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.