Klarinet Archive - Posting 000124.txt from 2009/01

From: "Karl Krelove" <karlkrelove@-----.net>
Subj: RE: [kl] Help Needed For Adult Beginner
Date: Tue, 06 Jan 2009 22:37:50 -0500

Squeaks come most often from pinching on the reed so that it doesn't vibrate
evenly across its width or from partially (even minutely) opening holes that
need to be closed for the note you're playing. Air can escape a hole because
your finger isn't completely closing it or because you've bumped into a key
that's holding a pad closed so that you've opened the pad slightly. Air can
also escape from around a pad that is damaged or has become misaligned by
being bent (hence the suggestion to see a repair tech). Squeaks also happen
(again because of uneven reed vibration) when the reed and mouthpiece
combination you're trying to play on doesn't respond easily enough so you
can't maintain control of it. Legeres have their attractions, but if you're
finding the cane reeds you've been using are too resistant, you might find
yourself more comfortable with a different strength or brand.

Your teacher will (or should) be the best person to figure out if there's a
consistent reason for squeaks. If there is, you'll have something specific
to work on. But sometimes they just happen, even to an experienced player.
I've heard more than one squeak (or worse) from principals in major
orchestras over 50 years of concertgoing. Unless squeaks are a major feature
of your playing, it may be best to concentrate on just producing the best
sound you can and fingering as cleanly and with as much control as you're
able. Over time the squeaks will take care of themselves.

Good luck,
Karl

-----Original Message-----
From: Clif Johnson [mailto:cajohnson20@-----.net]
Sent: Tuesday, January 06, 2009 6:52 PM
To: klarinet@-----.org
Subject: [kl] Help Needed For Adult Beginner

I have been taking clarinet instructions for about a year.

What can I do to prevent my clarinet from squeaking and what causes them?

Sometimes I never create a squeak in a song and then I'll go into a squeak
mode at other times.

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