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"
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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