The document provides an overview of the clarinet, including its history, parts, proper playing technique, and care. It discusses how the clarinet evolved from the chalumeau in the early 18th century with the addition of a register key. The clarinet is versatile and used widely in orchestras, wind ensembles, jazz bands, and as a solo instrument. Good clarinet technique involves proper embouchure, avoiding bad habits like puffed cheeks or pointed chin, and taking care when assembling, playing, and storing the instrument.

1. TheClarinet History, Basic Technique, and Instrument Care

2. Clarinet Family Clarinets of varying size and pitch ClarinetFamily Ab Sopranino Bb Contrabass Clarinet

3. Clarinet History Chalumeau Johann Christoph Denner BbClarinet Created at the turn of the 18th century with the addition of a register key.

4. Clarinet in Ensemble and Solo Settings Orchestra Jazz The clarinet’s wide range and various tone colors make it very versatile. Music - Carnyx by Andrew Simon Wind Ensemble

5. Blue Shades Clarinet Solo JB Castle High School Symphonic Wind Ensemble 2007

6. Parts of the Clarinet Mouthpiece Upper Joint Barrel Bell Lower Joint

7. Reeds and Ligatures The clarinet is a single reed instrument that uses a ligature to hold the reed on the mouthpiece during play. Metal Ligature Clarinet Reed Leather Ligature

8. 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 reed and tighten until the reed is secure

9. Clarinet Embouchure

11. Let mouthpiece rest against lower lip

12. Breath from your diaphragm and blow a steady tone into the clarinet

14. Bad Habits to Avoid DO NOT puff cheeks out while playing.

15. Bad Habits to Avoid Keep fingers flat on the clarinet rather then clawed. Good Fingers Bad Fingers

16. 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

17. 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

18. Enjoy the Clarinet