Klarinet Archive - Posting 000032.txt from 2003/08

From: EClarinet@-----.com
Subj: [kl] Re: Mouthpiece patches/oral cavity
Date: Sat, 2 Aug 2003 07:53:26 -0400

In a message dated 8/2/03 3:16:28 AM EST, JON writes:

<< How many people on
the list play using a patch, and why do they need a patch? >>

I've been using a patch so long now that when I play on a mpc without, it
makes my front teeth feel strange. The patch combination I use (thick rubber
patch with thin clear patch over it) helps me keep the mpc in the optimum place
without sliding around. I found that when I did not use one, I could feel the
mpc slipping out of my mouth too much, even when I was thinking about the
upward thumb lift of the right hand.

Too little mouthpiece makes for a pinched sound, so when I have the patch on
it helps keep my oral cavity opened up. I have a small mouth anyway, so I
need all the help I can get. Which reminds me, have any of you noticed the
correlation between mouth size and sound? My singing voice and clarinet tone both
have a 'bright sound', no matter what setup I use, and I think that's because
our tone is dependent to a large degree on oral cavity characteristics.
Everyone I've seen/heard who has a large mouth has a bigger, 'rounder' natural
sound. Anyone else notice this phenomenon?

Elise Curran
Orlando

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