Klarinet Archive - Posting 000013.txt from 1999/01

From: Roger Garrett <rgarrett@-----.edu>
Subj: Re: [kl] Chirping Reeds
Date: Fri, 1 Jan 1999 22:06:28 -0500

On Fri, 1 Jan 1999, Mark A. Bradley wrote:
> I had found what seemed to be one of my best reeds but when articulating
> sometimes in the lower chalumeau especially when coming from a throat
> tone, it has a short "chirp" sound before the note speaks. This is
> heard even more when playing in middle clarion register especially when
> coming up from a throat tone.
>
> What's going on here? I don't think it is me because other reeds play
> fine without this happening. For the same reason I don't think it is my
> mouthpiece. How is this caused, and what can I do to fix it?

This is a VERY common problem. In fact - it is so common, that most of my
students go through this (I did) - but rest assured, the remedy is easy.

Chirping usually happens because of too much pressure against the heart of
the reed. The problem can be compounded by too little mouthpiece and a
fast air stream. Sometimes a reed is warped or the mouthpiece is the
problem - but you have already identified it as YOU.

Revisit long tones and embouchure exercises. Add interval work at FF with
hard tonguing to identify if the embouchure is correct.

Don't forget to engage the upper lip and work for a "round" approach -
equalizing pressure on the reed.

There is always the saxophone if that doesn't work! LOL.

RG

Roger Garrett
Professor of Clarinet
Director - Concert Band, Symphonic Winds & Titan Band
Advisor - Recording Studio
Illinois Wesleyan University

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