Day 26: March 7

I have been having a difficult time brining myself to continue. I need to play with another person who knows how to play the clarinet. I have many questions on technique that I am unable to answer online! For example: I feel tention in my neck when I play. Why? And what do I need to do to fix the problem? *Sigh. I'm getting discouraged and it's slowing me down.

Day 25: February 29

A friend of mine suggested the brand “vandoren” for clarinet reeds. But I am shocked to find out the prices! On amazon, $18.47 - $26.45! ...My budget is about $3.

In desperation to fix my reed, I found a piece of sand paper in the basement with a grit of 220; very fine. I really hope that girl on yahoo answers knew what she was talking about!

In the practice room of school I sanded down my reed, but I may have rounded my edge a bit too much. I’ll just have to keep playing and hope it doesn’t affect the instrument.

Left: sanded reed; Right: brand new reed cracked on 2-17

You are the BEST Eben!!! Thanks for the encouragment! <3

Day 24: February 20

Today, I went in search of a new reed with no success.  It was, however, due to poor store selection. Although I left empty handed I still had fun with Eben. Going to a music store is like instrument play time!

Day 23: February 18

I now have 2 broken reeds. Solution:

I wish it was that easy.

Day 22: February 17

I did NOT have a good practice today. At first I questioned if I was playing poorly because my reed needs to be replaced. Although I got some good advice about reeds from yahoo answers, I replaced the reed regardless. However, my playing did not improve. …frustration.

Apparently I’m just aweful at this instrument! My clarinetting is actually clarinothing.

( “you can also take sand paper and lightly brush the top of the reed evenly to shorten it and make it hard again.” http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20100918161939AAVMEoC)

Day 21: February 15

I have been searching videos to help me be able to understand and play properly the final two notes in the C scale. While looking around online, I watched a tutorial which said that the clarinet squeaks because I have the reed too far in my mouth; good to know. (From: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pNeexe01t10&feature=related )

The finger positions in my right hand is what I was having trouble with the most. I found this great video; thank you to youtube user adamconnellymusic for the help!  P.S. Love the accent. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DPUakhI3Lmo&feature=related

...Sorry about the appearance of decapitation...

Day 20: February 13

I watched a video today of a guy improvising. He said that when improvising, you play within the key the song is in; which makes memorization of scales very important.

(For anyone interested here’s the link to the video I watched. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dx0XMH41vd0&feature=related )

For today’s practice I decided to focus on memorizing a scale. The C scale seems like the most obvious choice. It is very easy until you get to the B and C at the top.  I guess I would eventually like to be able to improvise. ...But I put a lot of emphasis on the word eventually.

I need to find out when it is appropriate to replace your reed. Mine has a small chip at the top of it but I don’t know if that’s normal. I’m going to make it last as long as possible for expense purposes.

Chipped reed

Day 19: February 12

Linsey Pollak drills out a carrot and turns it into a clarinet and plays it, live looping with a Boss RC20 to record 3 layers....from his solo show "Making Jam"

(From: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LWbj7FYEi3M)
...my mom always yelled at my for playing with my food! ...get it, playing?

Day 18: February 11

I’m still memorizing; which is why I’m not going to waste my time with a video today. It’s just the same thing you’ve seen over and over. I’m having such a difficult time memorizing these finger positions! When you play the piano, you strike a key and sound emerges; any bumpkin can make noises on the piano. But the clarinet is very specific, which make is more difficult.

Day 17: February 10

I thought I would be clever today and show off my clarinet talents to my parents. Why is it that every time I play in front of people I do so terribly? This is only motivation for me to practice more.

Day 16: February 8

Before I began practice today I let my reed sit in a cup of water for a little while. I was hoping it would make a difference in my rehearsal time, but it was about the same as if I had held it in my mouth.

I did a little research on playing in higher octave but with the same finger positions. As it turns out, that’s what the funny button on the back is for (the one I have apparently been ignoring this entire time). I found this video that helped to explain it very clearly.

http://www.ehow.com/video_2387658_using-clarinet-register-key-beginners.html

Especially after today (now that I have discovered the secret to these high notes), I feel like I am picking up on this clarinet thing fairly quickly! I am starting to feel really confident about these skills! – But that could just be ignorance talking.

Day 15: February 7

I spent today memorizing the 13 notes. But when I made an attempt to learn more I realized the finger patterns only repeat themselves for a new octive...? I don't know how you are supposed to get new sounds out of the same fingering. I suppose I have more internet research ahead of me.

p.s. I didn't realize that I'm a huge buffoon. I only took a picture of my practice, not a video.

Day 14: February 6

Today I reviewed the new notes I had learned yesterday. I now know 13 notes in all ( (in scientific pitch notation) A3, Bb3, B3, C4, C#4, D4, D#4, E4, F4, F#4, G4, G#4 and A4)! I spent a lot of time trying to memorize them so today’s practice is not great for spectators.

I am realizing more and more the importance of keeping your reed moist. I had a bit of a rocky start today, while yesterday I ran through practice like butter (...running through butter?). I think it’s because yesterday I had let the reed soak for so long before I started. I had to pause in the middle of practicing today because it had gotten too dry. I may try to soak it (in water) again tomorrow.

Day 13: February 5

I am finally able to practice again! I was so happy to pull my clarinet out for the first time in so long! After everything I have experienced I feel this deep connection with Larry the Cucumber when his lip got caught in that gate.

The very first thing I did today (after showering) was sterilize my reed. I don’t want to risk getting another cold sore! So I just let it sit in a cup of hydrogen peroxide for a few minutes.

My reed in the sterilization process.

I accomplished so much at practice today! I was leery I had forgotten a few things over my little …vacation, but I was able to pick up right where I had left off! I played Mary Had a Little Lamb in 2 keys then I was able to learn a bunch of new notes. I even found a few buttons I didn’t even know existed! I suppose I’m still exploring my instrument.

I feel like I learned so much today on the clarinet. I started wondering if the same knowledge could be transferred to the Recorder. It is, after all an instrument of a similar concept.

So... now I know: 1) No, the knowledge is not transferable. 2) The Recorder is dumb.

Day 12: February 1

Even though I haven’t been using for very long, I’m experiencing clarinet withdrawal. I find myself sucking on popsicle sticks and tongue depressors just to get a fix.

Day 11: January 22

Day 10: January 20

BRIEF INTERMISSION

Day 9: January 19

Yesterday, my lip felt a little tingly so I decided to take a break for the one day. But when I woke up this morning, my lip had a bump! I think I'm developing a cold sore, and not wanting to poison my reed I am forced to take a break until it goes away. However, even though I won't be playing, I will continue to study about the instrument and I'll try to continue posting. ...Then I'll sterilize my reed.

Day 8: January 18

I found this video today... wow! I can't believe the incredible sound this one instrument can make! --But there seems to be a little tension between him and the chick on the right. Sorry Blondie, but this guy ROCKS this piece!

Day 7: January 17

I decided to practice Mary Had a Little Lamb for one more day. I'm still not brave enough to attempt some of the other songs from the web site; I still sound to much like a Canadian Goose.

http://www.clarinetcloset.com/easy-clarinet-songs/page1.html

Although, I may have just played the BEST rendition of Mary Had a Little Lamb ever performed. It was very touching.

Day 6: January 16

I have been studying the finger chart I printed off. I’m trying to memorize the note names that accompany each button and it’s really difficult to remember. I looked online to find a few scales to start working on but I don’t think I’m ready for that yet. I stumbled across a web site that has “easy clarinet songs.” I suddenly realized I have never even attempted to play a recognizable tune! So today is the day – Mary Had a Little Lamb, here I come.

http://www.clarinetcloset.com/easy-clarinet-songs/page1.html

Mary had a little lamb; she said it was delicious.

Day 5: January 15

Today, I brought my clarinet over to my sister and brother in law’s apartment. My sister, Alex played flute for all 4 years of high school in the marching band. She’s quite talented but she hasn’t touched it much since graduation. Today, she was persuaded to bring it out, but I wasn’t able to catch much of a demonstration on film because she was being camera shy.  She let me try to play her flute but believe it or not, I’m better at the clarinet … and that’s not saying much.

Love you sis!

Practice

My sis DESTROYS this flute! (...destroys as in the really awesome way. It's slang.)

First and last time at flute.

Alex tries the clarinet

Day 4: January 5

Day 4: January 5 (recovered footage)
This day I had the honor of my first public performance. Although I had a lot of fun, I hope my next concert goes better.

Katrina hasn't played clarinet sice she was in elementary school! It was a cool experience to be able to see her try again after so long of her giving it up!

Sorry for the Delay

I apologize for the delay which is caused by my computers inability to perform regular basic functions. I am attempting to form a solution that doesn't involve an open window mixed with a little gravity. Thanks for your patience.

Day 3: January 4

Today I practiced my clarinet in a different location. I brought it to my boyfriend, Eben’s apartment since I am spending all day here with him. It’s awesome being able to travel so easily with my instrument! It has that cool silver case; It looks like I could be carrying one million dollars in unmarked bills.

The clarinet is not my first self taught instrument. I also play the piano. I’ve been playing for about 2 years. I have been working on the guitar for about a year now but I still need a lot more work on this instrument before I can go public. And although the guitar may be “portable” it is not easy to haul around.  It’s like trying to carry around a small child that stays stiff as a board.  Other instruments I tinker with are the harmonica, the auto harp and kazoo.

During my practice today I sounded very airy! I also squeaked a lot. I thought it may have been because of poor reed placement, but I suppose I simply need to work on my technique. I tried out some new notes using the right hand (I don’t know which notes they are because it was a spontaneous decision and I played them on a whim. )

I would like to take this time to give public apologies to Eben’s neighbors. I’m sorry you had to suffer through this.

Video footage missing.

Day 2: January 3

I felt like such a big wig today when I opened up the case and knew how to put the clarinet together. I felt like a military solder putting together his riffle – click, click, swipe, snap and BAM! – a clarinet!

Ariana Lamon-Anderson, from the monkeysee video set showed me how to play 3 notes: E, D and C. But clearly my 1 day clarinet skills are very advanced and are capable of handling far more than a mere 3 notes. So I Googled “clarinet finger chart” and found this diagram:

Along with the 3 notes from the video, I will also practice from the chart the notes F and G.

Things to work on:

            Focus on breath control

            Focus on breathing into the clarinet with an even flow of air

            Focus on focusing

I learned online today about the importance of cleaning and putting your clarinet away properly (Don’t tell, but I didn’t do any of that stuff last time). I removed the cleaning cloth from it’s protective baggy and there’s a giant weighted shoe lace hanging from it! So check this out – you drop the lace into the horn end and pull the rag all the way through the mouth piece! Someone out there is a genius. I wish I could clean my ears that way.

Day 1: January 2

I opened the clarinet case today with such excitement knowing I am taking my very first steps in a new journey! I looked inside with such glee to suddenly realize I don’t even know how to put this damn thing together! There it was, laying in 5 detached pieces. Two of the pieces were fairly simple to figure out where they were meant to go:

I’m not going to lie to you though, I felt so anxious just to hold the instrument in full form. So I shoved all the pieces together then Googled to see if it was right. In retrospect, I should have reversed that process -- but as it turns out, I’m a pretty good guesser! There she was complete in my hands, the dark beauty. Nervously I raised the instrument to my lips for the first time. I thought about all the clarinetists I have seen in my life, whether performing in an orchestra, or on PBS and realized this is the same lip sensation they feel every time they play. Proposing a strategy in my head I decided I didn’t want to blow too hard, but just hard enough to have some oomph. I gently clamped my lips around the mouth piece and blew to hear the sound of … nothing. It’s inarguable that I need help.

I Googled “How to play clarinet for beginners” and clicked on the first video that was posted. I was directed to a video series on monkeysee.com.

http://www.monkeysee.com/play/1842-how-to-play-clarinet-for-beginners-clarinet-parts

It was so helpful! Firstly I learned I had to moisten the reed with my spit. It tastes a lot like a popsicle stick (at this point I suddenly became very thankful I brushed my teeth well before starting. I’m such a germaphobe and I’m terrified that my nasty spit will grow bacteria all over the reed!). I rapidly became completely dependant on these videos as I became more aware of how much I didn’t know! I found myself hitting pause to be sure my reed was positioned clearly on the mouthpiece; I learned the left hand goes on top, and that goofy piece sticking out of the back is NOT an instrument prop  but rather to rest your right thumb under.  Yet, thanks to help from Ariana Lamon-Anderson (from the video series) I finally made a break though: NOISE!

Now, I do recognize it sounds more like a vuvuzela than a clarinet but I am very proud of myself.