Klarinet Archive - Posting 000662.txt from 1999/12

From: "Edwin V. Lacy" <el2@-----.edu>
Subj: Re: [kl] sax/ clarinet embouchure problems.
Date: Mon, 20 Dec 1999 10:13:03 -0500

On Mon, 20 Dec 1999, Alexander wrote:

> Thanks for the concern... ok here goes for the details.
>
> 1/ YAMAHA YAS-25 ALTO SAX
>
> 2/ a) YAMAHA 4C MOUTHPIECE (CAME WITH THE SAX)
> b) ROUSSEAU JAZZ METAL ALTO 8 FACING MOUTHPIECE
>
> The problem of the biting has only started with the new sax and no
> dental changes or physical changes have occured. WHY IS THIS
> HAPPENING? What should I do to rectify this before it becomes a
> habit?

Here's something you could try. On your classical setup for alto
saxophone, play on the mouthpiece and reed alone. Hold the mouthpiece
between thumb and first two fingers so that you don't touch the reed and
you don't interfere with the flow or air out of the mouthpiece. Play a
loud, extended sound. Don't try to make a pretty, musical tone. I ask my
students to make a "loud, ugly" sound. After a steady sound has been
established, check the pitch on the piano. You should be playing an A,
first ledger line above the treble clef.

If you feel that you are biting, then it is more likely that the sound
which you produce will be a C, a minor third higher than the above. Open
the embouchure to make the pitch drop to A. Note how the embouchure and
breath feel while you are doing this. You should be aware of a very open
feeling in the mouth and throat, and of a great volume of air, although
not very great air pressure. Now, place the mouthpiece back on the
saxophone and play your 2nd octave F#. If you play with the same open
feeling and with the same large volume of air, your F3 should be in tune
with concert A. Check it on the piano if you are sure the piano is in
tune, or with an electronic tuner.

There should be differences between your clarinet and saxophone
embouchures. Both are structured, with the "hollow" in the chin.
However, the clarinet embouchure should be more *firm*. Please note that
I said "firm," not "hard" or "tight."

Experiment with this a little and let us know the results.

Ed Lacy
*****************************************************************
Dr. Edwin Lacy University of Evansville
Professor of Music 1800 Lincoln Avenue
Evansville, IN 47722
el2@-----.edu (812)479-2754
*****************************************************************

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