Becomeing a better Clarinet player? Need to pass a test.?

Question

I've played the Trumpet for around 3 years. So I've decided to switch to the clarinet. I've been teaching myself AND I've been using Online lessons.

main point, i need to become a better clarinet player within 11 day's. Because i have band camp and i have to pass a test before i can start playing my clarinet.

here are my problem's.

1.) Squeaking way to much! (My ligature is correct and my breath supports is right AND my posture and fingering is correct also.)

2.) I need to learn to, clean the silarva out of my clarinet after i'm finished with it.

3.) I use 2 1/2 Reed's I'm thinking about using, a 3

♪♫I need some suggetions! =] thanks guys!♫♪

Answer 1

Hi.  Well when I first started playing the clarinet, I used a '2' reed.  If you go to an instrument store like ntune or caldwell music you can buy a swab to clean out your clarinet.  Make sure you have your mouth right on the mouth piece.  You don't want to have too much mouthpiece in your mouth, or too little.  If somebody shakes your clarinet, then they should not be able to move the mouthpiece around.  Also make sure the corners of your mouth are tight.

Answer 2

1. The squeaking may be because your embouchure (the way you hold the mouth piece in your mouth) is incorrect, or the mouth piece is moving. Try tightening it up a little and see if that helps. If that doesn't help, try curling your bottom lip a little more.

2. To clean the saliva, get a swab from the music store if you don't already have one. There should be a metal weight at the end of a string. Pull the string through the clarinet from the bell to the barrel. Be careful of it getting caught! Make sure it isn't clumped up before you pull it through.

3. Usually, people start using 3's by their second or third year of playing. If the 2 1/2's are getting easy to play on, even when they're brand new, it's probably time to change.