Klarinet Archive - Posting 000269.txt from 2001/02

From: "Kevin Fay (LCA)" <kevinfay@-----.com>
Subj: RE: [kl] FW: Unstable altissimo notes - a call for help
Date: Thu, 8 Feb 2001 14:18:17 -0500

Jim McGlinchey asked:

<<<I'm working on the 2nd reed book for 'Fiddler on the Roof'. It's all
clarinet, and a goodly portion of the book is in the altissimo register. I
find that I'm overblowing a lot of the notes as I practice, especially when
I'm playing a long sequence of altissimo notes, either articulated or
slurred. Single altissimo notes don't seem to be a problem.>>>

It is *possible* that it's a finger technique problem, too - or even your
equipment.

One fairly sure-fire way to play a double A is to finger a high E and pop
the F#/C# key open. It's possible that you are inadvertently venting the
air column by bumping a key or two in the fast passages. As stated
elsewhere, slow practice leads to fast success.

In addition, if one of your pads has a little leak, you could end up venting
for the higher harmonic even if you embouchure & technique are perfect. In
the slower passages, you could successfully "force" the lower harmonic by
opening your throat etc., but lose that ability in the multi-note passages.

My four half-pennies.

kjf

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