Klarinet Archive - Posting 000235.txt from 1998/11

From: "Mark A. Bradley" <markb@-----.com>
Subj: [kl] Re: Articulation?
Date: Sat, 7 Nov 1998 12:57:11 -0500

musicgirl182 wrote:
I am a junior in High School. I'm the first chair clarinetist in my wind
ensemble, have made the all-county bands since 6th grade, and have just
this year made the New York Area All-State band. Yesterday I started
taking private lessons and I'm very happy with this, but i won't see him
for a week and my problem is bothering me too much. I was wondering if
anybody had some pointers for me as far as tongueing is concerned. I
have
that problem where my tongue seems to fill up my mouth and any staccato
or accent I try to make comes out as a "dut dut" rather than a "tut
tut".
. . heck, it's more of a "ducka ducka" or worse.
Isn't there some kind of thing I can do with my throat for this? Will
opening it work better?
I know i sound stupid, but it is really starting to bother my playing.
Anyone's help would be appreciated.

What Zone do you live in? I also made zone 6 area All-State (1st
clarinet 3rd chair--not bad!) and am eagerly awaiting the festival
coming up in 2 weeks. Fortunately for me this is one of the least
populated zones of NYS and all the clarinets that auditioned made it
in. I also am first chair at my school's ensemble but actually no big
feat. Lovely school, great people in the ensemble, incredible director,
but not that good. Oh well if anyone for some reason ever finds
themself in the champlain valley come and visit us.

You'll find a lot on this list in terms of pointers for improving
articulation. It is a topic that pops up occasionally and I know that
my articulation has been steadily improving. Still not perfect by a
long shot but then again I still have a long way to go as most of us do.

And don't worry, there's never a question too stupid for the Klarinet
list (j/k!).

Mark A. Bradley
Chazy, NY
markb@-----.com

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