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Perfectly on Pitch

Mike Lawson • Playing Tips • June 11, 2015

Young clarinet players often play with unsupported, flat sounds in the upper register. This is often caused by a “mushy” bottom lip and chin. Ask your clarinetists to imagine they are looking in a mirror and putting on either lipstick or chapstick. As they do this, the bottom lip should stretch automatically and the chin will go flat. A firm bottom lip and a flat chin are essential for a good clarinet embouchure (especially in the upper register) and this should get your clarinet players making the correct embouchure.

David Snyder

Illinois State University

Normal, IL

Submit your PLAYING TIP online at sbomagazine.com or email it to editor Mike Lawson at mlawson@timelesscom.com.

Winning entries will be published in School Band & Orchestra and the contributor will receive a prize compliments of EPN Travel Services, Inc.

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