Klarinet Archive - Posting 000697.txt from 2002/04

From: "Kent Krive" <k.krive@-----.net>
Subj: Re: [kl] Embouchure question
Date: Wed, 24 Apr 2002 19:09:16 -0400

Suzanne,

I think if you read the chapter on embouchure carefully, you will come to
the conclusion that Mr. Stein intended that the lower lip would be pressed
against the lower teeth as a natural function of the jaw "riding" forward
(as if with the breath stream) as the lips are in an "O" formation (formed
by causing the lips to be in the same shape as when one would say OH,or OO
(I like OO better)), with the mouthpiece "caught" against the upper teeth.

He did intend that a portion of the lower lip be above, thus extending over,
the lower teeth. The "extending over" is more a function of the lower lip
being pressed against the lower teeth than the lower lip being folded over
the lower lip. Now, draw the outer membrane of the chin away from the reed
(as if to pull the lip from between the teeth and the reed (but don't)) and
you'll be on the way to the embouchure Mr. Stein recommended.

A simpler action might be to place only half of the red of your lip over the
lower teeth...

Up until the forties, or so, the "smile" embouchure was widely taught. Young
clarinetists could be heard losing a lot of air through the corners of the
mouth... Keith Stein incorporated a hint of that idea with the addition of a
"squint" of the eyes added to the OO of the lips. For obvious reasons, the
smile has not been a recommended component of the clarinet (or any other
wind instrument, for that matter) embouchure for many years now.

And, if you could've heard the Michigan State band clarinet sections during
Mr. Stein's tenure, you would strive to internalize his ideas in the hopes
of emulating that great sound.

Happy OO to you :-)

Kent

----- Original Message -----
From: "Suzanne Stanton" <suzanne@-----.com>
Subject: [kl] Embouchure question

> I've been reading in Keith Stein's book, "The Art of Clarinet Playing"
about
> how to form a correct embouchure. He says, "Keep the red of the lower lip
> turned outward. Never allow it to roll inward and be lost." I was taught
> years ago to fold the bottom lip over the bottom teeth and keep it tight.
> What do all of you do? I also read a post here awhile back that mentioned
> an "O" shaped embouchure. I'm not exactly clear what that means. I'd
> really like to work on my tone, and I'm willing to change my embouchure,
if
> I need to. Also, are there any other good "how to" books out there on
> clarinet playing? Thanks for any feedback.
>
> Suzanne Stanton
>
>
> ---------------------------------------------------------------------
>
>

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