Help with easier clarinet fingering?

Question

In my marching music i have quite a few measures where i have eigth notes and have to go back and forth between C and b flat and i was wondering if anyone knew if there was an easier way to do this.

not very good at paint, but here's what i'm talking about if you understand. http://i195.photobucket.com/albums/z304/iluv2chitchat657_2007/oohhhhmmyyyyyy-1.jpg

Answer 1

haha there is a way! trust me ive been playing clarinet for years.

to go back a forth between c and Bb you just hold down your bottom 4 fingers which are positioned on

4th key

5th key

6th key

and the C key(whichever you may use, but since your going to Bb you need your left fingers, so use your right hand C key.

so keep your fingers on those and just go back and forth between C and Bb only having to move your left hand.. you just move your thumb up to the bridge key for theC and move it off the bridge key for Bb

as for your four left fingers you just move your index finger back and forth between the A key and the 1st key and move your middle and pointer finger off and on the keys..

there is a catch, your sound will go flat because your pressing more keys down, so to maintain the correct pitch, you simply tighten your embouchure,(you should know what that is, if not, its your lip positioning on the mouthpiece) so bring the corners of your cheeks into the mouthpeice more and your pitch will go higher.

it takes a whiale to get used to, but practice should get the job done.

=)

Answer 2

The trill key from b flat to c natural is on the upper right side and you can use it for eighth notes. I use it all the time. The break is a pain...especially if you are marching.  

Good luck!!!

Answer 3

hmmm... there's a trill key for C to Bb, but if its eighth notes i think you'll just have to get used to moving over the break. the trill key should only be used for trills, hence the name, and for longer notes like eighth notes, it'll sound pretty bad. i'm sorry i cant give you the exact trill key though, its been a while since i've picked up my clarinet, or even used that exact trill key. i'm playing sousa for marching band now, so have fun in marching band!

Answer 4

haha. nice paint doodle.

:)

i'm sorry to tell you this, but there really is no other or easier way to do it.

crossing the break is a very suckish part about playing clarinet, but if you practice it over and over again, you'll get more used to it. alot of music will have that problem of crossing the break, so it's something you need to get used to. just remember to practice and reallyyyyyyy push the air when it comes to crossing the break. if you push the air, it will make it easier to blow through  that break in the notes.

goodluck & happy marching.

:)

Answer 5

I no just the fingering. first get in your Bb fingering, then on the right side of your clarinet there is the four keys that are used for Eb and so fourth, The top key of those four with the Bb fingering will give you a C but it may sound abit unnormal eevn though its in the right pitch and stuff. good luck.