Klarinet Archive - Posting 000223.txt from 2002/06

From: JMarioneau@-----.com
Subj: Re: [kl] Re: Caruso Long Tones
Date: Fri, 7 Jun 2002 10:03:59 -0400

I agree with you David. When I begin with a student (high school level
and junior college where I teach), I have them play the Klose excercises
beginning with the thirds (number 7 on page11) playing them with a full sound
checking their embouchure in a mirror as their warm-up. When they can do
those all the way through with a good sound. correct embouchure, and proper
breathing, we progress through to the octaves. Once they have gotten to the
octaves, they use this as their permanent daily warm-up and play this before
they ever begin practicing. When they play this, they work on proper
embouchure, proper breathing, tone matching, and tuning. It has helped their
tones and embouchures tremendously.
The only long tone excercise I have used some is starting ppp crescendo to
fff diminuendo back to ppp for tone, embouchure, and pitch control at all
dynamic levels. I don' t think I or my students could stand to do 20 minutes
of that. I also use the scales and the thirds and the other interval studies
to help with tone quality. I also play duets with my students with the goal
being for them to match the intesity of my sound and play better in tune.
There are probably many excellent teachers who would not agree with this
aproach, but it seems to work in my situation.
James Marioneaux
Clarinet Instructor
Lee College
Baytown, Texas

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