 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Marino
Date: 2009-01-22 21:05
When I was at clarinet fest in Kansas city this past summer, one of the things I enjoyed most was Daniel Gilbert's masterclass. He was such a cool guy with a sense of humor, but was serious at the same time. One thing I thought that he mentioned was that in college him and his friends built a device that they put in their mouth with like a spring or something, and they would squeeze it together while they drove around campus to strengthen their embouchure. I thought that was a great idea, and that it would help me greatly since my previous methods of anchor tonguing has left my new embouchure weak...Anyone ever tried something like this???
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Author: EEBaum
Date: 2009-01-22 21:20
You can get a Facial Flex, available for $30 or so online. The product is advertised as a gimmicky wrinkle remover, but it gets the job done for clarinetists.
-Alex
www.mostlydifferent.com
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Author: William
Date: 2009-01-22 23:38
Or just carry a new #2 pencil around by the eraser end between your lips, maintaining it in a straight out position without using your teeth. Keep your chin flat. Try blowing it out of your lips from time to time--but don't let go. That'il toughen up those chops for double lip style.
BTW, this pencil thing is not my invention. The technique was recommended to me by a trumpet player as a teaching tool for helping beginning brass players get the "feel" for the tension necessary to produce the buzz. And it worked wonders, many times.
Post Edited (2009-01-24 14:43)
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Author: Ken Shaw ★2017
Date: 2009-01-23 00:27
Or take a plastic soda straw, cut it into 3 pieces and squeeze it between your lips, alternating horizontally and sticking straight out. Keep the extra pieces in your case or pocket and throw away the first one when it starts to get weak.
Ken Shaw
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Author: bcl1dso
Date: 2009-01-23 01:36
The facial flex is different because you have to use your muscles to squeeze it in, while it is pushing back. So, it is not the same as a pencil. It is extremely beneficial and is without a doubt worth the $30. Yehuda Gilad is a big advocate of the facial flex because if you focus on pushing in from the sides you will not be pushing vertically(or biting).
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Author: zrg86
Date: 2009-01-23 04:42
I remember when Prof. Gilad had me try one in his masterclass...I looked so dumb but it really worked, haha.
Post Edited (2009-01-23 04:42)
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