 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: moolatte
Date: 2009-08-20 20:51
I think over the summer, my embouchure might have warped. As I understand, squeaks in general are movements of the embouchure, and I'm just not one who likes to squeak during performances, of which I have a solo to play in an upcoming performance in front of possibly a thousand people.
My original band director when she was teaching us clarinet in the beginning recommended to put your pencil in your mouth to mimic a milkshake face.
As far as I know, that hurts the sides of my mouth. That's a bad sign, isn't it?
Also, I usually let new reeds soak in water for about 3 minutes, then I suck the excess water out of the bottom of the reed. And put them away in the usual makeshift reed holder that comes in the box of reeds for later. Is this an effective way to prepare reeds?
Cause I accidentally left a reed to soak for 10 minutes before I realized it. Usually letting a reed soak too long ruins it.
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Author: Ed Palanker
Date: 2009-08-20 20:54
I have some ideas on my website but I think heavy kissing helps a lot too. ESP
http://eddiesclarinet.com
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Author: EEBaum
Date: 2009-08-20 21:04
You could buy a Facial Flex. It's marketed toward older women as a wrinkle reducer, but I've had it recommended for embouchre work. Runs about $30.
You SUCK the moisture off the reeds? Try rubbing the reed with your thumb or forefinger, a dozen or so times on each side, while braced against a hard, flat surface (e.g. glass) instead.
There are various causes for squeaks, though.
-Alex
www.mostlydifferent.com
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Author: Arnoldstang
Date: 2009-08-21 02:56
You might just check out Michele Gingras clarinet on youtube. She has many good ideas for clarinet playing and expresses them very clearly. Regarding new reeds I would suggest that new reeds are very porous and don't need lots of soaking. At first I would only dip for one or two seconds. That's plenty. If you want rub the reed with your fingers but it isn't necessary for me. Soaking a reed for 10 minutes or 2 minutes or not at all may make no difference at all. Each reed is slightly different so it might be more useful to take three new reeds a quickly test them. Mark them 1, 2. 3. Determine which reed is best for you. See if this changes from day to day.
Freelance woodwind performer
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Author: EEBaum
Date: 2009-08-21 03:40
Erm, regarding the rubbing, that's meant for after you're done playing. Dip it in water for just a second then give it a solid rubbing. For when you start playing, a quick swipe of two fingers should get rid of enough moisture to start playing.
-Alex
www.mostlydifferent.com
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