 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Ben
Date: 2003-01-05 21:18
When one has too switch back and forth between A and Bb clarinets in an audition, is there any good way to prevent an instrument not played for a while from getting too cold?
I usually take a few minutes to warm up the outside of the instrument by holding the joints under my arm before playing it.
However, during the audition, where this would not be possible, how can I make sure one clarinet doesn't get too cold while I am playing the other?
If an instrument does seem to get too cold, would it be inappropriate to ask the panel for a minute to warm up the out side of the instrument, in order for it not to crack? Would non woodwind musicians likely understand this problem?
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Author: William
Date: 2003-01-05 22:36
Use the same proceedure that you would use in an actual concert situation where your idle clarinet has cooled and you compensate by pushing the mouthpiece or barrel all the way on, for the first few measures, to play it "up to pitch." As the clarinet warms (and goes sharp), pull the barrel or mpc out to maintain the ensemble pitch. That is why I always like to use a barrel that plays a bit sharp and affords me the flexability to tune as needed, up or down. And typically, when my clarinets are warmed up, I play with about a two mm gap at the barrel joint on both A and Bb. Having to switch to a cold instrument is one of the joys of clarinetisty, but one that is easily dealth with by constant adjustment--or, as Ben Armato recommends, learning to transpose and play everything on Bb (a practice at which he, and Herb Blaymann, were considered masters of in the NY Met Opera Orchestra).
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Author: Ben
Date: 2003-01-06 03:20
I am not worried about the instrument being flat. I am worried damaging it by playing it when it is too cold.
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Author: ed
Date: 2003-01-06 13:38
2 humorous ideas that noone would actually do: wrap a heating pad around the horn, make a stand with a spotlight on the bottom allowing the heat from the light to rise through the horn.
ed
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Author: d dow
Date: 2003-01-06 14:27
Dear Ben:
In the audition process hopefully the room youo are in is not too cold. Response and tuning are greatly affected by the room temperature and therefore this may have a good/bad effect on how you play and or sound.
No matter where I always find it really important to keep putting warm air in the unused instrument, and you should take a few moments just to 'blow' warm air through before starting.(making no sund of course).
You are expected to play at pitch so I would be mindful of that factor. Make sure you bring in 2 good working reed at least and that you can rely on them if you encounter problems during the actual audition.
Make sure you bring the swab and if in neeed stuff it in the bell of the unused clarinet to prevent heat loss.
Pitch is a big factor to the panel who listens to you, and they also want to hear a clear airless sound so to speak.
Good Luck
D Dow
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