Klarinet Archive - Posting 000144.txt from 2003/10

From: EClarinet@-----.com
Subj: Re: [kl] banana/sliver key
Date: Tue, 7 Oct 2003 10:59:34 -0400

Hello, all--

I also was not one to use the LH sliver key much, until I saw a masterclass
given by Richard Stoltzman at Stetson University near Orlando about 3 or 4
years ago. He was working with someone who was playing a chromatic passage and
using the RH side key, and Stoltzman explained how his teacher, Kalman Opperman,
said that the sliver key should always be used where possible instead of the
side key because it kept the action all in one hand, as someone else has
already mentioned. He demonstrated the superiority of the key by playing his
chromatic scale both ways, and you could definitely hear a difference.

I then started teaching my beginners to use the sliver key in their F and Bb
scales, only switching to the side key for Eb, Ab, etc scales. I have found
this means that the kids use both fingerings almost equally, slightly favoring
the sliver key. They are not so tied to the side key, like I am! btw, I have
tried using my sliver key more now, since I think I should practice what I
preach, but I have to constantly remind myself.

I also once had a teacher who said that you used the side key going up the
chromatic scale, but the sliver key going down, because of the ways your hands
move. Anyone else ever heard this? I relearned it this way, and still do it.

Elise Curran
Orlando

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