 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: SVClarinet09
Date: 2007-01-17 13:57
I just started in my local youth orchestra. I was told by my friend who plays oboe to come because they needed strong clarinets so I go. Including me there were 3 clarinets. Since I didn't audition, I just a walk-on, they asked me to play Bass Clarinet because they didn't have any and I said sure. I picked up a clarinet from the school this morning and it's a brand new Leblanc L7166. I started playing it earlier and I was doing fine playing all my scales one octaves. When I tried playing two octaves and going over the break, it wasn't coming out cleanly. Also, whenever I play low G or low A, it felt like the clarinet wanted to jump up a 12th. What do you guys recommend to help me out with this? I'm using the stock Leblanc mouthpiece which I assume is a good one by the looks of it but not quite sure. I tried a Rico 3 and a Vandoren 2.5 and got better results from the Vandoren. Could I need a new reed? More practice? Embouchure problems? All advice would help me lots. Oh and a note, the Youth Orchestra practices once a week so I have plenty of time to improve =)
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Author: Brenda Siewert
Date: 2007-01-17 14:08
Wow! That's a big task you've gotten for yourself, but you can do it. I would have someone look at the pads and make sure they are all sealing properly. Also, when they check that they'll probably check the keys and springs to make sure everything is working the way it should. Even if it is a new instrument it is possible to have things get out of adjustment. Surely there is a music store with a tech person in your area. If not, perhaps the director or someone at your school could look it over and see if it plays the same way for them.
Post Edited (2007-01-17 20:28)
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Author: SVClarinet09
Date: 2007-01-17 18:17
Update
Well I've practiced alot today but I could still keep going. I can manage now all the way up to High C on scales and Chromatic, although whenever I play chromatic fast, my fingers are in the habit of going above C. Are there any books you guys recommend for Bass Clarinets? I basically have everything down pat and I feel confident I'll do good for the CCYO but who knows, maybe I have extra talent on Bass Clarinet
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Author: Don Berger
Date: 2007-01-17 19:30
Its wanting to jump octave[12ths ?] might incdicate a small leak in an U J pad [s?]. Does it have a small register key on the neck [indicating a Double Register Key model] which would make the lower clarion notes play better. If not, I'd suggest getting a good B C player to "tweak" it for best performance, perhaps using even softer reeds to make it "speak" well + practice!. Been there, Done that, BUT HELP please, Dave S. Don
Thanx, Mark, Don
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Author: SVClarinet09
Date: 2007-01-17 19:46
I found the reason why clarinet jumps isn't because of leaks, but because I didn't control it. I can play great now and I read an article from Walter Grabner on how you should stay true to the same size you use on Soprano so I'll go out to the shop and get one 3 and one 3.5 and I should be good to go. Everything comes out with so much ease now that I practiced
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