Hi,

I've played violin for 3 years and I used to play piano (7-8 years). Now I'm interested in taking up clarinet (while continuing violin)... I really love the sound of clarinet; (for some reason, my mom thinks that it doesn't sound that great... )
I'm kind of scared that I won't have enough stamina to play it...I have a friend from symphony who plays clarinet and I'm always amazed at how she can play for so long without taking a single breath. Hopefully, I'll work up there?

I'm renting from Kennelly Keys, a reputable music store in the Pacific Northwest (nearly everybody rents their instruments from there).

Also, I'm getting braces a week before my first lesson. Do you guys think that will have a big effect? (Possibly making my first squeaks even worse? )

Thanks for your help!

[edit] oh yeah... what strength reed should I start off at?

Not sure how much I can help you but here goes...
Truthfully, the braces will affect your playing a bit. They are quite sore when you first get them and take a while to get used to (I've had them by the way, I don't mean to scare you!) Make sure you tell your teacher that you've just had a brace put in, and they will hopefully be understanding about it!
I started off with a 2 when I first began playing, but it really depends on what reed you get. Someone else will be able to help you with that probably! Good Luck for your first lesson, and I hope you enjoy it!

Thanks! Sorry for the late reply.

I just got my clarinet, and I'm excited for my lesson this Wednesday! Too bad I can't even try putting it together yet, I have no cork grease and it's a new clarinet (Yamada 200AD). My teacher told me not to buy any cleaning supplies, reeds, etc. yet because they overprice those at the local stores... so I'm assuming she'll sell me some?

And Clariano, thanks for warning me about the braces. The orthodontist assured me that it would just be "gentle pressure"... PSHHH. I might be a wimp, but I was pretty much in alot of pain that day...and still, a little bit now. It hurts to bite down, but that's sort of good, right? Since some students have problems with biting down on clarinets.
I was a bit worried at first, because I got a cut inside my mouth and it stung everytime I moved my mouth, but now I've just gotten a solution by placing wax on all but 4 of the brackets on the top... So I should be fine on my lesson.

Don't new clarinets come with cork grease and swab?

The only clarinet I ever bought new was a Hanson, and it came with grease, swab, 2 barrels and a choice of MPs. I think they even threw in a few reeds, though may be wrong.

You'll be starting with reeds around 1.5 / 2 strength. These are cheaper than the higher strengths, though it's true what your teacher said. They are overpriced in the shops.

Once you have a swab, you can look at the shape and make your own. Old silk scarves are great for this, though best to ask your Mum first!

I have some unused reeds ( 1.5, 2.0) that I'm never going to use. If you want them, just PM me and I'll send them in a jiffy bag.

Steve

Don't worry about your mum thinking it's not that great. Just practice anyway, and if she moans, just post here and tell the forumers about it.





The reed streangth is a bit difficult to say right away, and I think your teacher will decide.

Steve, what a kind offer! I am always impressed by how supportive and generous the forum members are with their time & advice. Seeing kindness like this makes my day Thanks!

Yeah, they are painful for the first day!!! I think their idea of 'gentle pressure' is different from everyone elses! It's good that it hurts though, it means that your teeth are adjusting and moving! Good Luck with your lesson, I'm sure you'll do brilliantly!!!

No, you are not wrong.

I had some reeds with my Hanson clarinet.

Snap.. Though why someone buying a professional standard clarinet would want some 1.5 reeds is slightly beyond me.. But there you go!

When I replied to your post, there's one thing you said that I completely missed:



Pacific Northwest. So not near London then?

Steve

^ Yeah, thank you so much for your kind offer but I think I should probably save you the trouble. Reeds aren't expensive, anyways.

Nope, not near London at all... residing in Seattle, Washington, actually.

And no, I didn't get any cleaning supplies or anything with my clarinet. (I'm renting, by the way.)

I'm kind of scared that I won't be able to make a sound on it..

'DuoMusician'

"I'm kind of scared that I won't be able to make a sound on it.. "


There is no reason to be scared...I am sure that your teacher has come across pupils with a brace once or twice by now and knows what to expect and how to help...sure you may have some difficulties at first but I am certain you will over come them...

seeing as you are in the USA there is a BB for Clarinets if you would like to know more PM me and I will send you a link.

Good luck

Andrew

^ BB? (Sorry, if I'm supposed to know what that is )

So we spent most of the lesson explaining everything... though I had already gotten pretty thorough explanations before about the clarinet from my friends so it wasn't too surprising. She sold me some reeds and a swab cloth... since she buys them in bulk so it's cheaper. She sells them for the same price that she gets them, so she's not making a profit off them.

Then we tried just blowing on the mouth piece... then playing an E, which went KIND of okay... sometimes I'd get this really high pitched sound, which I think she called it an overtone? Is that a harmonic, or something? Then sometimes I'd get the note right... so I'm definitely going to have to practice that this week. Playing an open G was much easier though.
Except sometimes I would blow and it wouldn't make any sound. But if that happened, after a couple more tries, it would work. Hopefully I'll get a lot better after practicing!

She seemed really nice, and I'm excited for next week's lesson.

BB = Bulletin Board. This is the ABRSM Bulletin Board, which is a collection of forums/fora.

You sound really enthusiastic which is great

Yup, that was a harmonic. Once you get used to it it shouldn't happen unless you accidentally brush the register key! Then after you've learnt how not to play harmonics accidentally, you can start doing them on purpose! But that'll be a while yet.

Have fun! Clarinet is a great instrument!

Yes, actually, after my first lesson, my dad told me that he actually liked the sound of the clarinet more than the violin.



Ahhh, I see. I thought so... but I've always referred to this as a just a forum. Thanks!

concerning braces and clarinet playing - I had braces recently on the bottom - there were days that my teeth ached so much I couldn't play - other times the braces cut into my bottom lip - my orthodontist gave me a shield I could wear which protected my mouth - I think it's the same as the one you are supposed to put on at night to keep teeth in place ???? But you 'll get used to it don't worry. Just dont keep hammering if it hurts !! Give it a rest.
As for reeds, a 1.5 or a 2 should be fine, see how you get on.
Cork grease costs next to nothing so you can buy it anywhere, and yes new clarinet cork should be greased I've seen too many people with their clarinets stuck !!!!

Aren't they supposed to be in your mouth?

Steve

One word of warning - Not too much grease!! (The person whose best friend owns a clarinet prone to falling apart)

oh no - why didn't I check this posting !!! Oh boy that did make me laugh

Not very easy sitting down - and one could question my methods of clarinet playing .....

Hey! A little update...

lessons are going well, except I'm hitting a little rut.

Soooo, I've mentioned before that I play violin, so I will be playing in the school orchestra this fall. However, my clarinet teacher strongly suggests for me to participate in something at school with the clarinet, so I was thinking of marching band. (Actually, marching band is the only plausible option seeing how I cannot fit anything into my school schedule so I would have to choose something after school anyways.)
Howeverrrr, I'm looking at the school website and at the band website and it says this:
" August 30 from 2-7pm in the SC Band room.
9th graders are not issued uniforms at this time. Freshman who are eligible to join fall marching band will be informed about eligibility and will be uniformed at a later date (depending upon uniform availability and selection process). No worries!"

(I'm going to be in 9th grade)

errrr, so I don't even know if they already had auditions. Plus, I'm worried about if I could even be "good enough" to get in. My clarinet teacher assures me that the music they play isn't really hard though. But still, by then...I would have been playing about 3 months? I would email the teacher but I tried emailing a different teacher and I haven't received a reply. And it's been a while...I'm guessing they don't check their emails at all over the summer.
If it would help, I could provide a youtube link of a sample of what kind of music they played last year, if that would give you guys a better idea.

Also, I'm having a little trouble crossing the break. I can play the D, E, and F reasonably well, but the G just sounds terribly flat and squawky! (My poor neighbors, I have to leave the window wide open because of the heat and I'm pretty sure they can hear me very clearly. )

Thanks for the help you guys!

I'm assuming you mean 'clarion' G (register key/thumb and left hand fingers 1,2,3).

I'll guess your problem is either a loose embouchure, a lack of air support, or both. You'll need a relatively tight embouchure (no biting though!), and plenty of air support to successfully play the higher notes on the clarinet.

Try some long notes on E, F and G, and aim for a beautiful tone at all times.

And all the best in your clarinetting exploits!

Yesyes, I meant clarion G Sorry, haven't quite learned all the terms yet.
Thank you for the advice! I will try that out.

Because of Hanson's viewpoint on pro clarinets... I've mentioned it in a thread elsewhere, but basically, they say that any clarinettist should be able to pick up their student model, and make a great sound. They only really (and I hope i'm not out of line here in case Meessers Hanson read this) make pro models to supply to those who believe that just because they've reached a certain level, that they should have a certain clainet. All players, regardless of standard will be able to get 'something' out of 1 1/2 reed.

But yes, I got some with my Hanson Clarinet too!

Go and visit the forum at www.woodwind.org and you'll see that Buffet have been milking this idea for decades!

Spend an hour reading through the posts from mothers/fathers/students who worry about their progress and you'll see what I mean.

"I sound great but now should I buy an R13 or E13?" ..... etc


At least Hanson make great clarinets at affordable prices.

They sell their clarinets abroad for THE SAME PRICES that you pay!

Buffet in Europe have always sold their clarinets and mouthpieces to americans for LESS than they sell to us in Europe!!!

I have never bought a Vandoren mouthpiece here. Even with postage, it's cheaper from the USA.

Frankly, I think Hanson are brilliant...... and rather honest. A dying breed?


Steve