Klarinet Archive - Posting 000894.txt from 2000/12

From: Neil Leupold <leupold_1@-----.com>
Subj: Re: [kl] Starting
Date: Fri, 15 Dec 2000 23:41:49 -0500

--- DLind15018@-----.com wrote:

> HELP!! I play in church on Sunday. I don't know whether it is nerves or
> what, but I am having trouble getting the initial tone when I play. Once I
> start, I'm OK. Any suggestions? I am trying different reeds (and also
> trying both my wood and plastic clarinet) to combat this.

When you first put the instrument together, start out by playing double-
lip for a minute, perhaps some long tones, initiating each tone with breath
only (no tongue). You may be pinching more than usual, preventing the reed
from vibrating at the outset. Double-lip mitigates the tendency to pinch,
and starting the tone with air instead of your tongue will allow the reed
to vibrate without any possible initial interference. Consciously drop
the jaw a little bit while playing double-lip. After a minute of this,
you may find that you're once again able to produce a tone on command via
single lip embouchure, without the delay that you describe. Then it be-
comes a matter of replicating that sensation when it comes time to perform.
Returning to the original exercise a minute before you perform might be just
enough to relax you for that very first note. Like you said, after that you
do okay.

-- Neil

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