Klarinet Archive - Posting 000486.txt from 2002/06

From: JEDISUSHI@-----.com
Subj: [kl] Re: Barrels and Karl Leister...
Date: Sun, 16 Jun 2002 00:15:39 -0400

In a message dated 6/15/02 11:24:33 PM Eastern Daylight Time, webler1@-----.com

writes:

> I would like to throw in my 2 cents on this, admitting that I don't know
> your
> level of playing, so I may be in left field entirely. It has been my
> experience that
> 99.9% of the time a student has intonation problems in the upper range of
> the Clarinet that it is embouchure related. We are often quick to what to
> buy
> some new product thinking that the problem can be quickly resolved. Many
> players
> tend to bite down as they go up the Clarion range into the Altissimo. If
> the embouchure,
> air support, and voicing is correct this should not have to be done.
> Often,
> with ones who
> have this problem, I have the student use a double lip embouchure and ask
> them to play up
> to E or F altissimo. Generally I find that their air support is lacking.
> If they spend some time
> practicing this way they usually develop a much more open, in tune sound.
>
> Having said all of that, if you have already tried all of this then: Never
> Mind !!!!!
>
> Jay Webler
> Jay's Clarinet and Percussion
>

Many thanks for the two responses so far. I will definitely check out Fobes,

as I was unaware of his work. Jay, I'm positive this is a simple equipment
adjustment that's needed, but I appreciate your take on the situation (we all

need to be reminded to do those things so that bad habits don't creep up).
Like many A clarinets, this clarinet has always had just those 8 or 9 notes a

bit sharp, an overhaul helped noticeably, and now it's time for detail work.

The problem is non-existent on my B-flat. Thanks again... :-)

Mike

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