Clarinet

Sound On your initial play test, you should be asking yourself the all-important question; "Does this clarinet play with the sound for which I am looking". Play slowly in all registers paying special attention to the color and vibrancy of…
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Correct embouchure is the most important aspect of playing which beginning clarinet students must achieve during their first year. As any band director knows, there are several other skills needed that first year - - but none so crucial as…
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Whenever there is more than one clarinet player in a room, the conversation inevitably turns to the subject of reeds. In my many years as a performer and teacher, I have endeavored to take some of the mystery and myth out of this open-ended…
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The major points of interest include the story of JUNO, a dealer locator, strength comparisons, and videos about the product - one featuring an interview with Bernard Van Doren who relates his reasoning behind the revolutionary new reed.
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Crossing the break is often one of the major problems a clarinet student may have. There are many reasons for this. This section of clarinet study will deal with that problem, and try to eliminate or at least ease the problem with which…
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The instrument, of course, is important, but the right reed/mouthpiece combination is also essential. I find may young students take the path of least resistance and use a reed/mouthpiece set-up that plays with little effort. This will not…
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The following tips are from a series of articles which I have written for BandWorld Magazine. The first issue on teaching the clarinet started with the March-April, 1996 issue and will continue through the August-September, 1996 issue. To…
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Every successful clarinetist is looking for a sound that is focused, clean, clear, even, rich and has a warmness and depth that will resonate and project to the back of the hall. Most importantly, effective sound production will enable the…
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What ever became of the clarinet choir? Sadly the popularity it experienced during the 1950s under the guidance of such greats as Don McCathren and Lucien Calliet faded as following decades saw school music programs contract, composers lose…
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A properly made reed, in tandem with a good mouthpiece, well-serviced instrument, and fundamentally sound embouchure and air support, is essential for producing a good, characteristic clarinet sound.
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Every fall, right before the Illinois District/All-State Auditions, high school students from around the area and beyond call me to set up lessons. Usually, the student arrives in my office on time at the first lesson with a beautiful…
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The most basic and perhaps most important part of practicing is warming up. How you go about doing this is essential to your success on the clarinet. Use your time wisely to achieve the maximum results in the minimum amount of time.…
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