 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Biggles
Date: 2004-08-04 15:31
Hi Everyone,
I've recently start playing more seriously again, twenty years after reaching diploma level at college. I never quite gave up - I usually managed to do a little orchestral or chamber work every couple of years or so. Now I'm practicing 'properly' again I'm quite pleased at the way things are coming back, but working towards a chamber concert has brought out a few issues.
(i) My clarinets (B&H 926) were overhauled about 5 years ago and pronounced sound and in tune. I've always thought the A was a better instrument, but some work with a tuning meter (1st time for me) has shown that I play the A quite well in tune, whereas the Bb is all over the place. Is this likely to be me or the instrument?
(ii) We played a 'trial concert' the other weekend and I attempted the Schumman Fantasiestucke/Soireestucke. I never played these as a student - are they known to be 'stamina testers'?!? Apart from more practise, is there anything I can do to make life easier with these pieces?
(iii) As an adult, how do I go about finding a teacher in/around London, UK? I had a real mixture of teachers as a student, so I have a good idea of what I do and don't like in one...
Thanks for any thoughts.
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Author: diz
Date: 2004-08-04 22:27
London? There are many good colleges in your fine city, my alma mater Guildhall School of Music and Drama for example, the Royal College or even Trinity to name just three. All have excellent teachers.
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Author: Synonymous Botch
Date: 2004-08-06 12:21
I wonder if the pad heights are correctly set on the Bflat?
A little too low, and the note will not speak.
A little too high and the note will "bark" louder than its neighbors.
What sort of deviations do you find (with the tuner)?
10 cents or more deviation from pitch? Greater?
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Author: Biggles
Date: 2004-08-09 15:01
Diz : True - but none of them cater for adult students outside of the college system.
SB: No, the pad heights seem consistent to my eye (maybe a little higher than on the A).
The tuning seems roughly as follows (from memory)
Above top C - sharp about 15 c
Top B down to middle-line B - pretty OK
Clef A - Middle C, sharp around 10c
Low B - OK
Low A - sharp
Low G OK
Low F# down - increasingly flat
The only exception to that pattern is the 'normal' top-line F# which is very flat, whereas the vent key alternative is in tune.
I'm thinking it may be time for a new Bb - although I like the A so much I'll probably keep it.
Post Edited (2004-08-10 08:39)
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