 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Ravi2000
Date: 2014-01-13 03:32
So, I recently made a thread called "Embouchure Problems", because I'm auditioning for a State Band and I couldn't play through the entire audition piece without Embouchure Collapse taking place. So, today, I went to the music store, bought every thickness reed, and came to find that I can make it through the entire piece using a 1.5.. With much pain and effort, but it works.
Now, I'm used to playing on a 3, so I'm really used to having a really high resistance. It was what made me play my best, and my best was very good.
Now, here I am, using a 1.5, the only reed I can play the whole song on. So I really am confined to it. Now, the problem:
I sound terrible. When I had the 3, I put LOADS of emotion into what I play, dynamic changes, vibrato and what-not.. On a 1.5? NONE of that is possible anymore. That was the main reason I was auditioning. I put emotion and feel into the music. Now that I have the 1.5? I can't. And I really doubt I'll make it in by just playing the piece the way it is. Half a state worth of clarinet players will be here. Tough competition. Just playing isn't an option. Now I need.. a happy medium.
I want to be able to play the entire song, BUT I want emotion in it. Is there something I should try to add more resistance to the instrument without me having to change the reed or my embouchure? Because then the original problem of Embouchure Collapse returns. Maybe a barrel switch?
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Author: clarinetist04
Date: 2014-01-13 01:17
With all due respect, Ravi, this is really a horrible way to solve your problem. As we do when trouble shooting a problem where I work, it's incredibly important to ask yourself first what your problem is. (the problem seems to be that you can't play the entire song you need to be able to play)
Now, why is that the problem? (because you don't have enough stamina) What does that mean? (It means your embouchure gets tired before you finish the Minuet)
Why does your mouth get tired? This is the tricky part:
1) Is it because the reed is too strong? You've stated that you love the way you play on a 3. That's wonderful and hopefully you continue to do that.
2) Is it because the muscles in your mouth aren't trained to handle pieces like this? If this is the case, switching to the softer reed will not fix this problem. If you expect to continue to play you will inevitably play music that requires you to have stamina. Say, the Copeland Concerto for instance. The stamina required to play the opening slow part is intense and it must, MUST be musical. You cannot play it if you switch to a softer reed because you won't be able to hit the altissimo notes. Furthermore, training your mouth, which may be TOO tense, to play on a softer reed will train the muscles incorrectly and this would be the WORST outcome.
So my advice to you is two fold:
A) Find a teacher you can study with so that they can help you overcome these problems. As you've already found out from the other thread, most people experience this from time to time, although 3 minutes doesn't seem to be much time, especially when starting from rest. So there's really no way that any of us here could help you without working with you 1-on-1 and hands on - so find someone around you who can (there are lots of clarinet teachers in New Jersey).
B) Do not switch to a 1.5 reed. That's a haphazard way to go if you are true in your statement that you play beautifully with a 3-strength reed.
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Author: jparrette
Date: 2014-01-13 01:57
Remember that the quality of your mouthpiece and the condition of your clarinet have a huge impact on the level of playing resistance. If your clarinet has even a small leak, especially if it is toward the top of the instrument, it will be very resistant.
Playing a 1.5 reed is a very, very bad idea.
1. Take your clarinet to a good repair person and make sure it is set up properly.
2. There are many good mouthpieces available for under $100. Find a local store and try as many mouthpieces as they will allow. You'll be amazed at the variety in tonal quality and resistances.
Good luck!
John Parrette
CLARION MUSICAL SERVICES
john@clarionmusical.com
914-805-3388
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Author: Paul Aviles
Date: 2014-01-13 02:14
I'm more and more confused with this posting. You described years of playing in your initial post and a problem that causes you to not be able to play for more than a few minutes at a time. This is a CATASTROPHIC breakdown of what you had been doing (again, given a short, initial description).
You, your teacher and your general practitioner need to figure this out. And I mean THIS issue needs to be addressed FIRST if you care about playing at all in the future. The upcoming audition may be important right now, but anything short term must be put on the low priority list until you work out what seems like a major physical dysfunction.
..............Paul Aviles
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Author: Jeroen
Date: 2014-01-13 20:03
In your other posting you mentioned you use a Rico Reserve mpc.
They come in different tip openings.
You may try a more closed version which enables you to play slightly stronger reeds than 1.5 and still be able to play the entire piece.
That could be a 'happy medium' for the time being.
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