Clarinet Now Blog

Reed Death?

Fri, 13 Apr 2012 15:28:56 GMT

How do you know when to throw out a reed? I have some reeds that seem to squeak more than they used to (could just be me). I play on a #3 vandoren reed

Embouchure changing

Fri, 13 Apr 2012 14:58:51 GMT

After taking a break for the clarinet for two years I am back. My embouchure is giving me problems as it always have. Great tone and pitch for the lower

Win This Clarinet T-shirt NOW!

Fri, 06 Apr 2012 12:05:07 GMT

Join the Clarinet Notes Newsletter, or Ezine if you want to call it that, and win this Skull and Cross-Clarinets T-shirt. Clarinet Notes is nearly at 300 subscribers. The 300th one will win. Here is the Clarinet Notes link and below is the T-shirt.

Skull and clarinets - Black on white by clarinetnow
More Skull T-Shirts

NY City Bus with Clarinet Ad on side

Sun, 01 Apr 2012 05:21:54 GMT

You do not see a NY City Bus with a Clarinet Ad on the side very often. Make sure you come to the Clarinet Now Facebook page to keep up with the latest performances and other interesting activities. See that Clarinet Bus on following link...

Watch Today Show this Wed 28 MAR 0630-9am

Tue, 27 Mar 2012 04:56:46 GMT

The West Point Band will perform on the Today Show this coming Wednesday, 28 MAR sometime between 0630-0900 am, Eastern Standard Time. The band will play patriotic selections. TV is never easy to predict, it could last 10 seconds or 3 minutes or perform the ins and out of several commercial breaks. To learn more about the West Point Band, visit www.WestPointBand.com. Check out the new Clarinet-Now.com Facebook page. If you Like it, Like It! Thanks for visiting. The Clarinet Notes Ezine has almost reached 300 subscribers. The 300th subscriber will get a Skull and Cross-clarinets T-shirt . Joint today and maybe, you'll win it. And do not forget Clarinetnow on Twitter. Keep on practicing and watch the West Point Band on the Today Show this Wednesday. Thanks. Best, Chris

Tuning

Tue, 27 Mar 2012 03:23:37 GMT

I have to pull the barrel and the mid-sections apart to get anywhere close to in tune...are there reasons why? FROM CLARINET-NOW.COM Hello Carol,

Clarinet Parents Guide

Fri, 24 Feb 2012 13:04:14 GMT

The Clarinet Parents Guide gives you 12 Steps to Improve Your Young Clarinetist's Musical Experience.

Poor Clarinet Embouchure

Fri, 24 Feb 2012 04:28:08 GMT

Descriptions of the poor clarinet embouchure and a troubleshooting guide to fixing them.

Squeaking problem

Tue, 14 Feb 2012 04:10:19 GMT

I keep squeaking and I guess I was biting too hard. The clarinet is really heavy for me! So I bit the clarinet to lessen the weight on my right thumb.

Top Ten Clarinet Solos

Tue, 14 Feb 2012 03:55:51 GMT

1. Mozart Concerto 2. Copland Concerto 3. Finzi Concerto 4. Debussy Premiere Rhapsodie 5. Finzi Bagatelles (cl & pf) 6. Rabaud Solo de Concours (cl & pf)

Retired Band director

Tue, 14 Feb 2012 03:54:14 GMT

Three Pieces for Unaccompanied Clarinet - Stravinsky Premiere Rhapsodie - Debussy Concert Fantasia Motives from the opera Rigoletto - Bassi Three Romances

Eat, SLEEP, and Practice Clarinet

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 05:14:55 GMT

Now, think about that clarinet while you sleep. Upper joint on the front and lower joint on the back of the pillow.

Eat, SLEEP, Practice Clarinet by clarinetnow
Browse other throw pillow designs on Zazzle.

Clarinet Embouchure

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 13:11:25 GMT

Correct clarinet embouchure descriptions and ideas.

Albert clarinet scales

Fri, 27 Jan 2012 13:05:59 GMT

Learn how to best use the J.B. Albert clarinet scales method book.

Clean sound, mellow ease.

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 04:01:01 GMT

I played almost every day for at least five years and graduated from playing in the school orchestra to playing in the NY Jazz Mobile youth group in 1972,

Legato

Sun, 15 Jan 2012 04:15:42 GMT

Minhye Kim Ilsan, South Korea Hello, I've been playing clarinet for about 8years. But I'm still feeling that my basic techniques are not stable. Especially

Squidward playing the clarinet

Sun, 15 Jan 2012 04:04:42 GMT

If a clarinet teacher got a hold of Squidward playing the clarinet, what would that teacher say? Find out here.

West Point Paws for a Cause Video with Old Grads Music

Sun, 15 Jan 2012 03:10:46 GMT

Therapy dogs are helping our returning soldiers in many ways. This video shows some of the dogs working at the West Point Warrior Transition Unit. It was recorded on a camera attached to a therapy dog's wheelchair. Special thanks goes to MSG Eric Miller and The West Point Band for the great music. I hope you enjoy it and you can visit us at West Point Paws for a Cause. What a fantastic group of dogs and what a fantastic group of Soldiers they make happy? Good luck to you 'West Point Paws for a Cause.' The march you hear on the video is the West Point "Old Grads March". It is played twice a year at Homecoming and during Graduation Week. The West Point Band leads the Old Grads across diagonal walk at a slow tempo to the wreath-laying ceremony at the Thayer Statue saluting the graduates that passed during the year. The songs in the medley are "When Johnny Comes Marching Home", "Swanee River", "Hail! Hail! The Gangs All Here", and "Over There." It is a fitting tribute to the Old Grads and I have to say fits fantastically to Murray the Therapy Dog marching around doing his duties. Thanks to all that serve, Therapy Dogs, War Vets, Active Duty, Veterans, and West Point Old Grads. We all depend on the freedom you provide.

Dr. Michael White U.S. National Anthem Sugar Bowl 2012

Tue, 10 Jan 2012 12:50:48 GMT

Dr. Michael White and Bryan Batt perform the Star Spangled Banner in New Orleans, Louisiana on January 3, 2012. Wurlitzer Reform Boehm clarinet. More Dr. Michael White recordings Jazz From the Soul of New Orleans

Practice Chart

Tue, 03 Jan 2012 02:27:50 GMT

The Practice Chart helps you log your practice minutes and hours. Print these charts for free and use as an improvement tool on clarinet or any instrument.

Clarinet Left Hand Position

Sun, 01 Jan 2012 05:45:05 GMT

Clarinet left hand position thoughts including photos and common faults. Goal - a more musically, efficient left hand.

You can see the Fox News Special Here of West Point Band

Thu, 29 Dec 2011 05:39:42 GMT

If you wish to see the entire special (about 45 minutes minus commercials), here is the link:

West Point Band Hudson Valley Holiday Concert on Fox News

Thu, 22 Dec 2011 06:59:14 GMT

If you have not figured it out, my day job is Clarinetist and Drum Major in the West Point Band, educating, training, and inspiring the U.S. Corps of Cadets at the U.S. Military Academy, West Point, New York. I'm in my nineteenth year serving here and have performed 20 Hudson Valley Holiday Concerts. For many of those years, I served as an extra duty as publicist for the band. I (and my staff of musician/publicists) tirelessly publicized the Hudson Valley Holiday Concerts and the show drew some of the best indoor crowds over the years (between 1500 and 3500 each year often for two concerts). Fox News came earlier December 2011 to film our concert, several chamber ensembles, and West Point scenic shots to make a Christmas special to be shown on 23, 24 and 25 December. Following is the broadcast schedule: Eastern Standard Time 12/23 (10pm) 12/24 (1am, 5am, 10pm) Christmas Eve 12/25 (1am, 4am, 1pm) Christmas Day As the West Point Band focuses on duty at the Military Academy and New York Metropolitan area, it is not known as well as the Washington, D.C. special military bands. I assure you, this band rocks and is an honor to serve with every single Soldier/Musician. I hope you enjoy the show. We have not seen it yet, and are looking forward to their compilation. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! Chris Clarinet-Now.com, Blog, Twitter, and Ezine WestPointBand.com on Twitter, and on Facebook

Legato

Sat, 17 Dec 2011 14:09:30 GMT

Hello, I've been playing clarinet for about 8years. But I'm still feeling that my basic techniques are not stable. Especially the legato problem. I feel

Clarinet Leopard Shoes from Clarinet-Now.com

Wed, 23 Nov 2011 13:17:02 GMT

These are toe-tappers...

Clarinet Leopard Shoes by clarinetnow
Make a custom made shoe at zazzle.com

20% off Clarinet Play-Along Sheet Music with CDs

Wed, 23 Nov 2011 13:05:25 GMT

See the following Clarinet Play-along music and CDs at 20% off the cover price. Also, FREE SHIPPING on orders over $25. Improve your ensemble skills and have fun! Glee - 15 hits from the popular FOX TV show for solo instrumentalists! Includes a great full-accompaniment play-along CD so you can sound just like a pro. Songs include: And I Am Telling You I'm Not Going - Defying Gravity - Don't Stop Believin' - Keep Holding On - Lean on Me - No Air - Sweet Caroline - True Colors - and more. Wicked - 13 songs from the Broadway sensation arranged for solo instrumentalists with a great accompaniment CD. Songs include: As Long As You're Mine - Dancing Through Life - Defying Gravity - For Good - I'm Not That Girl - Popular - The Wizard and I - and more. The Jazz Method for Clarinet - by John O'Neill. Book with CD. 96 pages. "John O'Neill has a solid understanding of jazz and how it can be taught. I highly recommend his educational jazz materials." (Jamey Aebersold) Nothin' But Blues by Jamey Aebersold - For any C, Eb, Bb, bass instrument or voice. Play-Along series with accompaniment CD. Master the sound and feel of the blues. Beginner, intermediate. Book with CD. Clarinet Concerto - KV 622 in A-major. (2-CD Set). By Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756-1791). Play Along book with CD. More clarinet play-along music and CDs

Jittering sound on the low notes in the lower register

Wed, 16 Nov 2011 03:31:37 GMT

I have been playing for about nine months, and seem to have a good tone, except for an ear piercing jittering sound I get sometimes when I play the low

Clarinet-Now.com on Twitter

Wed, 09 Nov 2011 03:15:16 GMT

You can now follow ClarinetNow on Twitter. Webpage updates as well as performance info of Chris performing clarinet/drum major with the West Point Band. Recent busy weekend, played Veterans Concert at Ike Hall, West Point, New York to nearly 2,000 live concertgoers. Here is a live performance of Bilik's American Civil War Fantasy with slideshow from that event. Then, the West Point Band on 12 NOV 2011 had a full day of Army vs Rutgers Football activities at Yankee Stadium. Now, if you've been to Yankee Stadium as a fan, it is pretty cool, but going through all of the underworkings, locker rooms, executive suites, etc... is really cool. However, this day we played a two-hour rehearsal with the Rutgers Band and Cadet and Rutgers Glee Clubs, played Black Knights Alley for around fifty people, played the march-through the Bronx with 3,000 cadets for around a 1,000 people, and pregame and halftime for 30,000 live and millions of TV viewers. For the first time ever, we collaborated with the Rutgers Scarlet Knights Band for pre-game, here is it submitted by the Rutgers Band (from a distance) Then, on 13 NOV 2011, the West Point Band played the halftime show for the Jets vs. Patriots Game at MetLife Stadium for Military Appreciation Day. Nearly 80,000 football fan really enjoyed the patriotic show. One live blimp shot of the West Point Band at halftime again jumps the audience number into millions. If you are in the New York City area, I highly recommend you make an effort to hear the West Point Band, get free tickets to the Hudson Valley Holiday Concert here.

High Notes on Bass Clarinet

Fri, 04 Nov 2011 02:18:21 GMT

How do you play the high notes on the Bass clarinet? I put a lot of air in it bu it makes the wrong sound. :( FROM CLARINET-NOW.COM Hello Far,

Where is tongue when not articulating?

Thu, 03 Nov 2011 03:23:43 GMT

Hi! I was doing some research to put on a Master’s Class for High Schoolers and really have appreciated all of your helpful information. When putting

How much mouthpiece?

Mon, 24 Oct 2011 11:59:05 GMT

Hey, I've been really fixing up my embouchure and my articulation technique. I find it's A LOT easier to articulate I use more mouthpiece, but I find

Skull and Clarinets

Sat, 08 Oct 2011 13:25:07 GMT

Danger - Clarinet Practicing! The Skull and Clarinets are a whimsical play on the symbols Skull and Bones and Jolly Roger.

Clarinet and Saxophone Embouchure Comparison

Sat, 08 Oct 2011 13:22:59 GMT

Hi there! I have been playing clarinet for 8 years and just a few months ago I switched to tenor saxophone for marching band this year. I haven't hardly

Need a Clarinet Job?

Sat, 08 Oct 2011 06:05:27 GMT

Section Bb Clarinet/Eb Clarinet Utility in the West Point Concert Band. Join the ranks of Larry Combs, Ben Armato, and Kalmen Opperman as alumni of the oldest of all U.S. Army Band's. The West Point Band has a great tradition serving the Nation, Army, U.S. Corps of Cadets, and New York Hudson Valley for almost 200-years. Hurry and prepare: PACKET POSTMARK DEADLINE: November 28, 2011 FINAL ROUND: February 27, 2012 If you are in competition for this job, keep this information to yourself and go practice. If you are not in competition for this job and know a great clarinetist, send them the link as soon as possible. Below is a video of the 1812 Overture at the West Point Band's 1812 Concert held every year on Labor Day Weekend. Up to 15,000 come see this concert with fireworks. Below is the impressive Cadet Parade that the West Point Band supports numerous times a year. Do you think marching and playing clarinet is not for a professional? Listen to The Official West Point March and Old Glory Triumphant March, smokin' clarinet parts, I have to say. Enjoy. Pass in Review with America Exultant at 35 minutes, Official West Point March at 42 min 32 seconds, and Old Glory Triumphant March at 48 minutes and 5 seconds.

Squeaking sound

Tue, 20 Sep 2011 03:34:50 GMT

HI there, I think I am driving myself and my neighbors mad trying to get the sound of the clarinet register notes correct! Slurring these notes is fine...no

Movie Studio Clarinet

Wed, 07 Sep 2011 02:52:20 GMT

My goal is to play the clarinet in a band that makes the music we hear in movies. I've had a little taste of how it works, and it was an amazing experience.

Top clarinet teachers?

Tue, 06 Sep 2011 12:21:57 GMT

Hi, I'm an Army clarinet player currently loving life in South Korea. I really do, not being sarcastic. My clarinet professor in college was a student

Berkeley AC307 ELITE SERIES Clarinet - Has anyone purchased this instrument? Send us your Review.

Tue, 06 Sep 2011 12:07:20 GMT

First, how does one post a question on the Clarinet-Now Blog? Doesn't seem to be a place to post a question. I am a clarinet student using a Buffet R-13

TEN TIPS ON CLEANING YOUR CLARINET MOUTHPIECE – PLUS A BONUS TIP

Thu, 18 Aug 2011 12:31:02 GMT

How to Clean a Clarinet Mouthpiece? How do you properly clean a clarinet mouthpiece? Is there different ways to clean different mouthpieces if they're

Feels like I can't blow through

Thu, 18 Aug 2011 11:53:59 GMT

I played clarinet from 6th grade through High School and into college. Haven't played in about 15 years though, and now my daughter wants to play, so I

Best In Class

Sat, 16 Jul 2011 02:48:36 GMT

I want to be best in my class! FROM CLARINET-NOW.COM Hello Marsha, Practice consistantly every single day. Even in the summer and on weekends. You

Teeth not on mouthpiece!!!

Sat, 16 Jul 2011 02:45:47 GMT

I have been playing for 3 years and the whole time I have had the wrong embouchure. I don't put my top teeth on the mouthpiece, instead I roll my top lip

Right Hand Pain

Sat, 18 Jun 2011 03:59:54 GMT

Hi! I've read your page about how to properly hold a clarinet: Right Hand Clarinet Position I feel like I am doing everything right but, my right hand

Dixie Blues

Wed, 01 Jun 2011 03:07:50 GMT

I love Dixieland and listening to dixie clarinettists. I cannot play by ear so I gave up trying to play it. If I had a goal, it would be to play in a dixie

Once Bitten, Twice Shy

Tue, 31 May 2011 02:55:16 GMT

I played clarinet in middle school and high school but dropped out after sophomore year. It took eight years to rekindle my interest in playing again and

My Clarinet Goal

Tue, 31 May 2011 02:38:08 GMT

I myself want 2 become a nice clarinet player 4 little kidz!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! FROM CLARINET-NOW.COM Hello Alliyah, What a wonderful goal for clarinet

West Point Band

Wed, 04 May 2011 03:22:59 GMT

Become a Facebook fan of the West Point Band. This awesome ensemble gives free concerts year-round in the New York City area and is not a student group made of cadets. The West Point Band offers free recordings on this Facebook page as well as free concert events. Especially popular is the Trophy Point Concert Series in the summer from mid-June to Labor Day weekend on Sunday evenings. If you are in the New York City area ever, come hear the West Point Band in person.

Clarinet Now Survey Results - 10% Move Chin while Articulate, 74% not, 16% do not know

Tue, 19 Apr 2011 02:29:07 GMT

So far, on the Clarinet Now Survey, 10% of you say you move your chin when you articulate on clarinet, 74% say you do not, and 16% say you do not know. If you have not already voted, come to Clarinet Now Survey. If you have voted, come back and see the results. You can do this by visiting Clarinet Now Survey and under each question, click the "Skip voting, see results" link. It will tell you the number of votes and the percentages of each question. I almost forgot to remind all those using the 15-week Clarinet Now Practice Chart, if you started New Years Eve 2011, it is time to print your next chart. Click here for a free practice chart. Best, Chris

Best fingering for a troublesome pattern.....

Fri, 15 Apr 2011 02:32:49 GMT

My clarinets in 7th/8th grade are having trouble with a pattern of 8th notes that move at a 120+ tempo... Can anyone help me with alternate fingers?!?!?!?

Sound/Tone Quality

Tue, 12 Apr 2011 02:54:48 GMT

Hello. I've been playing clarinet for about 5 years and I needed help making my clarinet tone quality into one like a semi-professional one like my section