Klarinet Archive - Posting 000049.txt from 1999/02

From: TOM RIDENOUR <klarinet@-----.net>
Subj: Re: [kl] Embouchure question
Date: Mon, 1 Feb 1999 22:47:41 -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
Dear Don,
Please check out my article on the Role of Embouchure in Clarinet Tone
Production and also
How to teach and Learn Characteristic Clarinet tone on my web site.
You should get a heck of an idea about how to put lots of controling energy
to the reed without biting whatsoever from those materials.
If you're still confused and have specific questions I'd be glad to try to
help you.
tom
Web stie: http://home1.gte.net/klarinet/

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