 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Andy
Date: 2001-08-06 14:38
Hi all,
I have a particular clarinet member in my section who encounters difficulties in reaching the altissimo register.As he is playing the first clarinet part, he gets to play high notes very often.But it really upsets the balance and intonation of our section as he plays the notes especially in the altissimo register very loud.
When I ask him why he does this,he told me that he is afraid that he cannot pitch the high notes,thus he play with more force just to pitch the note.This results in squeaky clarinet tone and the section intonation and balance greatly suffers.
May I know is there any way to help my friend to overcome his problem? This has always been his habit since he started playing the clarinet.I tried to help him but he really lost control of the high notes in the altissimo register.Thus I seek advice from professionals and hope that you people will give me effective solutions and suggestions....Thanx a lot.
Andy
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Author: Fred
Date: 2001-08-06 15:23
I love the technique the Ken Shaw speaks of. I hope he will elaborate on my brief description:
Have the student play a clarion E. Keeping the air flow going, have the student roll the LH index finger forward to open the hole. The C# should then speak. The same can then be done for F-to-D, etc. The goal is to develop adequate embouchure and breath support that the notes speak regardless of register or volume. Ken has explained it more fully in previous postings if you care to do a search.
Thanks, Ken . . . that simple little exercise has helped me quite a bit in gaining control over softer altissimo passages.
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Author: mw
Date: 2001-08-06 18:16
Right, Fred. This is a very well-known technique. In fact, it's a technique that isn't limited to beginners, or advanced students ... pro's use it all the time.
This technique is called HALF- HOLING !
Best,
mw
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Author: Alphie
Date: 2001-08-07 13:22
It's easier to trace the problem if you tell what mouthpiece/reed setup he has. If he uses a too soft reed to a close tip opening this problem can't be avoided. A harder reed makes it easier to get the high notes out. This has to be matched with a medium/close tip opening. The rest is practising. Why not try the exercize mentioned above.
Alphie
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Author: Micaela
Date: 2001-08-07 22:34
Also, sit down with him with a tuner and find his clarinet's intonation tendencies in altissimo (and other) notes. There are ways to change the pitch- bringing the tongue closer (but not touching) the reed, half holing, adding extra fingers or keys or keeping fingers above but not covering holes changes the pitch. If his embouchure is to loose, he may be flat. But all clarinets do different things in high ranges (about G on top of the staff and above) some more than others. Make sure the student has good posture and breath support. If you want a piece with lots of practice in this kind of thing, look at the first movement of the Copland Concerto. It’s a real workout in these areas!
Good luck!
Micaela
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Author: David Pegel
Date: 2001-08-08 14:34
<www.wfg.sneezy.org>
Print him out a copy of the alternate fingerings for altissimo clarinet.
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Author: Robert
Date: 2001-08-09 03:18
I echo what Alphie says, Soft reeds are hard to get a clear Altissimo sound out at low volumes.
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Author: Meri
Date: 2001-08-09 22:27
Usually the problem is insufficient air speed and/or support, which results in a tightening of the embouchure and causes the sound to become thin and flat in pitch.
An altissimo register that has both of these qualities sounds beautiful!
Meri
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