Klarinet Archive - Posting 000243.txt from 2002/08

From: w8wright@-----.net (William Wright)
Subj: Re: [kl] Clarinet rolling.
Date: Mon, 26 Aug 2002 00:32:50 -0400

Other important details:

(1) You mentioned that you've tried placing the thumb rest on top of
your knuckle, or between your knuckle and your hand. I suppose there's
an exception to ever rule, but this is pretty much of a "no no" !!

(2) Have you looked at yourself in the mirror while playing? Your
thumb should be perpendicular to the clarinet's axis. Are your elbows
reasonably close to your side. perhaps within 2"-3" of your side?

(3) Stiff shoulders, arms or wrists (to the point of being locked up)
causes a variety of problems because your body parts can't adjust. One
body part out of kilter pulls eveythng else out of kilter as well.
Although a majority of clarinet players don't use a strap, a significant
number of us do (including myself) in order that the rest of our body
can be relaxed and free to move independently. A "death grip", as
opposed to a firm but adjustable grip, in any part of the body,
including embouchure, will cause problems. I can imagine that biting
too hard with uneven teeth is an example of this.

Cheers,
Bill

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