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High C

Author: John Halbrooks
Date: 2000-03-21 18:50

I have picked up the clarinet again after about twenty years, and I have been enjoying myself. My biggest problem is that I cannot get to a high C or above. I work my way through the clarion range with a pretty decent tone, and then I just drop out, usually at B or C. Anyone have any embouchure or breath control suggestions? Exercises?

Thanks

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RE: High C

Author: c.g.b.s.
Date: 2000-03-21 19:14

Do you mean the first or second C above the staff?

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RE: High C

Author: Dee
Date: 2000-03-21 19:42

1. Leaks under the trill pads may be causing a problem.
2. You may be "clamping" down on the reed or mouthpiece to get the note. When you do this, you can cut off the note entirely.
3. As you guessed, your embouchure and breath support might not be sufficient or correct due to lack of practice.
4. Maybe the reed is the wrong strength for you or for the mouthpiece.

Try playing a good solid 1st space F (the one with thumb only) or 1st line E (thumb and 1st finger) with good strong breath support. Then without changing anything, depress the register key and the note should speak. If it doesn't speak, my guess is a leak. If it does speak but the tone or pitch are a little off then it could be any or all of items 2 through 3 above.

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RE: High C

Author: paul
Date: 2000-03-21 21:20

I agree with Dee's points. I usually do a three octave drill to help me get a good solid foundation for the upper clarion and altissimo notes. [Example: Chalemeau A, Clarion E, Altissimo C#, etc.] If it's the usual upper clarion C (left thumb, register key only) that you are talking about, you also need to check to make sure your thumb completely seals the thumb tone hole. Even a little air leak in this crucial area can ruin the note. You may need to do the register drills to regain embouchure and air support, which are always required. You also may need to do the drills to make sure you aren't inadvertently pulling your thumb off its tone hole. I know I did, and my pro tutor showed me how to fix this common problem. He told me to learn to catch a small corner of the lowest part of the register key with only the least bit of thumb. That's why most register keys have such an extreme taper right next to the thumb hole. Initially, this fingering method may feel unusual and event seem a bit extreme, but it gives you a better chance of sealing the tone hole as you regain your skills. And yes, with the register key being that long, it doesn't take much effort to properly raise it for a good solid fingering. Plus, if your horn is as good as it seems, the register key will be made for and adjusted for minimal travel with just a very little bit of thumb pressure on it. The ideal amount of register key travel is about 1.5 mm (or less) off its own tone hole opening for the register tube. If your horn's register key opens more than this, have a good professional woodwind tech adjust it down for you. The trade off is a little worse throat Bb (it can't get much worse than it already is) in exchange for a very solid clarion and an equally good altissimo. For me, this key adjustment trade off was well worth it.

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RE: High C

Author: John Halbrooks
Date: 2000-03-22 13:49

Thanks for the suggestions. Yes, it is the upper clarion C. I'm inclined to think that it is my fingering, breath, or embouchure rather than a leak for two reasons: 1) sometimes when I'm not really concentrating, I drop out early, like at G or A; and 2) I just had the horn repadded by an excellent repairer.

I'll see how practicing goes today! JVH

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RE: High C

Author: Marvin Adeff
Date: 2000-03-24 02:55

If you recently had the horn repadded, it may be time to have it readjusted. Usually 30 or days of playing after repading the pads & mechanisms settle in and require readjustment. I've had this happen several times. The readjustment makes all the difference in the world.

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