Klarinet Archive - Posting 000578.txt from 1999/01

From: CmdrHerel@-----.com
Subj: Re: [kl] Rubank Elementary and crossing the break
Date: Wed, 13 Jan 1999 02:10:59 -0500

In a message dated 1/12/99 2:15:32 PM Eastern Standard Time, kbowman@-----.com
writes:

<< The problem I have with the Rubank lesson is that it presents too few
notes in the clarion and gets to the issue of "crossing" the break too
early. And when crossing the break is presented, the break is crossed
ascending. It is MUCH easier (and less frustrating for the student) to
cross the break DESCENDING. >>

Agreed on all counts, Kevin.

The Rubank does not spend enough time on the introduction of the clarion
notes. It is usually right after this page that I toss the book to the wind
and do much of what you suggest in your post. The only difference is that I
do not have a set routine, as I've found that each student varies greatly in
what they need to reinforce for the high notes. Some pick it up very quickly
and easily, some need extra time on any of the steps. Some simply need to
spend more time playing the low notes to clean up hand position or air. And
ever so rarely, an embouchre just needs more time to set.

A big pet peeve of mine is the TITLE of those lessons in the Rubank book. I
hate the term, "Register Break"! "Break" implies something hard or something
different. It's like saying, "Hey kids, this register BREAK is hard! So make
sure you squeeze harder and bite more and get downright frightened!" I've
found many of our local teachers reinforce the register break as being
something hard. Now what do you do when you expect something hard? Grit your
teeth, sqeeze harder, tense up and blow less... And by doing all this, they
prove to themselves that yes, this register break IS hard.

What I've worked on over the years is teaching the register crossing with a
complete poker face - I don't give it a title, I don't make a stink, I simply
say, "Okay, this week we have a couple new notes. All you have to do is push
this key here..."

This makes a huge difference. Most kids will shrug, press the key, and out
pops the higher note... If it doesn't, I keep the poker face and casually
suggest the solution to what's wrong. Usually to blow more without squeezing.

Teri Herel

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