Klarinet Archive - Posting 000718.txt from 2001/10

From: "Tony Wakefield" <tony-wakefield@-----.net>
Subj: Re: [kl] When to teach voicing for altissimo notes
Date: Mon, 22 Oct 2001 05:33:42 -0400

how I might sdapt (adapt?) the
> book to get the clarinets playing in the clarion register more quickly?
> Thanks
> Audrey

I`m not Robert, Audrey, but an initial thought of mine might be to scrap
this book and use one which covers first attempts at the clarion register
with proper coverage.
My philosophy for students at this stage would only occur once they had a
reasonable knowledge of all chalumeau notes/fingerings - what would be
required - air pressure/lip pressure wise in this chalumeau register to
exercise reasonable initial control. If they <know> to some degree how to
adjust air/lip pressure, then they are more able to cope with the
new/strange (to them) register.
I don`t have too much pressure from students wanting to advance prematurely
into the clarinet register, because I give them an excess of 'fabulous
tunes' all down below which preoccupies them, at the same time strengthening
their embouchure, and at the same time reducing stress for me (and them)
when they wouldn`t be ready for this next comparatively unimportant stage
compared to air/lip control. If one has <that> then the upper register is
very, very, easy.
I have taken on students, who previously with another teacher have entered
the upper register prematurely, and my work has really been 'cut out' to
correct this.
It could possibly be pressure in the American educational system - "I want
this boy/girl in band transferring to 1st stand" which causes dysfunctional
consolidation at this stage of initial entry into the clarion register.
It will not work either if the student does not have an initially maturing
tone - they need to know from the outset how to select a reed which plays
for them.

To Robert - please excuse me chipping in with this reply, but I find it
intriguing, and would love to discover what pressures there are in U.S.
instrumental teaching, (with it`s appropriate, or otherwise recommended
time) to move a student from individual/group learning, to fill a vacant
chair in band.

Thanks.

Best,

Tony W.

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