Klarinet Archive - Posting 000052.txt from 2002/01

From: AnneLenoir@-----.net (Anne Lenoir)
Subj: Re: [kl] Sore lower lip & Biting
Date: Wed, 2 Jan 2002 17:55:52 -0500

I personally believe that the problem of sore lower lip and biting can
be greatly improved by blowing with proper support and strengthening the
embochure muscles in the cheeks, and trying to just barely cover the
lower teeth with enough lip and not biting at all. Sometimes biting can
seem to happen involuntarily. It happenned to me last week when I forgot
to bring my clarinet to the music store for lessons, (due to us moving
into our new house) and I had to borrow a clarinet at the store and use
the stock mouthpiece that came with the clarinet. (It was a Selmer stock
mouthpiece, a bear. and they (Selmer) should use Clark Fobes' "Debut"
mouthpieces in their student line clarinets). I do believe that playing
on the "wrong" mouthpiece can also contribute to biting.
I know that many people on the list, including Hat from NYC, do not
believe in practicing long tones. I think that Hat makes a good point
and I basically agree with him. However, there are times when practicing
long tones can be very beneficial in re-training yourself not to bite.
I also adore the tone exercises in Abe Galper's "Tone, Technique
and Staccato" for helping to keep my embochure in good, proper form. I
recently went to Toronto to study with Abe and to learn how to teach his
"Galper Clarinet Method" as well as his "Tone, Technique and Staccato"
to my students, and I was very impressed with Abe's "easy-going" style
as well as his wife, Charna's, Kosher cooking. Abe also gave me a copy
of his clarinet method, book 2, and I was very impressed with the
simple, short passages that are wonderful for me as well as my young
students. Maybe Abe's books will keep me young?
Although tape on the lower teeth can be helpful at times, I believe
that proper practicing can be most beneficial in averting or correcting
a biting problem. I played a very long New Year's Eve gig Monday night,
but I have had a full teaching schedule Tuesday and today, and
fortunately I don't have a sore lip. Abe doesn't approve of my playing
along with the students as much as I do, but I can't help myself. That's
just my style. He thinks that it prevents me from hearing what they are
doing, so I am trying to pay very close attention to them as well.
Happy New Year to all. Love, ANNIE

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