Klarinet Archive - Posting 000473.txt from 2000/11

From: Bilwright@-----.net (William Wright)
Subj: [kl] Air flow - subtone - tonguing
Date: Fri, 10 Nov 2000 21:06:19 -0500

.....well, on second thought, I will offer one more comment about
interrupting the air flow while tonguing:

For the last couple of weeks, my instructor has been urging me to
play long tones above the break as pianissimo as I can manage (for each
pitch) and to listen for when the desired pitch disappears and only the
subtone remains. This problem becomes more severe as the pitch
increases, in my case when I reach G and A-above-the-staff.
The long pianissimo exercise is intended to improve embouchure, but
it makes a point about tonguing as well. When I was attempting to
tongue clarion notes today, those unwanted subtones intruded at the
beginning and end of each note. Clearly this was because my tonguing
was reducing the air flow at the moment just before the reed stopped
vibrating. I was 'punctuating' each note with a brief moment of
subtone, which sounded miserable of course. The cure, presumably, is
to keep the air movement steady as the tongue approaches and leaves the
reed.

At least, that's my thought tonight.

Cheers,
Bill

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