Klarinet Archive - Posting 000103.txt from 2000/05

From: Don Longacre <nw2v@-----.com>
Subj: [kl] Re: Bells & Whistles
Date: Wed, 3 May 2000 06:15:38 -0400

Topper writes:
>I am also
>sure that the the bottom bell ring does more than keep the wood from
>splitting.

Topper old Bean: Of course there is. One of the principal uses I find for
it is while waiting for rehearsal to commence, I often, especially in a
section I have not played in before, set my Korg tuner on my stand and very
critically tune my instrument and after each reading, turn the metal ring
on the bell (provided the ring will turn, mine does, especially in winter)
a quarter turn, tune again and turn the ring a bit more, then finally a
small adjustment of perhaps an eighth of a turn. Note your section colleague's
reaction out of the corner of your eye. They're nudging each other and going,
"Hey, lookit the new guy, some kinda geek?" Further, if the band tunes to
concert Bb, play a C#, just for a split sec then turn the bell ring and play
C. You'll see people fondling their bell rings with renewed interest.
Great little ice breaker. Another one is soaking your reed in orange pop.

It will also free you up from questions about what kind of mouthpiece and
reeds you use because no one will take you seriously after that.

Don Longacre

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