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Band directors: Should your clarinetists be double tonguing?
Throughout the years, I’ve taught quite a few sectionals and have worked with many school clarinet programs, and a common question band directors ask is if their clarinetists should be double tonguing. There are no definitive answers because it depends on the ability level and repertoire of your band program, but here are my thoughts: (Disclaimer: These are my opinions as a clarinet performer, researcher, and pedagogue. Band directors reading this know the ability levels of their students and can make specific recommendations and decisions based on their musicians.) If I had to give a universal answer, I would say that no, clarinetists shouldn’t be expected to double tongue (at…
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Playing Clarinet with Asthma
Clarinetists know that one of the most important elements of clarinet-playing is, well….air. So, what can asthmatic clarinetists do to overcome respiratory difficulties when playing the clarinet? Asthma doesn’t have to stand in the way of your clarinet goals! The good news is that many studies have shown that playing a wind instrument “has the potential of being a long-term therapeutic agent for asthmatics” (you can read a few studies here and here). Here is some advice for clarinetists suffering from asthma to maximize their respiratory potential: DISCLAIMER: I am a clarinetist – not a qualified medical expert. Please consult your doctor before incorporating any of these into your practice routine.…
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Stocking Stuffer Gift Ideas for Clarinetists
Looking for stocking stuffer ideas for the clarinetist in your life this holiday season? Here are a few ideas for some inexpensive gifts any clarinetist will surely appreciate: Reeds Cork grease Lip balm (not to be confused with cork grease!) A new swab Mouthpiece Ligature Mouthpiece pouch Mouthpiece patches Thumb cushion Reed case Small toiletry case (to corral all these cool accessories) Water bottle/coffee mug Music bag Stand accessories (stand light, cupholder, tray, etc) Note: Keep in mind that clarinet equipment is a personal choice, so consider asking them which equipment they want. Better yet, give them a voucher so they can try a few items and choose their favorite.…
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Clarinet Holidays We Should Start Celebrating
Every day is a holiday when you play clarinet, but here are a few more clarinet-themed holidays we should start celebrating: International Clarinet Day – August 13 (Johann Denner’s birthday) Mozart Clarinet Concerto Day – June 22 (6/22 = K. 622) Brahms Clarinet Sonatas Day – January 20 (1/20 = Op. 120) Midsummer Night’s Dream Day – June 24 (Midsummer in many countries) International Day of Baermann – October 24 (I even wrote about why we should celebrate Baermann’s birthday!) Squidward Day – May 1 (the debut date of Spongebob Squarepants, featuring one of our favourite clarinetists – Squidward Tentacles!) What other clarinet holidays do you think we should we…
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My Winter Warm-Up Routine For Cold Days
Move over Black Friday, it’s time for Blue Monday! According to some studies, Blue Monday is supposedly the most depressing day of the year. Even though we made it past Blue Monday 2019 (which fell on January 21), spring still seems so far away amidst this bleak winter. To combat the interminable winter and protect your clarinet from harsh winter environments, here is my winter warm-up routine (both literally and musically) I use to beat the winter blahs: Start early. No, I don’t necessarily mean you should practice early (although I secretly believe morning people rule the world). Arrive to rehearsal in advance so your clarinet has time to…
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The Complete Guide to Buying Your First A Clarinet
There comes a point in many clarinetists’ lives when your trusty B-flat isn’t enough anymore. Maybe you’re tired of transposing in orchestra (cool it with the A clarinet, Tchaikovsky!). Maybe you want to play the Mozart Concerto in the original key signature. Or maybe you’ve decided to continue your musical studies into college and beyond. Whatever the reason, owning an A clarinet is a requisite for any serious clarinetist. Many of the greatest masterworks of orchestral, chamber, and solo literature are written for the A clarinet. Professional clarinetists are expected to own and play on both B-flat and A clarinets for auditions, recitals, and performances. But when should you purchase an…
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Band Roadblocks: Reasons Why You’re Not Improving As Much As You Would Like
I’ll be the first to admit that I can be a bit…impatient. Maybe it’s my sense of millennial instant gratification, or maybe it’s just pent up creative energy – whatever the case, it can be frustrating in music. Improving your musical abilities takes time and effort, and it can be exasperating to feel like you’re putting in more than you’re getting out. This is especially true in band programs, where you’re side-by-side with musicians of all levels and it’s easy to compare yourself to others. Here are a few roadblocks which could be preventing you from reaching your potential: You don’t practice enough. Just like you have homework in math…