Klarinet Archive - Posting 000729.txt from 1999/10

From: "Craig Countryman" <craigc@-----.edu>
Subj: Re: [kl] Eb Clarinet technique
Date: Sun, 24 Oct 1999 18:56:27 -0400

One observation I have noticed on Eb technique is that any slight flaw in Bb
technique you may have is multiplied tenfold! For instance, if your fingers
have a tendency to overlap and fall flat on the keys as opposed to being
nicely curved you will be able to get away with it at times on Bb, but on
the Eb you don't have this luxury. Pay careful attention to detail with
your techique and you might try just going up and down major scales at a
very slow tempo (gradually picking up speed) focusing on nicely curved
fingers and the other principles of good technique. Once you get the hang
of things on the Eb, I've found it REALLY helps your Bb technique.

As far as altissimo, especially when playing in a band, you just have to
adjust your mindset slightly of where you fit in to the sound pyramid. When
I first started playing Eb I was always worried because the instrument was
just SO high. My C above the staff was equal to an altissimo F in the 1st
Bb Clarinet part. Many times I was an octave above the first clarinets. It
takes some adjusting to recalibrate your ear to where your part is in
relation to the other members of the ensemble. However, if you work with
other members of the Bb clarinet section or with the flutes (not like flutes
are ever in tune anyway! j/k :) it will help. I can't really make any
recommendations of what you can do physically, but as long as you are more
aware of where you fit in with the rest of the ensemble you should be able
to listen and make the appropriate adjustments with your embouchure once you
know what notes are particularly bad on your instrument. I know my
altissimo notes had a tendency to go WAY sharp, I can't pull out the barrel
too much because then that makes everything else, especially the throat
tones, flat. I think the best solution is to set the barrel where most of
the mid-range notes are in tune and then working on lipping the extremes.
This whole process is good for your Bb playing also, because it makes you
acutely aware of intonation on EVERY note.

Good luck with your Eb playing. I hope I have been some help to you.

Craig Countryman

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