High Notes, sorry.... Options

[saxlover]

sorry that i repeatedly seem to ask this question. i CANNOT get the high notes from top C and upwards, ive tried everything and nothing seems to work. the other day i could get top B and C, today i couldnt get B upwards. i HAVE to be able to get those notes. i cant understand why they wont come out , everyone else i know who plays clarinet can get them. am i just not compatible with a clarinet :unsure:

its reaaally bugging me coz i am supposed to be doing grade 7 or 8 and i cant even do grade 6 coz i cant get them.

ive ordered my new clarinet so it should arrive in a few weeks time, but its really stressing me out. anyone have any idea why im so hopeless?

[jo.clarinet]

Are you putting enough air through the clarinet? Remember to keep your tongue high and think of saying 'eee', so that the airstream can be really focussed.
Also, because you are anxious about not getting the notes, you may well be biting, squeezing the reed so that the poor thing can't work! Try pulling your jaw down a bit, that might help.

[elmo]

Do you have a brace? A bit random I know, but I just thought of it!

[saxlover]

No i dont have a brace.

its a good job im getting a new clarinet coz im going to smash this one any day now!

[trudihiggins]

Don't smash your old one, it's great to have two clarinets, you can play duos with other people when they come 'round !! (Also you should think about all those kids out there that would like to play clarinet but can't afford to buy one, your clarinet would come in handy for them!!)
About high notes, you just have to take it easy, and find the right tension and position, don't go for the high note straight away, try an octave lower then the note, an octave higher - Go back down an octave, then back up - eventually the note will appear !!!! This is the method my teacher taught me and it worked for me so good luck !!!
Oh and by the way, aren't braces a pain ? I find my stamina for playing a long time has greatly reduced. My mouth tires quickly and boy do my lips suffer. I have wax to put on which works sometimes !!! Roll on 12 months when it comes off (not in time for my grade 8 unfortunately ).

[purple dolphin]

Have you tried using either a different reed or a different reed strength? You may find that some reed strengths paly notes better. I find a good 2 1/2 will play up to High E quite easily as long as your embouchure is correct. Have a word with your teacher, they may be able to give you some advise. Hope this helps :D :D