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Re: Using Register Key

Author: Bob Phillips
Date: 2007-08-28 03:33

Moving from the low register to the middle (clarion) register by punching the register key is called "going over the break". it is a tricky thing to get used to and usually takes a while.

Be careful not to "help" the clarinet go into the upper register by changing your lips, throat, tongue. Any such is a big no-no that will have to be un-learned later if you allow it to happen now.

Try fingering a note in your low register, getting it flowing with a full and noble tone --press out with your belly to keep the air flowing (called support). Then, punch the register key. After many tries, the high note will just pop out. do this with all the low notes. Then, pop into the middle line B and lift one finger at a time to move up the scale.

Note, as discussed in a recent thread (slurring down a 12th), that releasing the register key and getting the horn to drop back to the low register is much harder. Use your tongue to restart when you do that --and save the sluring down for later.

A teacher working at your side will shorten your learning curve.

Be patient with yourself.

Bob Phillips

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