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Re: High E Volitile

Author: Bob Barnhart ★2017
Date: 2018-02-27 10:17

Both these problems could involve leaks, but perhaps working with a different fingering for high-E will help to make it more stable.

You can finger this as T+R+G#|XXX|000 (i.e., just like the "standard" fingering, but add the LH 1st finger and the throat G# key. This fingering is typically a bit sharp, but can easily be "lipped down" (while maintaining air support) and is quite stable, particularly when slurring up.

You might also work on slurring from C4-G5 (just add the register key), then G5 to E6 (just add the throat G#). This can give you a better feeling for how to voice and support these notes. In time you might not need to consider the alternative fingering for high-E although I've found it to be helpful more often than not.

An additional exercise that is very instructive on how to control altissimo notes involves learning to play 12ths just by voicing and aid support. For example, one can play low C (C4) then by adjusting the voicing of the airstream, produce the G (G5) a 12th above. I was taught to visualize this by thinking of "pointing the airstream" ABOVE the instrument while keeping the airstream strong and focused. "Raising the airstream" again should produce the 12th above that, i.e., E6. You could also try this starting on low Bb, overblowing to F(5), then overblowing to high D(6).

While the pitches of the 12ths are not accurate when produced this way, this exercise helps develop additional skills that should enable you to determine how to voice notes in the altissimo to keep them stable by visualizing how you manipulate the airstream.

I hope this helps.

Bob Barnhart

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