should be free to vibrate easily. Too
wide a facing in this area and ligatures that bind the sides of the reed
tend to choke it.
**************
Advise your elementary students to leave the reed about 1/16" below the
tip of the mouthpiece when putting the instrument in the case.
**************
If you should join a new group and discover you are flat in pitch, do
not rush to the nearest repair shop to have your barrels cut.
You may discover that this group plays very sharp (most amateur groups
do) and by having cut your barrels, you may have ruined the pitch of the
instrument for playing with other groups.
Barrels are often very difficult to replace, for they are must match the
instrument perfectly or the instrument will be out of tune.
Most professional players feel that if they can tune to 440 A when
warming up and still push the barrel in another 1/16", they have
sufficient leeway in the length of the barrel to meet normal problems.
**************
If you are inclined to bang your fingers down on keys, particularly in
slow, soft passages, where the sound can be unpleasant, try placing your
finger lightly on the key before depressing it.
**************
In a passage that requires a quick jump from high C to high Eb and
return, try using the fingering for high C and then add the throat A
key.
However, never use "fake" fingerings except as a last resort; otherwise
it will become a dangerous habit.
**************
If you use kleenex to wipe your mouthpiece, always use fresh ones. Old
kleenex's tend to leave some residue in the mouthpiece that can stick
and be hard to get off. Also- don't forget to keep your forefinger on
the tip of the mouthpiece so that the material you wipe with, does not
brush against the tip of the mouthpiece.
****************
Avrahm Galper

http://www.sneezy.org/avrahm_galper/index.html

   
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