 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Lisa
Date: 2008-06-17 12:53
I've been away from regular, serious clarinet-playing for several months due to illness and lack of any free time. Now that I've said goodbye to my first graders, this summer I really need/want to get back to the level of playing I'm used to and I know it's not going to come easily. I barely made it through a 2 hour community band rehearsal last night due to stamina issues and recovering from a URI. I'd like to sound exponentially better by next week's rehearsal and then to keep improving back to where I know I'm capable of during the rest of the summer.
I'm thinking several short practice sessions each day is the way to start out, with scales, etudes, long tones then the band music. I don't like playing on softer reeds, but is that where I should start out until building up my embouchure again? Any very specific practice techniques on getting back in shape pronto would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
Lisa
Post Edited (2008-06-17 18:13)
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Author: Bassie
Date: 2008-06-17 13:24
Yes, there's nothing wrong with starting half a strength softer.
One thing that I haven't noticed mentioned hereabouts: if you're really exhausted after a session, then what you actually need to build your strength is rest, time for the muscles to recover fully. So when I go back after a break I make sure to play only every other day at first. I play till I'm tired and then take a break.
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Author: leonardA
Date: 2008-06-17 21:39
This raises a question I have had about moving to higher reed strengths. What gives a player the ability to do this? Stronger lip muscles? More wind? Since you're really not supposed to squeeze the mouthpiece, I wouldn't think it would be the muscles. What is it that over time allows one to play stronger reeds?
Leonard
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Author: Copland
Date: 2008-06-17 23:39
Yeah, I've been wondering the same thing as leonardA. Does anyone know?
Anyway, pertaining to the thread: I've noticed that a big problem I have when I return after a long break from the clarinet is my embouchure, which gets really weak. Long tones and plenty of rest in between practice sessions works really great. I know, not terribly helpful, but I thought I'd give a bit of my experience.
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Author: claritoot26
Date: 2008-06-18 17:16
Combination of stronger embouchure and faster airstream built up over time enables one to increase reed strength up to the point where the player can achieve the desired sound without straining. This "cut-off" reed strength is different for different players and different equipment set-ups.
Lori
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