 The Clarinet BBoard
|
Author: Lisa
Date: 2004-10-07 02:07
I think this is slightly different than the "need more volume" thread, because I know I don't mind playing varied dynamics and I think I'm playing with lots of support. However...
I sit next to a guy in the pit of a community theater, and even though he hasn't played either his clarinet or sax "since last show" (last year), he seems to be a much "stronger" player on both instruments than I am, if you get what I mean. On parts where we play in harmony with the same rhythm, even if I'm playing a higher part than he is, this guy overblows me quite a bit, and I'm not hearing a good balance between us, try as hard as I might to match his big tone!
As a disclaimer, I do try to put lots of air through my clarinet, breathe deeply, open my throat to get a round tone, and can listen and play in tune with others. I just don't have that BIG sound that some other people have. I also play 1st part in community band, and even though our first chair has some articulation and sightreading skills above mine, I know that I'm a "stronger" player than she is, going by maximum average volume.
I guess it would help if I sat next to a "stronger" player all year round so I can try to match intensity? That's the word I think I'm looking for--intensity. I play on a Vandoren mouthpiece and Gonzales reeds (or sometimes V12s), and I'm not sure if that matters or not. I also play in a clarinet quartet, and even when our bass clarinetist plays his Bb clarinet, he also gets a much bigger sound than me.
I realize that the lung capacity of men could be more than for women, LOL, but is there more to a big, intense tone than that?
![[huh]](http://test.woodwind.org/clarinet/BBoard/smileys/smilie11.gif)
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Contra
Date: 2004-10-07 03:54
Maybe his setup allows for a bigger sound. How does he sound when he plays?
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Igloo Bob
Date: 2004-10-07 04:07
Quote:
I also play in a clarinet quartet, and even when our bass clarinetist plays his Bb clarinet, he also gets a much bigger sound than me.
With the larger amounts of air required to support a bass sound, that's not too difficult to believe. Perhaps I'm misreading (or reading too much) into what you said, but it seems like you're in disbelief that "even a Bass Clarinetist can outplay me". If anything, I'd assume a Bass Clarinetist more capable of having a large sound on the soprano than the average Clarinetist who plays soprano alone.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Ken Shaw ★2017
Date: 2004-10-07 14:16
Lisa -
See what I just posted on the "louder" thread. Try the exercises and report back on how you're doing.
Best regards.
Ken Shaw
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: William
Date: 2004-10-07 14:43
You wrote, "open my throat to get a round tone" and later on refer to an "intensity" which you strive for in your sound. So, besides "opening" the throat, try also arching the back of your tongue as if to produce a cats hiss. This will help accelorate the air and focus it toward your mouthpiece, which will also add the intensity that you desire in your sound. Just opening the throat isn't enough, and that concept alone may cause the back of your tongue to remain too low to properly channel the air flow for optimum sound production. Arching of the tongue is also needed.
Also, try practicing with a double lip embouchure at the beginning of your next few practice sessions. Then, when you switch back to your normal conventional style, but try to incorporate a feeling of more upper lip support for your sound, rather than "all tooth". This will help your intensity and may even let you play a bit louder as well. It will certainly give your sound more character.
Quality usually wins over quantity. Good luck.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Don Berger
Date: 2004-10-07 16:11
I pretty well agree, Wm, I'd add that IMHO the "energy distribution among the fundemental and its harmonics'" is a factor in the "intensity" character of our sound, beyond what we call volume. Perhaps this is where our choice of ligature may play a part?? I mostly play bass cl and do find when playing sop., I need to "tone down" to a balanced level. Also, my degree of confidence in my ability [and the cl's] to be at ease playing the harder parts affects my "tonality". Also, on B C, I often have the lower-notes to accompany a soloist, and while I like to be heard, I MUST "be there" but not obtrusively. Just thots, Don
Thanx, Mark, Don
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
The Clarinet Pages
|
 |
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
