Klarinet Archive - Posting 000849.txt from 2000/02

From: "Dee D. Hays" <deehays@-----.com>
Subj: Re: [kl] Newbie Question on Intonation
Date: Wed, 23 Feb 2000 09:18:59 -0500

----- Original Message -----
From: "Gil Guerrero" <gil-man@-----.net>
Subject: [kl] Newbie Question on Intonation

> Ok, I've spent the last six months getting where I can produce a sound on
> command out of my clarinet. My fingering has advanced reasonably well,
> and I'm starting to play small tunes/etudes. My attention is now on the
> quality of the notes.
>
> The setup: using an older Evette Schaeffer what seems to be a standard
> barrel, a Gennusa GE* mouthpiece, Vandoren V12 #3 (although transitioning
> to 3.5s).
>
> The issue: when I play mezzo-forte, I'm pretty much in tune with the
> tuner that I'm using (have one on my computer that uses a computer mic)
> except for low E and F, which are pretty flat. When I play forte, I seem
> to be pretty flat all the way across the board, although again low E/F
> are much flatter. Does anybody have any thought on why this might be?

These are "normal" characteristics of the clarinet and the player must learn
to play in tune.

Most beginners will have pitch problems. It takes quite a while develop the
ability to play consistently in tune. Playing in a group such as a
community band will help.

> I've tried to "lip it up" a bit, but I guess because I'm so new, I don't
> have enough fine control over my embouchure to do this without squeaking.
>

One possibility is that when you play loud, you are putting a lot of air
through the instrument but it is uncontrolled and the air pressure is low.
This will make you go flat on forte. Regardless of the dynamic level you
are playing or the quantity of air you are using, the air stream needs to be
high pressure. This is controlled by the diaphragm and oral cavity.

>
> If the issue is really that I'm new and need to work through it, that's
> fine. What I'm not sure is whether I should try any equipment adjustment
> (shorter barrel, etc...) to deal with it.
>

I do think it is because you are new. If you are in tune at mezzo forte
volumes, I would not advise changing equipment. Steady practice and playing
with other, more experienced players will gradually help you learn to play
in tune.

> One other issue that I thought might make a difference, I have a very
> high palate. I'm not sure whether that might be having an effect on my
> velocity/support/turbulence.
>

I can't help you here as I don't know. But practice will help you learn to
play in tune.

Dee Hays
Canton, SD

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