Klarinet Archive - Posting 001068.txt from 1999/09

From: Rebecca Williams <rwilliams@-----.net>
Subj: [kl] hand posistion
Date: Thu, 30 Sep 1999 09:40:14 -0400

I have a question about proper hand posistion and how to get it!! I
have a lot of 7th and 8th grade clarinet students that have already had
2 to 3 years of band before they go to me (we start in 5th grade) and
their hand posistion in their right hand is TERRIBLE!! Mainly it is a
thumb problem. I had the same problem and nobody noticed it or fixed it
until I was a junior in college. I'd hate for them to have that
problem. It severely affects technique.

Basically the problem is that they are not putting their thumb in the
correct posistion. Then they are putting their right index finger up
against the palm keys to support the clarinet. I've told them how to
fix it, but old habits are hard to break (I speak from experience).

I know flutes have "saddles" that help with their hand posistion. Is
there anything out there for clarinets to train them the proper place to
put their thumbs. I'd appreciate any advice you can give!

Thanks in advance,

R. Williams

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