Klarinet Archive - Posting 000098.txt from 2012/02

From: "Karl Krelove" <karlkrelove@-----.com>
Subj: Re: [kl] (no subject)
Date: Tue, 07 Feb 2012 13:35:20 -0500

For a long time I've rested the clarinet bell on my knee. Sometimes for
added stability I hold it between my knees, especially my A clarinet, which
is longer. (Yes, I have to be careful about doing this when I have to play
long B in a passage, but it can be done.) One thing I have found is
important for me to do is be aware of the instrument angle that results from
doing this. Or, more accurately, to *not let my knee* determine the angle of
the instrument, but rather to hold the instrument at the most effective
angle for my mouth structure and arm length and arrange the knee to support
the clarinet in that position. This may mean straightening the leg somewhat
to lower the knee or flexing it more (or even resting the foot on a some low
object like a book or a couple of boards fastened together) to raise it, and
can determine whether resting the instrument farther up the thigh or at the
knee itself is best. Both the angle of the mouthpiece leaving your
embouchure and the position of your elbows can have sometimes dramatic
effects on your comfort level.

Karl =

> -----Original Message-----
> From: Janice Rosen [mailto:operanut@-----.com]
> Sent: Monday, February 06, 2012 10:36 PM
> To: Clarinet List
> Subject: [kl] (no subject)
> =

> Hi everyone,
> =

> I need some suggestions on how to strengthen my right thumb and the
> joint so that it doesn't hurt when playing the clarinet.=A0=A0 NO I don't
> have arthritis and don't normally have pain in that thumb.=A0=A0=A0 That
> thumb isn't strong enough to hold the weight of the clarinet while
> playing and tends to sag, causing the clarinet to move, and then I miss
> the finger holes while playing.=A0=A0 I can;t stand the neck straps, so I
> dont use one to help hold the clarinet.=A0=A0 Would anyone have any
> suggestions for strengthening that thumb and the joint that connects
> the thumb to the hand?
> =

> =

> Thanks
> =

> =

> Janice Rosen
> Washington, DC
> =

> _______________________________________________
> Klarinet mailing list
> Klarinet@-----.com
> To do darn near anything to your subscription, go to:
> http://klarinet-list.serve-music.com

_______________________________________________
Klarinet mailing list
Klarinet@-----.com
To do darn near anything to your subscription, go to:
http://klarinet-list.serve-music.com