Klarinet Archive - Posting 000063.txt from 2007/04

From: "David McClune" <dmcclune@-----.edu>
Subj: Re: [kl] von Weber Concertino Op. 26
Date: Sun, 08 Apr 2007 13:27:39 -0400

Chane

The key to learning technical passages is to play slow. How slow? So =
slow that the run is extremely easy for YOUR technique. It is best to use =
a metronome. Play the run, move the MM up a notch, play the run, move the =
MM up a notch. (If you have the traditional metronome (MM) the speed goes =
up by threes, fours, fives, six's, etc. If you have a digital MM which =
goes up by ones...just advance the tempo by fives, ie 60, 65, 70, 75, =
etc.)

You keep repeating the run, advancing the MM until your finger technique =
hits a tempo wall and you cannot go any faster. Write that fast tempo =
down in the music. The next day start at HALF of yesterdays fastest =
tempo. Do the repetitions again. Day three, start at half of day two's =
fastest tempo. (repeat the process for weeks!)=20

Practicing is easy, making yourself actually practice patiently is very =
difficult. Yes you need to keep the air support strong; yes you need to =
keep the fingers curved; yes you should lightly pop the fingers down onto =
the holes...

Daily practice is best because the brain has to rewire it's self to allow =
your fingers to move, to play any particular passage. If you miss a day =
of practice, the brain actually starts to erase those neuron paths. Miss =
a week or so and your technique gets 'rusty'. Actually it is weaker =
neuron paths. (Having friends who are neurologists makes for interesting =
conversations!) Practicing is a process. Apply the process correctly and =
the body will learn the music!

Best of luck

Dave

Dr. David McClune
University Professor of Music
Director of Bands/Woodwinds
Union University-1862
1050 Union University Drive
Jackson, TN 38305

Office-731-661-5294
dmcclune@-----.edu
www.mcclunemouthpiece.com

>>> Chane Smith <chane@-----.net> 4/8/2007 12:06 am >>>
Hello,
My name is Chane and I am a High School senior with plans to be a=20
band teacher.
In my auditions for college, I played von Weber's Concertino for=20
Clarinet Op. 26. Even though I feel I did a decent job for a small =
town,=20
small program student without a private teacher, I still want to advance=20=

in the song. Does anyone have any advice? I especially need help with=20
the runs at bar 223 to the end. I get one or two of the bottom notes,=20
then silence for a few notes, and then the top notes sound. I think it=20
is an air issue, however I just can't get the air right. Any pointers?
Thanks,
Chane

------------------------------------------------------------------

------------------------------------------------------------------