clarinet help?

Question

ok...i play clarinet ((i've been playing it for 4 years))...and i really want to become better at it 'cause i really want to be 1st chair in high school ((just 'cause i want to go to a music college, and it would look good on my application))...so, can anybody give me some tips on how to get better? also, what size reed should i be using ((is it ok that i use a 3?))

Answer 1

1) What is your price range? The Buffet clarinet series is wonderful if you can afford it.

2) For marching band, you'll probably want to use a size 2 reed, only because it's easier to blow MUCH harder! There's no magic number for the reed, and it should be what is perfect for YOU.

3) I wouldn't trade in your student clarinet just yet, mainly because if you continue onto college marching band, you'll want a yucky clarinet that you don't mind letting wear and tear naturally.

Answer 2

I have been playing clarinet for ten years now, and I am a music education major, and going into college I had some of the same questions you do. Practice is key, but there are still some other things that you can do to progress yourself further. If you have the money a new clarinet would help with your tone quality, in college they will probably require you to upgrade to a professional model clarinet such as the "Buffet R13" or the LeBlanc Sonata are common purchases. When you make these purchases you should go and practice several different clarinets of the same model because they are hand made and can vary in minute details. You then need to try and figure out the right reed, mouthpiece, and ligature combination for you, a lot of people have good luck with Vandoren. The Vandoren mouthpieces: B45, M13, and M30 are all good choices for starting out, you should go and try each of these before purchse as well. Vandoren reeds are commonly the best, but there are other reeds out there that are making significant strides towards having better quality, and better consistancy.
Getting a private clarinet teacher will help with all of this he/she can be there when your making these purchases and help decide at an expert level what suites you the best. The teacher will also help you develope a good clarinet ombechure which is absolutely key to all of this working, a good solid ombechure takes a lot of practice to make it consistant, but all practice is worth it.
There are several books that can help you develope skills in the technical side of the clarinet: Melodious and progressive studies Book 1 and 2 by David Hite, 32 Rose Etudes by Carl Rose, Selected Studies for the Clarinet by Voxman, Pares Scales, 24 Varied Scales and Exercises for the Clarinet by J. B. Albert, the Rubank Method Books, Klose, Velocity Studies books, and there are many more, but these seem to be common amongst today's clarinet students. If you have a teacher then he/she will probably recommend books for you to buy that fit their way of teaching.
This is the tip of the ice berg when it comes to clarinet playing, but since you've only been playing for 4 years, you have nothing but time.
I wanted to thwart the idea that a harder reed is inharently better because this isn't true, it all depends upon your mouthpiece, the smaller the facing between the reed and the tip of the mouthpiece, the harder the reed should be, for example a Vandoren B45 is best compatible with Vandoren and V12 Reeds sizes 3-3 1/2, according to the manufacturer. The size isn't as important as the manufacturer and the quality of the reed. A lot of this is just experimentation and it takes time but it is all worth it, there are charts online that you can look at to see good reed and mouthpiece combinations, and you DON'T have to buy the new clarinet before trying new mouthpieces, but it wouldn't be a bad idea to switch to at least a wooden clarinet if you havn't already.

I hope this all helps!

Answer 3

Front seat is about only a few things - all of which can be learned.

1) tone quality; you must sound pretty throughout the entire range. You get this by playing long boring "long tones" every day. Start in the middle and play 5-8 seconds on each tone chromatically up to high C. Then start in the middle and play 5-8 seconds on each tone chromatically to low E (Eb). Pay attention to achieving optimal tone on every note. When you can't hold the tone any longer - you're done with that exercise for the day.

2) reading: the best way to improve your reading is to read new music every day. It really doesn't matter what it is, just read some new music everyday. Pay attention to everything, dynamics, rhythm, accidentals, phrasing. The objective is to become fluent in reading.

2a) scales: aside from the fact that auditioners want to hear them - having all of the major and minor scales under your fingers from memory will improve your reading. Once you have all the scales, learn them in intervals. (c-e, d-f, e-g, f-a, g-b, a-c, b-d-c; c major in thirds for example). The objective is to have these at any speed from memory 100% - This aides your reading and your technique.

3) repertoire: Get copies of all the ensemble music you can. Borrow someone's 1st part folder or ask the band and orchestra directors if you can have a copy of the senior ensemble's 1st folder. Learn those parts. Google "band repertoire" and make a list of the contest pieces for the grade your band is. Learn the 1st part to all of those pieces. There are standards like Holst, Williams, etc... that you just need to know.

4) chamber: Chamber playing makes you pay attention to everyone around you and to listen. Find friends and play duets, trios, small ensemble stuff. The objective here is to be able to play your own part while also listening to what's going on around you.

There are some things that collegiate and orchestral front seat players have in common that you can do too.

* They have a lesson teacher and have a lesson at least 1 hour per week.
* They practice every day. Usually twice a day. Usually in 1-2 hour blocks.
* They play in chamber ensembles every chance they get.

Answer 4

Of course it is important to practice. Now here is the trick: No matter how dedicated you are, there will be a limit to how much you can practice in a day. There are only 24 hours. You need to sleep, eat, etc. However, there is no limit on how efficiently you can learn to practice. You will get more done in one hour of intense, concentrated work than in 3 or 4 hours of noodling around on your instrument. One of your goals in practicing should be to explore ways to practice better and more efficiently.

Find a good private teacher if you can afford it. This should be a priority. A good teacher could solve a problem/explain something to you that may take you years to find out on your own.

Finally, and I believe this to be as important as practicing: Listen, listen, listen. Find the best players at your school and listen to them play when you can, go hear live concerts in your area, and play with people who are better than you. Find what it is that they are doing that you are not.

One point about your college search-though it is years away:
The only really important thing about getting into college will be your audition. This probably will account for 90% of what decides whether or not you are accepted where you apply if you are applying to conservatories. This isn't to say that you shouldn't be going for first chair. If you have aspirations to go to conservatory for college, you should definetly be shooting for first chair.

Good luck!!

Answer 5

do u play the Bb clarinet or the bass?
i use 2 and 1/2 reeds but they r harder to blow than size 3...
to get better u should practice scales...
play an hour every day

Answer 6

I played clarinet for quite a few years and I really started getting better once I started taking private clarinet lessons, if you really want to be successful I would try it, the instructors have been doing it for a LONG time and know what they are doing.
Other than that practice and really set some goals for yourself.
If you want it that badly it'll happen all you hve to do is set your to it.
Good luck!

Answer 7

Practice, practice, practice. And then, practice some more. But practice the right things. Scales are always important. So are basic etudes -- they'll concentrate on specific techniques (like passing between registers, trills, etc). Record your practice sessions so you can listen and find ways to improve. (It's easier to hear your playing quality from a recording than from listening while you play.) Practice in front of a mirror to make sure your physical technique is good (finger position, embouchure, etc).

Answer 8

I also play the clarinet. and you've probably heard this enough but to get better just keep practicing.

also to get better I asked my band director if she would help me and she gave me private lessons and challenged me.

so she gave me longer harder pieces to work on (not for school just to improve)

it deff. worked (not to sound arrogent)

and for reeds size 3& 1/2 but 3's probably fine.

Answer 9

OK well I was in band for 6 years and i played the flute. I was 1st chair in middle school but never in high school. IOts tough because theres diff. kids from diff. middle schools coming in to ur high skool. so ok jut practice alot. make band your number one priorty. When you play for the teacher sit straight and dont lean against the chair. drink plenty of water before playing. aND THE MOST IMPORTANT THIS IS PRAY. THIS MEANS ALOT TO YOU!!

good luck

Answer 10

Upgrade to 3 and 1/2 if ya want.

(= Clarinets are cooooooool!!!!!!! =)