Klarinet Archive - Posting 000085.txt from 2001/07

From: "Jessica Miller" <jm028f@-----.com>
Subj: [kl] HELP!!!!
Date: Tue, 3 Jul 2001 09:25:32 -0400

I've been hesitant and embarrassed to ask for your help until now but
desperate times call for desperate measures...The opening of Rhapsody in
Blue has plagued me since I was thirteen years old and lost the part at a
music camp due to the fact that I was (and still) unable to "smear." Now a
professional opportunity has come up for me to play this solo. I am a
conservatory trained clarinetist who unfortunately has really never had the
experience or opportunity to study or play any other styles of music other
than classical. I have consulted with classical clarinetists and jazz sax
people who can "smear" I have gotten their two cents but am still unable to
do it. I have tried dropping my jaw, loosening my embouchure, softer reeds,
a open mouthpiece, sliding fingers, lifting fingers, etc...The closest I've
come is an inconsistent sort of smear from G to C (above the staff). Does
anybody out there have any tried and true tricks to help me...or is it too
late to teach this old dog any new tricks?

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