 The Clarinet BBoard
|
Author: Al_Martinez23
Date: 2020-01-02 09:48
Hello all,
This past couple of months I’ve been principal clarinet of my universities/towns orchestra and I’ve had problem with projection. I use an M15 13 series mouthpiece and I really enjoy the feel of it as well as the tuning BUT I’ve found that I’ve had to play out more and it’s hard to do so. I’ve noticed a lot of clarinet players that have that sort of projection that I want use the Vandoren B40 lyre as well as the Vandoren BD5. Changing mouthpieces is a possibility but I would rather not. Any suggestions on how to obtain more projection with a dense sound that is needed for projecting over an orchestra? Thank you in advance!
Ps. I use a Vandoren M15 13 series with Vandoren traditional 4 reeds as well as a kaspar nickel silver ligature.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: paulyb
Date: 2020-01-02 12:50
Firstly, do you have a teacher? If so, have you talked to them about this problem? What did they suggest?
Is this a problem that you perceive in your own playing or something the conductor/other players have pointed out?
An alternative to changing mouthpiece may be to try other reed cuts - a Rue Lepic reed might give you a more direct sound that will project better.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Ed
Date: 2020-01-02 16:45
Some close facing mouthpieces project better than others, but there are plenty of people who use the M13 or 15 mouthpieces with great results. Your set up sounds as if it should be fine. The non 13 series would possibly have a little more ping and focus in the sound if you wanted to try something slightly different without going extreme. I sometimes find that the open tip mouthpieces can give a somewhat broader sound, but not necessarily better projection.Projecting over an othchestra can be difficult, especially if the group is not sensitive to the solo line. Sometimes the ensemble my play over the melody.
I would work on being able to project the tone a bit more. Working on focus and ring will help. Do some long tone warm ups concentrating some of the time and effort on different dynamics, especially at the loud end. Push your limits while controlling the tone so it stays beautiful. I have found that a tone with more ring and focus can carry much better over a group. Remember that a tone that sounds good in a small room while practicing or up close will not necessarily sound good or carry in an ensemble.
Listen to some of the really great orchestral players and try to emulate the qualities that you hear in their orchestral playing. https://rharl25.wixsite.com/clarinetcentral is a great resource. You can hear many fine players from back in the day, especially before recording were made with multiple close mics who are able to be heard in the large ensemble.
You are probably on the right track, but just need to refine your approach a bit. At the same time, remember that a clarinet can only play so loud and cannot compete with a trumpet section.
Good luck and follow up on how it goes.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Mojo
Date: 2020-01-02 17:43
Try taking in more mouthpiece.
MojoMP.com
Mojo Mouthpiece Work LLC
MojoMouthpieceWork@yahoo.com
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Paul Aviles
Date: 2020-01-02 18:55
I had used an M15 for awhile and had a similar thought about them. Honestly though I was not fully aware of how to best test and play mouthpieces at the time.
First, I'd make sure you're playing close to the point where reed and mouthpiece come together. You find that by continuously playing an open "G" while taking in more and more mouthpiece. Where you get an uncontrollable SQUAWK, that is where reed and mouthpiece come together. Beyond that point there is nothing resembling a musical sound. However, if you snug up close to that point without landing ON it, you find that you get as much out of the mouthpiece as possible.......to include the best transitions between notes that are far apart as well.
If you're up for trying other mouthpieces, the M13 (non Lyre one), ESM MCK-1 and Clark Fobes CF+ facing (the Debut has that facing for $44.00 !!!) are all excellent ones to start with.
Bottom line though is that projection resides in the amount of upper partials that you have in your sound. Think of the amazing pianissimos that great players project to the back of the hall.
..............Paul Aviles
Post Edited (2020-01-02 19:37)
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Carmelo
Date: 2020-01-02 22:39
In my humble opinion, try going down to the a 3 1/2 size reed on the blue box and maybe get a Vandoren optima ligature using the Bonade like rails. You might be surprised by going down half a strength in reed selection that your sound could project a little more than you think. I would do this first without investing in another mp, especially if you like the M15.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: fernie121
Date: 2020-01-02 23:02
I agree with Carmelo that going down in reed strength can help. Resonance is what allows the clarinet to be heard over an orchestra. The brilliance and ring in the sound is very important. I hardest part about going down in strength if you are used to using the 4 will be focusing the sound. Your embouchure might naturally want to either clamp the reed too much or make the sound spread. Your embouchure should be relaxed, only creating a seal for the air to flow. And your tongue/voicing should be what focuses the air stream and the sound.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: DaphnisetChloe
Date: 2020-01-03 02:54
Try some different ligatures. Some models (e.g
Wood Stone/Ishimori, Vandoren Optimum, Bonade) can help bring out vibrancy, ring and harmonics in the sound that will make a difference.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Ed
Date: 2020-01-03 03:55
While I agree with some of the great equipment suggestions, I would not start going crazy with trying mouthpieces and ligatures. I would start with exploring reeds and your approach to embouchure, voicing, air, etc as has been mentioned. That would be inexpensive help you work on developing your own flexibility.
Your set up is certainly in the ballpark. The same or similar is being used by many players with great success. It is too easy to get drawn down the path of always looking for an change of equipment to solve issues.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Arnoldstang
Date: 2020-01-03 04:40
My suggestion is to forget about projection. Concern yourself with hearing yourself while playing in a loud situation. (Lots of competition). Set up a testing situation. First play the M15 against increasing louder music until you are overwhelmed. Note the level of competition. Do the same with other mouthpieces you like.
Freelance woodwind performer
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Arnoldstang
Date: 2020-01-04 11:41
You can use any sound system to do this test. You are just looking for any loud music . Anything. Just turn it up loud and note the the setting.
Freelance woodwind performer
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
The Clarinet Pages
|
 |
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
