Expert: Rebecca - 12/1/2011

Question
QUESTION: Hi, I'm Risa.
Urmm.. I was wondering if u could help me with my fingerings..
I'm currently n a wind orchestra band..
we had to play 'Persis' by James L. Hosay..
I'm in clarinet 3.. There are so many running notes..
Can you give me some tips to play these very fast running notes..
I hope u can help..

Thanx ~ =)

ANSWER: Hi Risa,

Practice the notes slowly, in chunks. Play one beat at a time, plus the next down beat. repeat until it's comfortable. Then play the next group of 5 notes until they are comfortable. Then put those 9 notes together. Continue the process of gradual addition until you have the entire passage at a slow tempo. Gradually increase the tempo of the overall passage, work in chunks as necessary.

The idea is to transfer as much information to your muscle memory so that you don't have to think about individual notes. You mind should only have to concentrate on one measure at a time (ideally, the upcoming measure!).

Good luck and have fun with Persis!

Rebecca


PS - make sure you are using the right fingerings. There's a "no slide" rule, which means that you shouldn't slide your pinky from one key to another. Instead, alternate RH/LH. Sometimes this means that you have to plan ahead so that the Ab/Eb key on the RH lands correctly (that key only has one option, unlike the rest). Also, keep your fingers hovering close to the keys even when the tone holes aren't covered. Your fingers can move much faster if they don't move very far. Play your 2nd space A with the side of your LH index finger so that the pad of the finger still hovers over the tone hole.


---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: ok . i'll try that .
But I have one more question .
Its very hard to change from note A to B .
Do u know what I mean ?
How can I make it .. umm.. fast and clear ?
without squeaks .

Answer
This part of my answer addresses your concern: Also, keep your fingers hovering close to the keys even when the tone holes aren't covered. Your fingers can move much faster if they don't move very far. Play your 2nd space A with the side of your LH index finger so that the pad of the finger still hovers over the tone hole.

It's like rolling your left hand index finger instead of lifting it. This i sthe key to easy movement over the break. You are probably squeaking because your fingers are moving too far to hit the keys, causing the pads of the fingers that cover the tone holes to not securely cover the tone holes.

Practice what I suggested very slowly, it's worth investing some time in this.

Good luck,

Rebecca