 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: JennyA
Date: 1999-03-07 10:57
I've been asked to play alto clarinet in one piece for our spring concert. Aside from the fact that I need more lung power, I find that my right hand gets tired by the end of the number. Any tips for easing the strain? I've tried playing straight in front and to the side and neither position is more or less comfortable than the other.
I'm thinking of just getting a box to rest the bell on.
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Author: B Devoe
Date: 1999-03-07 11:59
If you are not using a neck strap, I highly recomend that. I have even started using one on my Bb clarinet when I have especially long rehearsals. I really releives the stain on the thumb and wrist.
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Author: Rich C
Date: 1999-03-07 12:42
YOu may find that having a good neckstrap will help you out. You can usually find an alto sax player who has a spare one laying around. It takes alot of time to get used to the weight of the clarinet, so don't be discouraged at first. 
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Author: Contragirl
Date: 1999-03-07 17:42
Neck straps! I'm going to start using one on my Bb because even though the instrument is light, my hand isn't used to the weight anymore. I'm surprised there isn't a peg. Or does it have one and it won't stay in place. My suggestion is get a neck strap and play to the side. I find that playing to the side makes it easier for the right hand to hit all of those keys at the bottom. Good luck and have fun!
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Author: Don Berger
Date: 1999-03-07 18:23
By all means use a neck strap, preferably with two hooks for [maybe] two rings. I do the same for my low Eb bass, however friends prefer floor support, which may be best for a low C horn. I play with the cl between my legs, which requires me to move my right leg back to reduce interference with my right hand and wrist. Like in "Annie Get Yer Gun" , Doin' What Comes Nachurly !
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Author: JennyA
Date: 1999-03-07 20:55
I forgot to mention that I am already using a neckstrap with the durn thing. It's not the greatest. In fact, I had to switch to my sax strap because the alto clarinet one kept slipping.
The horn doesn't have a peg and there's no place for one. It doesn't seem worth putting one on someone else's clarinet (the band director's) for one number.
He's just trying to torture me ;-)
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Author: Contragirl
Date: 1999-03-07 22:39
I feel your pain Can it rest on the chair with you? That's what I have to do with the curved contralto. If not, try working with your wrist. I've been practicing my music on my clarinet because the contra is broken and I've had to do that. So I know what that feels like. Maybe a box would be the best way to go. Or, you could rest it on the case if that works.
This is for regular clarinet players, but while I'm thinking of it, the english horn player put velcro on the bottom half of her music stand. It won't hurt the wood if it's wooden. If it's plastic I don't know if it will work. Maybe it will work on the alto. Good luck!
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