Klarinet Archive - Posting 000041.txt from 1999/02

From: DHmorgan@-----.com
Subj: [kl] Embouchure question
Date: Mon, 1 Feb 1999 21:16:00 -0500

I've done some research in the list archives but I'm still a little confused
about one issue:

I am supposed to keep my tounge up in the "ee" position, blow a cool stream of
focussed air--got that. The jaw assumes an 'oh' position and under no
circumstances 'bites' or applies 'vertical' pressure--got that. And the lower
lip doesn't 'cave in' to the mouth--I'm with it. But does the lower lip rest
AT ALL on the biting edge of the lower teeth or do the lower teeth provide
only lateral/horizontal support (keeping the lower lip from collapsing in
ward) and ALL the pressure on the reed from the lower lip is provided by the
muscles of the lip and chin? The lip must be higher than the lower teeth or
the lower teeth will scrape the reed. If no part of the lower lip is above
the biting edge of the lower teeth, then it takes a lot of lip and chin muscle
strength to keep the reed above the lower teeth. If, however, it is alright
to have some of the lower lip between the biting edge of the lower teeth and
the reed--while 'not biting' or 'letting the lower lip cave in,' then I have a
much easier time. I played for years when I was younger, but I know I bit a
lot and still do--I'm trying to figure out how to correct that--

Thanks in advance for any info!

Don

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