 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Karen Harker
Date: 1999-03-26 02:15
I recently purchased a decent Bb clarinet, and I am finally able to make a few sounds. I had played the oboe for years, but decided I wanted a different sound.
I am working in the Langenus book, but I am wanting to focus on playing ragtime, swing and klezmer music (I think the years of oboe-ing in the classical world have drained me).
I am able to play the notes in the chalemeau register with clarity and control, but the lower clarion register and bridging the gap have been giving me trouble. I inevitably have a pause from the time I start the note (whether tonguing or not) and the time the note appears. I have tried adjusting my emboucher and opening my throat, and flattening my chin (boy do I squeak!), but at best I get a minimal delay. I also am often able to get the upper register easier than the clarion register. Any advise for working in this register?
Also, I need some advise on tonguing. I learned to tongue on the oboe by lightly touching the hole of the reed. I am trying to lightly brush the clarinet reed. Is that the best way for most notes?
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Author: J Garza
Date: 1999-03-26 03:45
First of all welcome to the world of the clarinet. I'm glad you decided to take it up.
Some advice is to start working more on the lower register. This builds more stamina as it is harder to keep lower notes going longer than the ones up top. Then slowing start working your way up the clarinet, perhaps doing chromatic practices. One thing I include in my warm up is a long tone exercise. What this does is help me warm up the entire clarinet, from low notes to high. What you do is start on the low E, and after holding the pitch steadily for 8 beats at 1/4=60, apply the register key, which will take you up to the throat B natural. What this does is not only help you begin warm up, but also lets you get used to the bridge between the ranges. However, don't stop there. Continue on the low F and up to the bottom staff F, applying the register key as before. You'll get a feel for the ranges this way. Then, start working slowly on scale patterns, beginning with the simplest ones, until you finally become comfortable with the instrument. It will take some time, but then if everything was easy, you'd have everyone playing clarinet
As for tonguing, you don't want to brush the reed directly on the flat side. That causes lots of sqeaking, which may be what is your problem right now. Instead, aim more at the tip of the reed itself, lightly touching it with the tip of your tongue. Don't try to split the reed in half, and if you find yourself going through boxes of them, then try playing without tonguing. With the exercise above, don't tongue any of the notes, let the air do all the work. You'll develope a fuller, darker sound that way. Let me know if you have any other problems. I'm still a high school student who occasionaly experiences these problems.
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