 The Clarinet BBoard
|
Author: Lindsay
Date: 2001-08-11 22:19
Hello my name is Lindsay and I've played clarinet since 5th grade and am now entering 10th grade. This year our marching band is doing a swing show, and I happen to have a solo in "Go Daddy O". This is really cool, and I was wondering if any of you could give me any tips for playing louder and projecting the sound of my instrument, because I can't seem to project my sound over the band enough without sounding as if I am over-blowing. If you could also give me suggestions on how to perform the "growling" technique or the flutter-tongue, I'd really appreciate it. Thank you
Lindsay
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: David Pegel
Date: 2001-08-11 22:48
What thickness of reed do you use? You might want to drop down a half-strength in reed thickness to project your volume more. (Be careful though, reed experimentation is tricky if you're as sensitive to reeds as several tenth graders are.)
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: John Gould
Date: 2001-08-12 09:43
You could always try and have the band play softer. And, microphones continue to be a good thing, especially for outside performances. Clarinets even indoors aren't as potentially loud as brass, percussion, etc. so attention to the unique dynamic range of the instrument is good for any venue. Good luck.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: jbutler
Date: 2001-08-12 12:14
I did a swing or rather dixieland combo feature during a marching show in the early 90's. I had to use microphones for the quartet. I believe it was clarinet, alto sax, trumpet and trombone. The winds, especially the clarinet, needed the boost. It wasn't too difficult. I had to call ahead when we played teams out of town to make sure we had access to electricity.
Flutter tongue is not too difficult on clarinet, but you won't get a lot of volume out of it. Just roll or flutter your tongue to the roof of your mouth just behind the reed. "Growling" is more successful on brass, and frankly, I've never attempted it.
John
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: ron b
Date: 2001-08-12 23:36
Lindsay -
You should have little problem playing over brass as long as they don't try to out blow you. Tell 'em to behave themselves Their job, while you're soloing, is to *support* you. The director's job is to clue them in to this fact. The clarinet, even outdoors, will carry a long way if you stay as relaxed as you can and maintain plenty of deep diaphragm air support.
Growling is exactly that. Hum or 'growl' as you play. It works best, for me, in the middle register. Start with middle G and go both ways to see how far it works for you. Then use it with large amounts of discretion.
- ron b -
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Brenda Siewert
Date: 2001-08-13 14:52
Good advise. Yes, ask your director to help with this. Perhaps he has so much on his mind he hasn't noticed, but would be happy to ask the brass to "cool it."
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Ken Shaw
Date: 2001-08-13 18:07
Lindsay -
Have you ever listened to a marching band from the stands? The clarinets can't be heard at all. When it comes to volume, brass instruments start where we leave off, and they love to prove it. For your solo to be heard on the field, you simply have to use a microphone, and even then you need help from the band director to keep the brass and percussion quiet.
To play louder, you may need a more open mouthpiece and a softer reed. A harder reed on your present mouthpiece will also give more volume, but will probably interfere with the jazzy licks. If you use a harder reed, it will help to thin the tip down slightly.
"Growling" is just that -- making a growl in your throat, like a dog, as you play. You need to use a pretty soft reed for it to have much effect.
For flutter-tonguing, start without the instrument. Turn up the tip of your tongue so it presses on the area just behind your upper teeth. Blow with medium force and get the tip of your tongue to vibrate. With the instrument, the technique varies depending on the shape of your tongue and mouth. Some people vibrate the tongue against the tip of the reed, and others do it the same as without the instrument. For me, my tongue touches the reed.
Good luck with your solo.
Ken Shaw
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
The Clarinet Pages
|
 |
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
