 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: David Pegel
Date: 2002-10-31 01:58
I've noticed that I play louder than the rest of my clarinet section. The principalis an All-State member (which I have yet to match), and her "f" sounds about like my "mp". She's taken professional lessons, while I've only recieved them on bass.
1) Since I play bass clarinet and tuba during concert season, I'm not all too concerned. BUT, is it bad to be so loud? I find that it helps me blend more on contra.
2) What could cause me to play so loud? Could I be loud because of a setup or embouchure issue? I can't readily get to a lessons instructor, and it may just be something obvious.
3) What are some ways to play softer but still keep good tone?
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Author: ron b
Date: 2002-10-31 03:26
David -
Do you hear yourself playing louder than the rest of your section put together, or louder than individuals in you section? That's a big difference. If you alone are louder than all the rest... man, that's some blowin' !!! Does everyone stop, turn toward you and just stare? If not, you're no problem. Probably the bass clarinet and tuba have helped your breath capacity. You've gotten used to filling up bigger, lower register horns that don't ordinarily overshadow anyone. If no one complains I don't find any problem with a strong supportive sound. If it conflicts with the character of the music though, too loud during a soft passage, you might have to work at controlling it a little more. If you need help with it, you might ask the principal for advice.
Strong air support is a big factor in playing soft. So, in your situation your lung capacity is in your favor. Most people have to work very hard at developing that. You're already there
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Author: JMcAulay
Date: 2002-10-31 04:01
You might also consider that a less open mouthpiece (avoid the Vandoren 5JB, for example) and a stiffer reed will produce a sound which is not as loud. But many Clarinetists would be thrilled to have a loud sound! There have been many posts by players who want a louder sound so they can be heard over the amplified guitars, etc. used in today's pop performances.
Regards,
John
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Author: Ken Shaw
Date: 2002-10-31 14:37
David -
One of the best sayings of my old band director: "At pp, you shouldn't be able to hear yourself. At ff, you should be able to hear everybody else." If you're any louder than that, take it down a notch.
Best regards.
Ken Shaw
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Author: Ken
Date: 2002-10-31 18:02
A few thoughts. Instrumentalists play not only to simulate the voice but as a direct extension/outlet of their unique personalities. Yes, degree of skill, confidence, experience, background and equipment are among the contributing factors but still the essence of the individual is an essential ingredient to making real music. Example: two classical players that come to mind are Bob Spring and Sabine Meyer. If you've ever seen them in concert, met or know them they are "carbon copies" and the same kind of people as they are performers. Examine yourself during play. It's possible that in the heat of battle you're over-compensating due to your excitement and zeal of the music and clarinet performance. You could also just have the lungs of a mountain goat from the larger bores and make a minor adjustment.
Some basics/personal disciplines to apply: 1) Immediately, back off "two" dynamic levels. 2) Heighten your senses, use those second set of "ensemble ears" and lock in better with your principal/firsts--re-enforce that and blend more with the section top to bottom. 3) Be more picky, use the melody to your advantage as it gets passed around. Always knows where it is at, play more to and be more subserviant to it. Degradation of tone at "softer levels" shouldn't be an issue with increased but even air stream. v/r KEN
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Author: Melanie
Date: 2002-11-04 17:00
I have, along with the other co-principal at my school, had the same problem. I found that it was not matter of playing too loud, but a matter of overly bright tone. The sound of my clarinet was just cutting through the ensemble. With a few slight adjustments to my embouchure and reeds, I have been much better. Also, it is important to make sure you blend with the rest of the ensemble. Use the concept of "blowing into the sound of the other players" Try to make it sound as if you are one instrument with them. These ideas seem to work for me. Good luck!
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Author: Fred
Date: 2002-11-04 19:38
Since you play bass clarinet and contra, you are probably used to taking a pretty good bit of mouthpiece in your mouth. It seems to me that on Bb, more mouthpiece often equates to more volume. Is this observation meaningful in your case?
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Author: David Pegel
Date: 2002-11-04 23:08
Fred: very much so.
Melanie: I hadn't thought of that. Perhaps that's half the issue.
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Author: Fred
Date: 2002-11-05 02:22
Just curious then . . .
Is your mouthpiece a short, medium, or long facing length? Some bass players gravitate to longer facing lengths because it feels more like their bass mp. You have to put them in your mouth pretty far to get them to wake up; otherwise, the lip applies pressure on a vibrating section of the reed and kills its vibration.
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