Author: paul
Date: 1999-08-10 15:01
Dee's points are always very good. So are the others above. However, I've found that hitting the altissimo notes is a learned skill, based on getting the chalemeau and clarion registers right the first time.
Again, Dee hit it right on the head by saying to not move your jaw at all. So, here is how the three register drill works. Believe me, it does work. The only kicker is that you don't move your jaw at all. Not one little bit. Just add air support and a stronger grip of the embouchure as needed to kick the reed into the higher intervals.
Let's try a simple drill, then you will get the pattern.
Chalemeau Bb, clarion F, altissimo D (using the Eb/Ab as a "whisper key"). Start by blowing a good mf chalemeau Bb, gradually open the register key for clarion F, then slowly roll down the left first finger and slowly press the whisper key for altissimo D. Slur slowly on the way up. Catch your breath, then slowly try to slur from altissmo D on down. The up steps are easy, but the down steps are a real challenge.
Ditto the drill for chalemeau A, clarion E, altissimo C#.
Ditto for chalemeau C, clarion G, altissimo E.
You see the pattern repeat for all the notes you can find in this drill for all three registers. The trick is to not blast anything, don't change any jaw position, just add air. Try not to tighten too much on the embouchure, either. Remember, for this drill, a squeak is okay. It's just telling you that you kicked the reed into overdrive for way up on the partials. Try again and try not to squeak.
Good luck.
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The Clarinet BBoard
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