 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Nicole Y.
Date: 1999-12-25 14:22
Hi,
I got braces in November. I was unable to play for a little over a week after that. And then there was the fact that I needed my wooden clarinet repaired. So all I had to play on was my plastic and that was hard enough. We bought another Noblet which I love but I find that my tone is really airy. I have been playing long tones and just trying to get my tone back for the last couple of weeks. I wouldn't be worried about it except that AllState tryouts *yes I'm worried about that AGAIN* are in January and I can't remember when but I know that I have to clean up my tone really fast! Any ideas?
The Freshman,
Nicole Y.
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Author: Dee
Date: 1999-12-25 18:37
Try a little softer reed until you get used to your braces and get your embouchure built back up. Are you using the same mouthpiece as before? Do all the pads seat well (i.e. no minute leaks)?
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Author: Nicole Y.
Date: 1999-12-25 19:05
All the pads seat well. It is absolutely perfect. My band director did suggest going down a strength but then I will never be any stronger. And also, my 'rents are being a little resistant to buying me reeds even though I have only 2 left and they're about to die too. It is not my lung capacity anymore it is that I have to strengthen the corners of my embouchure. I guess the only remedy is to practice.
The Freshman,
Nicole Y.
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Author: Mark Charette
Date: 1999-12-25 19:23
Nicole,
Going down a half strength or so will really help out at this moment - the braces push the sides of the lip out just a bit, and the muscles probably aren't used to being in that position and are just a bit weak (not to mention the irritation the braces are probably causing!). Consider the advice you get here and at band - it's not in disagreement at all. It really is best that you move down a notch.
You need more reeds; the possibility of both those reeds staying in good shape long enough are slim, even if they were at the right strength. have your parents log on to the BBoard if you can & we'll discuss what's going on with the braces/reed combo.
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Author: Dee
Date: 1999-12-25 19:46
Nicole,
Two reeds are definitely NOT enough. Besides the reeds wearing out, it's just too easy to get bumped in band and there goes the reed. If you can convince your parents to buy them mail order and buy them by the box, the savings are substantial and you will use them up. It is quite obvious that you are serious about your clarinet playing and so there is little chance that the reeds will go to waste.
It is my policy to have at least 10 reeds in my active rotation plus a few others stashed away (some softer, some harder) just in case they don't seem to be right that particular day.
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Author: David Blumberg
Date: 1999-12-25 22:14
Get two boxes - one in your current strength, and one a 1/2 strength lower. That way you have a backup if you find that the weaker strength gets too weak after your muscles build back up. You can also lower the position of the reed on the mouthpiece with your current strength reed. Increased mouth pressure will center the tone.
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Author: Nicole Y.
Date: 1999-12-25 23:06
I purchase my reeds from one of Sneezy's sponsors: The Discount Reed Company. I think I'll get a pack of Zonda's or something less expensive if I do decide to try and convince them to get me an extra pack of reeds as the softer strength and my Marca's for the regular strength. I think I might take the advice here...I can feel my mouth going whenever I play for over 5 minutes...but still that is progress. I couldn't play over high B (above the staff) last week...
The Freshman,
Nicole Y.
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Author: David Blumberg
Date: 1999-12-26 04:24
Try Grand Concert Thick Blank. Maybe #2 1/2 or 3
Go down 1/2 strength from what you play, as they run a little harder then Vandoren.
What is the Audition piece????
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Author: Nicole Y.
Date: 1999-12-26 17:03
I have tried Grand Concert Select Thick Blank already and although I love the consistency I do not prefer the sound I achieve. The piece is one of the 32 Rose Etudes...ummm...let me see, it's called...from what I have on my copy (I don't have the book, I really must remember to get it as they always use a piece out of it) all it has is Clarinet and the tempo is in 6/8 and it is Allegretto in style. *shrugs* Sorry that's all it reads besides a number 7.
The Freshman,
Nicole Y.
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Author: Kontragirl
Date: 1999-12-26 23:58
Well, whatever you decide to do, good luck with your audition. Not that you'll need it, I'm sure you'll blow them all away.
Kontragirl
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