 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: lifeforms
Date: 2006-06-14 02:08
Hi again,
Re: my Middle B's and C's -> (corton clarinet info thread)
It was my clarinet. I took it along to the repair guy, and he fixed it. Also said It wasn't worth servicing when It really needs it, but its ok to learn on for a bit.
Thus said I have a few questions on the actual playing.
Q#1: Is it normal to feel like your head has immense pressure in it when you first start playing? aka eyes feeling like they're popping out, and white noise in your head *G* Can anyone remember how they felt like when they first started playing? I don't feel like im blowing and nothing's coming out, because I am blowing and I'm getting an ok sound out, so its not like my hands over my mouth, stopping air and im trying to get it out. I just need to know if that feeling is "normal" for just starting to play.
Q#2: Why do I need to change to a higher numbered reed? Is there a real reason for this, or is it because the higher they go, the harder they are, the longer they last? I'm on a 1.5 atm, and don't really want to move to another as my Q#1 above gets even worse with a 2+.
Q#3: I squeak a lot on my 2nd octave, and have to readjust often when on that one to get the best sound that I think i'm producing. I have difficulty going from A through middle B,C, D etc. Is that a naturally hard thing to do?
Q#4: for doublers on the flute as well, are there any cases that I can get to fit Flute, and clarinet, and either have a piccolo pocket, or a piccolo section? Pref not a cover bag tho.
Thanks for any help!
Cheers,
Lifie
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Author: EEBaum
Date: 2006-06-14 05:51
1) No.
2) A higher numbered reed gives a more stable sound, easier high notes, and more control. Beyond a certain number (somewhere in the range of 3 to 5 for most people), these are outweighed by the extra support and airstream required.
3) It's hard for lots of people until they get the hang of it. Realize that B resonates a LOT more of the clarinet than A. Play A to B as if you're going way down, rather than further up, and it becomes a lot easier.
Do you have a private teacher? Perhaps they can help you with #1. If you don't perhaps try to get at least a couple lessons with an experienced clarinetist to get you on the right track.
-Alex
www.mostlydifferent.com
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Author: lifeforms
Date: 2006-06-14 22:05
Okies. That's fine. That means that's normal for me (long story) I'll talk to someone 2morra about playing, if theres anything I can do that'll improve that feeling. I doubt it, but its worth trying!
If one was to stay forever on low lvled reeds, would that be such a problem? I find that I just can't tolerate using anything over a 1.5 right now. Bear in mind that i'm not looking to be a super award winning player, just someone who can throw out a tune in my local band *G*
3) I did wonder about that. I'm doing it with a pause, slight one, when I go from A to B, or C. D i don't seem to have much problem, but i am still learning, and have a long way to go!
No private teachers, I really can't afford one, nor are there many instrument teachers around that either have openings, or are interested in taking on a pleasure player ie one who isn't aspiring to be the best *G* Sadly a lot leave the area, or never go into teaching after they've been taught, and the majority of them are more interested in school children for regular lesson incomes, and those who show promise.
I'm playing often with another beginer, and I'm gonna bug the band leader to let me double on a couple of the really easy tunes. I've had "fun" resistance up to now, as myself and someone else is the only first fluters. And it's possible in the near future he may lose the other player. At that point I become a soloist (again! eeek).
I'm hoping it'll be easier once I get onto playing tunes, properly.
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Author: BobD
Date: 2006-06-14 22:10
In my opinion, lifeforms, your symptoms sound excessive. I don't think playing the clarinet should cause symptoms that severe. Maybe you have plugged eustachian tubes or something else. Maybe a trip to an ear doctor should be considered.
Bob Draznik
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Author: stevensfo
Date: 2006-06-14 22:31
Hi,
Have you tried the ABRSM forum in the UK?
http://forums.abrsm.org/index.php?act=idx
They're a friendly lot and may be able to help you.
Steve
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Author: bawa
Date: 2006-06-16 06:10
Hi,
You define yourself as beginner, depneding on how beginner, maybe you don't have to worry about harder reeds yet.
From what I have seen, students start with lower strength reeds, and play well with them. Then a time comes after a lot of practising overtime when they can't get the sound they want, especially on the higher notes, and then its time to change.
Still you need time to get used to the new strength.
In our case, starting was 1.5 and now plays 3.5, but progress was .5 at a time, so just give yourself time & room to grow!
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Author: lifeforms
Date: 2006-06-20 15:16
Hiya all,
Sorry for the late reply, been busy with various moosic stuff.
re q 1 I have high pressure in my head issues anyway, but because of the length of time they've been going on I just don't remember whats "normal" any more *G* So this is an issue that's down to me :-/ Hopefully it'll improve somewhat, or at least I'll get used to the feeling.
I can get very light headed/sickness feeling playing the flute, and more commonly I leave out certain passages that I know aggrevate the feeling during practice nights.
I am a beginner, a real beginner - playing around month properly. I'm trying on a number 2 atm, and It's a struggle, but I want to give it a few weeks struggling before I go back. I'm hoping I'll get used to the feeling.
It's very important to me to learn the clarinet. I understand that I'll never get very far with it, but if I can play band music, and some of my other music I'll be more than happy with it.
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Author: joeyscl
Date: 2006-06-20 23:17
"have high pressure in my head issues anyway" <-- Time to see a doctor
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Author: lifeforms
Date: 2006-06-20 23:24
I have. I currently have a second shunt (broken), and my head re-engineered for space. But it does affect my playing. The head was done when my shunt failed, and this causes me the problems with the flute. It's only natural that it'd do it with the clarinet as well. :-/ I will persist however. Pleasure and pain and all that. *G*
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