Klarinet Archive - Posting 000854.txt from 2000/10

From: "Patricia Smith" <pattiesmith@-----.net>
Subj: Re: [kl] embouchures, mouthpieces, reeds
Date: Sun, 15 Oct 2000 11:06:46 -0400

Ann,
For me, so much of my learning seems to be trial and error in every area,
sometimes. What works for one student will not work for another, and so on.
I personally will probably never try to make mouthpieces - I just do not
have the patience, I am too clumsy, and there is too much in my playing I
want to improve, so I wish to continue to put my focus there. I do want to
eventually learn to make my own reeds, but right now I don't have a safe
place to do it - a place where my kids won't get into them!!! When the kids
learn to play, then we can probably all learn together.
Back to this mouthpiece deal, I do think sometimes that it would be nice if
there were perhaps more facings available for beginners. It is expensive to
experiment with mouthpieces, though, so it is almost impossible to provide,
say two symmetrical facings for beginners and two asymmetrical facings, all
at a fairly reasonable price. And, as all of us who teach these little
demons know, that is where it all comes into play for young students and
parents.
A question for Walter, Roger, Clark Greg Smith and the other makers on the
list: I understand that there are several materials that blanks are made
of. What material is the most common for beginner mouthpieces ? Is it
Acrylic ?
Clark, I believe you may have this on your website. If so, I will gladly
navigate there and peruse at my leisure. I have already recommended your
Debut mouthpiece to one of my students. He had better have it at his
lesson!<G>
If I seem more than a little into this whole thing with beginners and
equipment, it is because I feel that the band programs and teachers (at
least where I am) just don't do the job...okay, I won't get started on this.
As far as keeping reeds clean, placing the reed between the index finger and
thumb, and gently rubbing it clean always worked for me. I have never had
to soak my reeds, and they have never grown any mold or anything - except
once, when I just simply didn't play very much for (gasp) six months or
longer. I was playing (muffled moan) saxophone a lot at the time. Once I
decided to get serious again, I got right back into decent habits. If
things do get a little snoogly for me, I like that hydrogen peroxide -
however, it does have a nasty aftertaste.
I also have heard of using muriatic acid to clean the mouthpiece tip, but it
has to be very much diluted....or else......

Well, I suppose I have put some of you to sleep...there was a lot on my
mind...
Thanks for "listening" and for your input so I can be a better player and
teacher for the kids I teach

Patty Smith

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