THE CLARINETHistory, Basic Technique, and Instrument Care

Clarinet Family

Clarinet Family

Bb Contrabass ClarinetAb Sopranino

Clarinets of varying size

and pitch

Clarinet History

Bb Clarinet

Johann Christoph Denner

Created at the turn of the 18th centurywith the addition of a register key.

Chalumeau

Clarinet in Ensemble and Solo Settings

Orchestra

Wind Ensemble

Jazz

The clarinet’s wide range and various tone colors make it very versatile.

Music - Carnyx by Andrew Simon

Blue Shades Clarinet SoloJB Castle High School Symphonic Wind Ensemble 2007

Parts of the Clarinet

Mouthpiece Upper Joint

Bell

Barrel

Lower Joint

Reeds and Ligatures

The clarinet is a single

reed instrumen

t that uses a

ligature to hold the reed on

the mouthpiece during

play.

Clarinet Reed

Metal Ligature

Leather Ligature

Putting on a Reed

It is important

to wet the reed before

playing. Doing so will result

in a better

vibration and

produce a better tone.

Lay the reed flat on the mouthpiece.

Then slip the

ligature over the

reedand

tighten until the reed is secure

Clarinet Embouchure

Clarinet Embouchure Continued

- Place top teeth on the top of the mouthpiece and curl bottom lip over bottom teeth-Let mouthpiece rest against lower lip- Breath from your diaphragm and blow a steady tone into the clarinet- Keep corners of mouth tight and upper and lower jaw pressure relatively relaxed

Bad Habits to Avoid

Point chin while playing, DO NOT tuck chin into chest

Bad Habits to Avoid

DO NOT puff cheeks out while playing.

Bad Habits to Avoid

Keep fingers flat on the clarinet rather then clawed.

Good Fingers Bad Fingers

Be sure to always clean the clarinet after use. It is also important to keep the corks of the

instrument well greased using cork grease.

Instrument Care

When done playing and cleaning the clarinet, be sure to lay back in the case carefully. Carelessly

throwing the instrument back into the case can be costly.

Instrument Care

ENJOY THE CLARINET