Klarinet Archive - Posting 000810.txt from 1999/03

From: Jennifer Jones <JJONES@-----.EDU>
Subj: RE: [kl] Fingers eveness! How??
Date: Sun, 14 Mar 1999 05:00:11 -0500

> Why don't we start with something simple? RELAX!

To clarify this I suggest you let your hands go limp (of course not with the
clarinet in hand) and observe their natural curve. Once accomplished, apply
each hand to its proper position on the instrument, trying to deviate as little
as possible from this position. It might help while placing and adjusting your
fingers to clamp the bell between your knees for extra support. When you play
simply use this position that comes most naturally to your hand.

The positioning of the thumb on the thumb rest may also be a factor. If the
thumb is too far from the tip of the thumb, the fingers have trouble resting on
the rings pproperly. I have seen this often in the freshmen in the clarinet
section of our band, and it has been a bear retraining their established
habits to hold it around the first knuckle or between it and the tip.

Like suggested in other postings, use a supplemental means of support i.e.
neckstrap, holding the cl between your knees etc. but develop a relaxed manner
of holding the instrument independently.

I have used both of these methods in teaching clarinet to a friend of mine eith
very positive results.

> Also, my recommendation is:
> http://www.sneezy.org/OCR/lessons/sandberg_L2.html

> Its a warmup, used not only for good playing, but stress and tension relief.

> -Michael J. Lu

[Snip...]

> ===
> "Don't suck, blow."
> -Mike Snell, my Band Director

P.S. Unrelated I know, but I love the above phrase so much, I have quoted it
numerous times in sectional. My fellow band members as well as I have gotten a
kick out of it. Thanks for posting it!!!!!!

> > -----Original Message-----
> > From: Soo Khoon Goh [mailto:gohsookh@-----.edu]

[Snip...]

> > Hi everyone,
> >
> > I have been really frustrated lately with my practices because my
> > fingers seemed to have a mind of their own. I know it is all my fault, but
> > I was wondering if there are any exercises I could practice to get
> > my fingers to be even on scales in running passages? Another thing is, I
> > am VERY tense when I play. I am so tense that sometimes, my muscles
> > (biceps) hurts when I'm done practicing for an hour or so. Is there any
> > suggestions as to how to relax myself? I know the relaxation and the
> > uneven fingers are directly correlated. So if anyone with experience could
> > suggests something I can do, I would really appreciate it.
> >
> > TIA! :)
> >
> >
> >
> > Soo

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