Klarinet Archive - Posting 000751.txt from 2001/10

From: "Robert Moody" <LetsReason@-----.com>
Subj: Re: [kl] Beginners and Chalumeau/Returning after many years
Date: Tue, 23 Oct 2001 01:38:27 -0400

<<I for one would be interested to read about the concept of "fast air." I
recall from my studies with Leon Russianoff that he taught blowing "warm
air" versus "cool air," and the various effects to be achieved from those
two concepts. I am guess that "fast air" may be analogous to Russianoff's
concept of "cool air.">>

Yes and no. Not in my usage, at least. Yes, "cool air" because of the
literally quickly moving air that results. No, because the real emphasis is
on breath support via control of the propulsion and delivery systems.

Quickly... (I want to save this for my article! ;-) )

The Propulsion system involves the diaphragm and surrounding structures and
their influence (ribs, shoulders, spine, etc.) on maintaining a steady and
solid source of moving air.

The Delivery system involves generally the throat, embouchure and
mouthpiece.

The term(s) "fast air" is what I want the student to visualize is happening
right at the entry into the mouthpiece if the Propulsion and Delivery
systems are working right.

So yes...if everything I teach is working right to produce "fast air"
entering the mouthpiece, then take the mouthpiece out and I will have spent
a lot of time teaching what Russianoff said with simply, "Produce cool air".
;-)

I think what you will find is that I make the student mentally and
physically aware of all the parts that are involved in creating a controlled
and consistent "cool air" stream through exercises using visualization,
exploration and experimentation [LOL...sorry, I wanted to sound like Jesse
Jackson there]. Seriously though, I try to use all kinds of outer-world,
tangible ideas to get the kids to understand and control inner-world
processes.

I think the biggest difference between Roger's and my approach is that I
think it is much more beneficial to include this kind of
inner-feel/understanding of the altissimo and upper clarion registers in the
foundation laid in the beginning. I have seen it produce dramatic results
in kids who "should not be able to do that yet".

Robert

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