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Selmer Resonite--straining on the high register?

Author: Gigi
Date: 2001-01-28 15:47

Hello, everybody:

I'm a beginning clarinet player and I am getting frustrated with either my instrument or my playing--I'm not sure which.

I can produce a very good tone on the low register, very good on the mid-register (if my instrument is warmed up) but when I get to the high register--even a B flat--the tone becomes slightly wheezy and I find it very difficult to produce a good tone, let alone not squeek.

Is this normal for a beginning clarinetist? I'm wondering if I should be changing my emboucher for the high register notes--I just can't seem to play them with any kind of ease regardless of how hard I try.

Could it perhaps be my instrument?

Any enlightenment is appreciated.

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RE: Selmer Resonite--straining on the high registe

Author: Dee
Date: 2001-01-28 16:09

This is normal for a beginning clarinet player. One of the key elements in addition to embouchure is correct air support. The higher you go, the more important it is that these be correct.

Are you taking lessons? A good instructor can tell you where the problem lies. I strongly advise you to sign up with an instructor if you haven't already. Not only can they diagnose problems but can prevent bad habits from forming that have to be broken later. In addition, they can provide reassurance that your progress is relatively normal so that you don't get discouraged and give up.

How long have you been playing? It may be too soon for you to attempt these notes. It can be several months before a student has the embouchure and air support to do well above the staff.

Has your instrument been checked out for proper adjustment? Even a new horn can have a leak.

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RE: Selmer Resonite--straining on the high registe

Author: Anji
Date: 2001-01-29 01:20

Hiya Gigi,

I'm playing for a year now, and still have occassion to wonder where the notes have gone. There's lots to keep track of, particularly in the beginning.

Your breathing, gut support and concentration have more effect on the Altissimo register than any piece of equipment. (By the way, I've played a few Resonite clarinets, and the current ones are pretty good.)

If you have a standard mouthpiece with a wide tip opening (1.05mm or more) a soft reed is necessary. I found that a #3 Vandy made the higher notes reachable on a predictable basis.

If you are using something like the Hite Premier, a move into the M14 or M13 from Vandoren may help, but it is an expensive experiment.

I suggest you (or your teacher) invest in Larry Guy's book on the clarinet embouchure for a pointer here and there.

Good luck, we all know what you mean (it certainly happened to me!) anji

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