Klarinet Archive - Posting 000166.txt from 2001/06

From: JMarioneau@-----.com
Subj: Re: [kl] curved fingers
Date: Mon, 4 Jun 2001 10:24:42 -0400

Stewart,
I played with flat fingers on my right hand all the way through high
school (for some reason my left was ok). I was actually a good player in
spite of that hand position, but when I got to college, I had to change. My
teacher said that if i could get my ring finger curved, the rest would all
curve and he was right. I practiced slow scales and used the Klose mechanism
excercises and low note excercises and after several months, I got to where
the correct hand position became automatic. I also decided to consider poor
right hand position as bad of a mistake as wrong notes or wrong rhythm, so if
i discovered that I was playing with flat right hand fingers, I would stop
and start again.
It is well worth the effort to change. My tecnic smoothed out and
difficult passages came easier, so the amount of time spent changing saved me
time later not to mention raising my playing to another level. Good luck and
hang in there. It can be done.
James Marioneaux
Principal Clarinet, Baytown (TX) Symphony Orch
Adjunct Clarinet Instructor, Lee College, Baytown
Band Director, Barbers Hill HS, Mont Belvieu
I have no free days ot nights

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