Klarinet Archive - Posting 000484.txt from 1999/10

From: Klara Hall <klahall@-----.com>
Subj: [kl] Re: Altissimo; wetting reeds
Date: Sat, 16 Oct 1999 19:11:14 -0400

i agree strongly with Mary? Ken? on the 'new' register approach.

there is a book ***Crossing the register/ Pursglove***
that uses about 30 pages introducing the clarion, in this logical
sequence: after reading the songs in low register, the same pattern in
clarion pitches. the first time the 'break crossing' is approached from
above. the final step is crossing scale from below.
i rarely use the whole Pursglove book, but the organization works very
well.

so i introduce the altissimo in the same logical fashion.

On Sat, 16 Oct 1999 09:45:56 -0400 "MARY A. VINQUIST"
<kenshaw@-----.com> writes:
>I'm afraid I dissent on raising vs. rolling the left index finger to
>introduce the altissimo.
>
>First, I think that stepwise motion is not the best way to introduce
>a new register, because it requires the motion of several fingers.
>Many (*many*) years ago, when I was in beginning band, the director
>had me play a low F and reached around and opened the register key
>to pop up to the clarion C. As a result, I learned that it's easy to
>go to the second register, rather than hard because it's over the =
>
>Dreaded Break.
>
>The same applies to the altissimo. If it's introduced separately, the
>=
>
>student thinks of the notes as "very high" and is prone to pinch.
>I think the best way to introduce the altissimo is to have the student
>play chalumeau A, go gently to the clarion E by opening the reigister
>key with the least possible movement, and then slowly roll the left
>index finger down until the altissimo C# appears. That way, the
>student
>can maintain a familiar embouchure position and can learn to carry
>the sweetness and roundness of the lower registers into the altissimo.
>
>I think it's a mistake to suppose that rolling the finger is too =
>
>sophisticated or subtle for young players. Show it to them as a
>"little trick" and at least the better ones will gobble it up. If it
>causes confusion, just let it go until later.
>
>-------------------------------------------------------------------------=
>--
>-------------------------
>
>On how long to soak the reed, I've found that you do it until there is
>no waviness across the tip -- typically 2 to 3 minutes. Since I'm
>usually too impatient to wait that long, I soak for about a minute and
>flatten the tip out on the table of the mouthpiece with my thumb.
>Total time to do this is not much more than 3 minutes :-).
>
>Best regards.
>
>Ken Shaw
>
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