Klarinet Archive - Posting 000612.txt from 2000/02

From: "Jay Webler" <webler@-----.net>
Subj: Re: [kl] Rhythm training, was: daily playing
Date: Wed, 16 Feb 2000 19:10:29 -0500

It helps me to think in terms of pushing the air rather that blowing. The object in mind is getting
the air all the way through the horn.. Using the abdominal muscles will help to accomplish this.

I have my students do this without a Clarinet in their mouth. First I have them take a normal breath where the chest usually expands. Then I have them
exhale.
Second, I have them breath so that their abdomen expands and then push the air out with the abdominal muscle
There is a marked difference in the way the air escapes.

Almost always there is a marked improvement in the intonation of the clarion range when they grasp this concept.

Also remember that the amount of support required is inversely proportional to the volume you are playing.
The softer you play the more support you need to provide. I have also learned that the better you get at this
the less air you actually expend. I push more air now than I did a year ago, but I can play longer passages without breathing
as much.

Jay Webler
Jay's Clarinet and Percussion

On Tue, 15 Feb 2000 07:04:08 EST, SDSCHWAEG@-----.com wrote:

>Bryan asked:
><< Also, it does seem that the Clarion register is easier to play if I give it
> a lot of air. But then it plays pretty loud. Can the high notes be played
> softly, or is it really necessary to blow more forcefully to get those
> notes? It also highlights the fact that I need to get a little more
> exercise. Wheeze.>>
>
>Then Walter answered:
> Blowing hard and SUPPORTING are two different things...when you are
>beginning, it is easier to support when you play loud. Remember how it feels
>to play loud...keep the same breath support....then just blow less air
>through the clarinet...PRESTO....pianissimo! >>
>
>To add to that, the dynamic level of what you play is dependent on the volume
>of air you move through the instrument - a lot of air = loud playing, a small
>amount of air @-----. Support has to do with the speed or intensity
>with which you move that air - the faster the air stream, the more support.
>(Fast vs. slow air stream is like the difference between "blowing cold" as if
>you were cooling off hot soup and "blowing warm" like you're warming up your
>hands on a cold day.) One doesn't necessarily have anything to do with the
>other, but at the beginning it's easier to "blow fast" if you're also
>"playing loud." So, to answer your question about the high register, it IS
>necessary to blow faster to produce those notes - they need more support -
>but it is NOT necessary to use a large volume of air. Small amount of air,
>moving with intensity @-----.
>Susan Schwaegler
>
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