 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: rollercoastermike
Date: 2008-01-18 04:53
Lately I've been having trouble playing through normal-length phrases. For instance, I can rarely finish a phrase in the Mozart concerto (from the downward G7 arpegg. to the end of the opening passage) in just one breath on my Bb or my A. However, today I tried it again and I was able to do it more easily, and in addition, I was on my A. I have a feeling my air intake fluctuates from day to day.
Anyway, I play on Van Doren 4s. Usually I like five out of the ten reeds in the box. Three of them are too hard, and usually two too soft. Judging by my phrasing problems and how I evaluate an average box of reeds, should I think about moving back to 3 1/2s? I love the 4s because they give me much better tone, and high notes are no big deal. On 3 1/2s however, I'd get much much more air, but I'd have pitch problems and high notes would be pretty awful.
Of course, there's always building more air capacity through breathing exercises, but unless anyone can suggest a way to do this in a week, then I might have to switch reed strengths. I'd love any breathing exercise suggestions.
My teacher's opinion is to stay on the 4s. How I would love to...
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Author: tictactux ★2017
Date: 2008-01-18 07:20
I oscillate between adjacent strengts.
Some day you're good enough for a #4, some other day you can consider yourself lucky if you can get through with a #3.5. No need to stubbornly stick to the stamped-on number if it doesn't deliver. And you say yourself that just because they have a 4 on them doesn't mean each and every one is indeed a #4.
I always have my two favourite strengths available.
--
Ben
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Author: Bassie
Date: 2008-01-18 08:41
What mouthpiece is that?
*
Can you play chalumeau pp easily, or is it breathy?
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Author: Iceland clarinet
Date: 2008-01-18 21:02
Voicing(tounge position) and embouchure/jaw position have much more to do with pitch than reed strenght. And if you voice the notes properly you would not have any trouble playing high notes with even #3 reeds but take in count that I don't know what mouthpiece you play on. To me your porblem sounds like you are using too hard reeds.
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Author: claritoot26
Date: 2008-01-19 03:12
The problem may be related to a poorly adjusted reed, rather than buying too hard a strength. Also, reeds change a lot this time of year due to low humidity. Try to keep them in a humidity-controlled box, and learn reed adjustment. I would stick with the 4's if they give you a better sound, and work on building lung capacity.
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Author: GarryClar
Date: 2008-01-20 11:33
Hey,There,RCMike,
Read yer problem posting, and I have a suggestion fer ya!
First let me suggest that I believe all intonation problems stem from two sources; 1--Breath Control, and 2--RELAX!
Reed strength has little to do with physical strength except where it concerns the diaphragm and it's proper use. Sure, being physically fit overall plays a part, but if you're going to develop any part of yer body, think "breathing apparatus"--diaphragm and yer belly. ( That goes for you brass players, too.)
A very good book is out there, called "Science of Breath", by Yogi Ramacharaka. It's published by"Yogi Publication Society" of Chicago. There is a lot of pretty esoteric stuff in the book, but the first sections on full breathing and some of the excercises are very helpful. Getting into the esoteric stuff is your call.
But most of all----RELAX and enjoy your instrument. Play what your heart leads you to. Play the music, the notes will come.
Yr. Pal.
GarryC
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Author: Bubalooy
Date: 2008-01-25 19:09
I agree with GarryClar that relaxing is a big part of it. Lift your shoulders as high as you can and try to get a deep breath. It is almost impossible. Yet many people lift shoulders as a standard response to stress or nervousness. This may not be your case, but many players lose a good air flow because they tense up.
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