Blog Archives - Karen Yonkers Music

clarinet alphabet: d

7/29/2016

D is for DISSASSEMBLY! Take care of reed, first! Either place it in the reed case, or in your mouth while you take the clarinet apart. Swab next! Swab goes into bell end first, too! Removing the saliva from the clarinet is essential to keep the wood/plastic from breaking down. Only after reed and swabbing; carefully take apart the instrument: top to bottom...Be careful of the bridge keys across the upper and lower section, as shown. Use left hand to lift key. Each section joint may need additional wiping with your swab, as moisture can collect there also. Be sure to place the parts securely into the correct places in the case.

benny Goodman!

7/26/2016

Okay, which do you like better? Benny Goodman? or...Artie Shaw? Plus, Benny can sing! Artie is really smooth...but Benny can make it sound SO easy! All I know is I get to play some Benny Goodman tunes in my concert Thursday with CCCB, lol.

Clarinet Alphabet: f

7/25/2016

F is for FEET! Part of good posture is to have your feet flat on the floor in front of your chair. This will positively affect tone, breathing, technique, and endurance.

Artie Shaw

7/25/2016

Here's a recording of Artie Shaw for your listening pleasure...

clarinet alphabet: c

7/21/2016

Continuing my tips for beginner clarinets:
C is for CLARINET! Of course!
It is also for "Clarion" and Chalumeau: names for two of the clarinet registers.
Chalumeau is the name of the instrument our modern clarinet descended from. In 1690, Johann Christof Denner added the "register key", and a whole new range was born. The Chalumeau register is the lowest register on the clarinet. (Low E to first space F)

Clarion refers to the new, higher register (middle line B to high C), which is simply the chalumeau fingerings with the register key depressed as well. It is the middle range.

experimenting

7/14/2016

So I'm trying to figure out tech here. Just made a video on my Mac, and trying to put it here. Did it work? Did you like it?

Yiruma River Flows

7/12/2016

One of the songs in my repertoire which I have also taught several students. Here is the composer's interpretation. Note the tone on the melody, the ebb and flow of the phrases, and the free sound, which truly "flows", as the title suggests!

Clarinet Alphabet: B

7/12/2016

INHALE: Think of inhaling through a straw, saying "oh" backwards, filling down, not up.

EXHALE: actively, providing abdominal pressure as you breathe out. (hissing)

Tips for beginning clarinets:
B is for BREATHING! Woodwind instruments are sounded by blowing air through the instrument. On clarinet, the reed needs to vibrate freely to create the sound. Breathing should be from your core: around the middle of your waist, NOT lifting shoulders.

Try this: breathe in ("OH") for four counts, then hiss out forcefully four counts. Try to empty ALL air on these four. Repeat with a 6 count, 8 count and 12 count hiss. Empty ALL air every time. Notice how you have to use pressure to empty, but on the longer counts, you have to conserve a bit. This active breathing is the type to use when playing the instrument. The instrument provides the resistance which the hissing simulates.
Now try it again with 2 count inhale and 8, 6, 4, 2 count exhales.

Be sure the core expands on the inhale. You can also practice correct breathing if you lay on the floor with a book on your navel. Raise the book with your breath, not by arching the back or something weird. A second way to check correct inhale is to bend forward from the waist. Place your hand on your abdomen, and inhale. You should feel your core expand. Stand and repeat the inhale, maintaining the same "feel" in your body.

OMG! So many clarinets!

7/12/2016

So, I found this demo of ALL the clarinets on youtube. Some here I didn't know existed! Take a look:

Excited to share!

7/12/2016

Welcome! I am excited to launch a new website based on my love of music. Today's blog begins the "Clarinet Alphabet", which I wrote in 2015 as preparation for a clarinet sectional at Sparta MS band camp.

A is for ATTITUDE! Always give your best effort, listen carefully to instruction and keep a smile on your face! As with learning any new skill, it will take dedication and PRACTICE to make the sound you want to have. A is also for ASSEMBLY! Case on floor. 1) put reed in mouth 2) cork grease (if necessary) 3) assemble bottom to top: Be careful of the bridge keys across the upper and lower section, as shown in class. Use left hand to lift key. Small twisting motions. Refer to book.

Please explore my website. I have included lesson information, availability for solo and ensemble accompaniment, and event music for your next party, reception, or wedding.

Musically yours,
Karen Yonkers