 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Kristen
Date: 2000-03-30 02:38
I needed some help. Whenever we are tuning and I am asked to play my high C the note always changes slightly, just barely enough to hear. How can I keep the exact same pitch??? Thanks
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Author: Dee
Date: 2000-03-30 12:13
Kristen wrote:
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I needed some help. Whenever we are tuning and I am asked to play my high C the note always changes slightly, just barely enough to hear. How can I keep the exact same pitch??? Thanks
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It just takes a lot of practice to develop a steady, disciplined embouchure. Using long notes to warm up for each practice session should help.
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Author: paul
Date: 2000-03-30 16:18
Dee nailed the point again.
Here is a simple and easy trick to learn how to produce a steady and strong air stream. Kids will really love it.
Fetch a drinking straw. Take in an average breath of air. Blow a steady air stream through the straw to push a small scrap of paper or other similar light weight object across a tabletop. The trick is to push the item with the air stream at the same steady speed for as long as you comfortably can. Here is the part that kids will love because it's potentially messy and sounds awful. Get the same straw and fetch a small glass (or cup, etc.) of water. Take in an ordinary breath and blow bubbles into the water for as long as you can. The trick here is to create the same amount of bubbles at as much of a steady pace as possible.
The drinking straw trick does many things. First, you can use it to help develop a pretty good embouchure. Form your lips and mouth around the straw just like you would do for your instrument. Hold the straw with your hands at the same angle you would with a clarinet. Second, the straw's small diameter creates air resistance on its own, copying the clarinet's air resistance. Third, it's a focused air stream, smaller than the clarinet, but again similar to it. Fourth, it sure is fun! So, selling the idea to kids is a breeze.
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Author: Matt
Date: 2000-03-31 13:11
As an adult beginner, I'm delighted to see something so simple promulgated. At last, I can practice AND torment the cat!
Any tips on hand position for this? I find my embouchure shifting perceptably on anything longer than quarter notes.
My teacher recommends a double lip technique to encourage a softer tone (I'm a biter. There...I've said it.)
This instrument is so rewarding, in so many ways.
Played flute for years, never shook the floor once.
Matt
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Author: paul
Date: 2000-03-31 16:54
Matt:
What hand position do you want? For the straw air support drill or for tormenting your cat? 
For the air support drill, get used to using your left hand and hold the straw at the proper angle as you would your clarinet. The reason why I say left hand is because that's the hand that covers the upper joint of the clarinet. You might as well get used to handling the clarinet correctly, even if it's to practice with a straw.
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