Klarinet Archive - Posting 000305.txt from 1999/11

From: Richard Bush <rbushidioglot@-----.net>
Subj: Re: [kl] Major tuning/pitch problem with student
Date: Tue, 9 Nov 1999 09:45:16 -0500

I must agree with Walter. The only way to home in on the problem is to start
A-B'ing the equipment, mouthpiece/reed combo and player. When I taught beginning
band students, I ALWAYS had a reed clipper, a jar of Sterisol and a box of
facial tissues handy. Keeping the beginners set up with reeds that are an
appropriate strength for their mouthpieces and keeping the reeds consistent
while their embouchures are in the formative stage is very, very important.
While playing on their equipment, one also discovers problems with the
instruments that need attention. This can happen just as much with a new
instrument as with one that has been pressed back into service after years of
storage in a closet. Do take special note and be suspicious of older instruments
that find their way into the beginning band setting. Often, the pads will have
little holes and tunnels eaten through them by who knows what kind of little
moths or crawly things. Such problems need to be quickly addressed and corrected
if the student is to have any chance to succeed.

I would also check ALL of the clarinet players' set-ups with a tuner. Many
beginning level instruments come with very bad mouthpieces. Some cause great
sharpness. Some beginning instruments are also on the sharp side with top joints
that are too short. Mixing them with better grade instruments, such as Noblet
wooden horns is not a very compatible thing. Tuning rings might be in order for
some of the plastic horns. Watch out for Artley's, Conns, Heinkins and
Armstrongs. They play totally crazy. If at all possible, discourage your
students from renting them or buying them. They will cause unfixably tuning
problems at all levels and will eventually make life hell for the high school
band director.

While achieving fine tuning at the beginning level is not possible, it is still
important to start the process. The students need to be educated from the outset
that a good embouchure, good tuning and listening are very important. This
cannot wait until the students get to high school.

GrabnerWG@-----.com wrote:

> In a message dated 11/9/99 5:28:02 AM Central Standard Time, GCalzati@-----.com
> writes:
>
> <<
> My students have a concert coming up that they are all preparing for and
> this
> girl will be grossly out of tune. Her playing is a half step pitch under.
> I
> have tried having her adjust her embouchure, experimented by changing
> barrels, even had her play on my clarinet. We still arrived at the same
> result. Next week we will experiment with a harder reed and different
> mouthpiece.
>
> Does anyone know how to solve this problem? Our concert takes place on the
> 28th of this month. It is for the general public so I want it to sound the
> absolute best it can.
>
> Any help would be GREATLY appreciated.
> >>
>
> You need to determine if her problem is equipment or embouchure/reed related.
>
> Have you played on her equipment? Are you also flat, or up to pitch?
>
> Was she flat on totally different equipment?
>
> What strength reed is she playing on? If very soft, she might get a full
> tone, but not use enough embouchure pressure to get the pitch up.
>
> You need to get answers to these questions before you can find a solution.
>
> Walter Grabner
> who is...........sipping his Mellita Special Roast.....ahhhhhhhhhhhhhh!
> ClarinetXpress
> Mouthpieces & More!!!!
> 991 Wildwood Lane
> Highland Park, IL 60035
> 847.433.3309
> http://www.clarinetxpress.com
>
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