Klarinet Archive - Posting 000840.txt from 2001/05

From: Bilwright@-----.net (William Wright)
Subj: Re: [kl] Playing crisis
Date: Tue, 29 May 2001 11:16:41 -0400

<><> Kathleen Williams wrote:
I've come up with a number of problems in my stay over England that my
teacher hasn't really been able to help me with. The principal one is
that of support, which seems to be pretty crucial as it affects tone
quality and sound in the staccato.

I suspect that many of the comments you'll receive here will relate
to: "Do you practice slurred long tones regularly?"

This exercise involves both: (1) making a seamless transfer from
one note to the next without --- unconsciously, usually --- backing off
on the breath just before you move your fingers; and (2) starting each
note 'pp' or 'ppp' and then crescendo-ing up to 'ff' or 'fff' and then
diminuendo-ing back down to 'pp' or 'ppp' before slurring to the next
note. The crescendo/diminuendo focuses your attention on what your
breath is actually doing from moment to moment.

As for being homesick, I don't blame you. Not only is a person's
home where her or his heart is, but also Australia is a beautiful land.
It happens that I enjoyed my visits to both Australia and UK. I'm
always very glad to return home when a holiday is over, but I enjoyed
Australia sufficiently that I returned with my daughter when she
announced her wedding and I needed a way to say "Goodbye" to her. I'm
returning to UK this summer.
In short, I envy you having to choose between Australia and UK, but
I do believe that nothing replaces 'home' --- not even long tones.

Cheers,
Bill

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