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RE: Help with the High Notes

Author: Dee
Date: 1999-08-07 17:48

When you get into the altissimo it is absolutely essential to make sure that the jaw is not moving when you tongue. It is very common for people to unknowingly move the jaw a little when they move the tongue. In the chalumeau and clarion ranges, it is often possible to get away with slight jaw motions but once you hit the clarion you will find squeaking problems, difficulty starting the notes, etc.

To check this out try this little exercise:

1. Use the note open G so you can hold the clarinet with one hand.
2. Start tongueing the open G as fast sixteenth notes.
3. While tongueing, feel under and around your jaw. I bet you'll find a surprising degree of motion.

To start curing the problem (if this is what it is):

1. Again use the note open G.
2. Place your hand at the spot on your jaw where you found the most motion.
3. Concentrate on moving the tongue only and very slowly tongue. Once you can do this slowly, increase the tempo slightly.
4. Use this as a warm up exercise each day and as you get more stable, keep increasing the temp.

Let us know what you find.

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