Producing a Sound on the Clarinet
Begin with the mouthpiece alone. The top teeth are placed on the mouthpiece and the bottom lip curls against the bottom teeth.

The chin should be firmly drawn down and pointed as in a shaving position.

The corners and upper lip grip the mouthpiece firmly in a drawstring manner so that air doesn't escape from the corners of the mouth.

About 3/8" of the reed should extend into the player's mouth. Do not bite the reed.

Take in air through the corners of the mouth.

The tip of the tongue touches the tip of the reed for clear articulation. Begin with a "tu" sound.

The Correct Playing Position for the Clarinet

Sit up straight on the edge of your chair with both feet on the floor. This posture aids in breathing from the diaphragm.

With the chin up, the clarinet is held vertically, slightly away from the body at about a 40 degree angle.

Fingers are rounded and placed just above the "home keys." Fingers must be raised high enough to allow the sound to flow freely. Holding the fingers too close to the holes muffles the sound.

Finger movements should be from the back knuckles. Play on the tips of your fingers covering each hole completely.

Arms should not be squeezing the body. They should be relaxed and "open." Shoulders should not be shrugged.

Wrists should not be held inward.

 

Interesting Facts About The Clarinet

The clarinet dates back to the 1600's and designed after the chalumeau (shall-oo-mo), a popular instrument in Germany.

The chalumeau had two keys and a single reed. Its range was low. Today, the lower register of the clarinet is referred to as the chalumeau register.

A German instrument maker named Denner invented the clarinet around 1700. By the year 1750, the clarinet now had 5 keys.

Around 1850, Buffet and Klose, French musicians adapted the Boehm flute system to the clarinet.

They adjusted the spacing of each tone hole giving each note the same tone quality. A key system was added to cover the holes.

Today, clarinets are played in bands, orchestras, dance bands, woodwind ensembles and some jazz bands.

Clarinets are usually made of ebonite, black African blackwood called grenadilla or plastic. They can even be made of metal.

Types of clarinets include the alto clarinet, bass clarinet and contrabass clarinet.

[from: http://schools.portnet.k12.ny.us/~dtedeschi/Clarinet.htm