Klarinet Archive - Posting 000160.txt from 2003/07

From: IDoWoodwinds@-----.com
Subj: Re: [kl] Needing very basic playing advice
Date: Sat, 5 Jul 2003 10:46:06 -0400

to add a few comments to the good advice already written on this subject......

Being able to play smoothly over the register changes is not something that
happens automatically until the player learns the required skills . Certainly,
an instrument in good condition is important, as is covering all the relevant
tone holes. A strong enough reed and embouchure also helps, and are related to
what I think is the most important factor - blowing enough air to get the job
done. I've heard Mitchell Lurie (I think it was him) talk about how the
register changes "eat air".

Through my own teaching and playing experience I've decided that in order to
have enough air to make the 1st register change (a to b or Bb to c) I need to
have the extra air support already happening way before it's time to change
registers. In other words, the "extra support" is really what the "normal"
amount of support should be.

That's where the stronger reed helps, by forcing you to blow more air. I've
encouraged most of my students to try stronger reeds at some point for this
reason. It's easy and fun to putter around in the beautiful chalumeau register
all day , but too much of that kind of playing encourages wimpy air support and
the use of wimpy reeds, which of course leads to poorly playing in the upper
registers.

One more thought........ a teacher once insisted that I not use the word
"break" when describing the change between registers, that it builds an
unnecessary mental barrier when playing. I think I agree with him, especially regarding
younger students. I don't think they should have the idea of a "break" between
registers ingrained in their own thinking.

Mike Whitmore

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