~Beginner Clarinet Information~
Start here for all of your basics and watch for updates as the year proceeds!
Required Supplies for the Year:
Links below are our educator suggestions and linked for convenience. You are not limited to these choices.
1.) Clarinet: Rentals Available Through David French Music
2.) Reeds: Beginning of Year - One box of Strength 2 1/2 Rico Royal Brand or Strength 2 Vandoren
**Make sure to get Bb Clarinet Reeds for Soprano Clarinet. Reeds do break as we go through the process of learning to care for them at the start of the year. Once students have mastered the care procedures reeds will last much longer! Reeds are available for delivery through David French Music as well. Strengths will change through the year! Please don't bulk buy! We need these right away as most rentals only come with one or two reeds to start.
From January on - Strength 2 1/2 Vandoren
3.) Cleaning Swab: Amazon Option or David French Option
3.) Books: Standard of Excellence Book 1 for Clarinet (Red) and Rhythms and Beyond
4.) A 1 Inch, 3 Ring Binder along with a pencil pouch and at least 2 pencils inside. We also suggest sheet protectors to keep your sheet music flat and organized.
**this will be used all the way through your band experience at Chenery to organize our music and materials
HOW TO VIDEOS:
Watch before your first lesson and for review!
Learn how to set up your instrument and proper reed care!
Video #2
Video #3
Video #4
BUILDING SKILLS RESOURCES:
Watch and review to help build your sound and technique on Clarinet!
Start at 8:08 for the Do's!
Rewind to hear some "don'ts" to watch out for as you practice.
Techniques to make your tone fuller and clearer. Watch the playlist for many more tips as well!
(Focus on the first ~ 6 minutes)
All Chromatic Notes for our beginning range! Pause the video to review the chart and watch the fingers move from note to note.
Use the Foundation Warm Ups for your instrument!
Clarinets - you can print Page 13 to follow along and play the backing tracks for accompaniment!
Explore the whole website for tons of fun play along videos and exercise tools!