 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: quantum
Date: 2006-09-19 17:33
I have been playing clarinet for around 12 years, and have played in many school bands through out my schooling. Clarinet is my second instrument, piano is my first - and I do have a Bachelors degree in music. My playing level on clarinet was about enough to get me 2nd Cl in my university wind band.
I haven't been playing the clarinet much in the last few years, mainly because I wanted to concentrate on getting up my piano repertoire in preparation to take a masters degree.
A strange breathing problem has cropped up in these last few years. When I am blowing into my instrument sometimes the airflow diverts through my nasal cavity! It is very strange, as though I loose control of directing the air into my mouth. I just can't figure out what is going on. This usually happens after some extended time playing. I never had this problem during rehearsals with my school bands.
I don't know if this is any relevance, but 2 years ago I had surgery to remove 3 wisdom teeth.
My setup is Buffet R13, Vandoren B45 mouthpiece, Mitchell Lurie #2 reeds. The reeds seem to be soft compared to what other clarinetists use, but I am happy with my choice.
Can anyone help me out?
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Author: Tom Piercy
Date: 2006-09-19 17:50
If you do a search on the The Klarinet Mailing List Archives under the search link above of "Soft palate air leak" and "pharyngeal leak" you will find some helpful info from very recent posts and some links that may help you understand what may be going on.
Tom Piercy
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Author: jmberch
Date: 2006-09-20 02:20
I don't know much about this, but my band teacher had the same problem, and i think he had to have surgery for it. I'm pretty sure he doen't play anymore.
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Author: hans
Date: 2006-09-20 03:05
quantum,
You may want to consult an ear/nose/throat specialist.
Regards,
Hans
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Author: quantum
Date: 2006-09-22 01:16
Thanks all for your responses.
The soft pallette air leak is definately what I have, as it matches those descriptions that the search in the mailing list provided. At least I know what it is, and that there are others with similar problems.
Another question: Are they any excercises I can do to strengthen the soft pallette?
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Author: Detru Cofidin
Date: 2006-09-22 03:17
This is a common problem I used to have. In fact, I had the problem until I "properly" learned to sing, believe it or not. I would suggest not trying any excirsises, but just letting that area relax, but keeping the throat open (that's right behind the soft pallette). Concentrate effort on the diaphragm and embochure and try to have less tendency of putting tension on the throat. It is very important to have good airflow while playing, and that should come from the diaphragm and flow openly thru the throat into the mouth.
Nicholas Arend
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