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These videos assume that you know a few basic practice techniques we use in the band room.
Clap and Counting
Tap your foot to the steady beat. Count "1 & 2 & 3 & 4 &" repeatedly. Clap when you play a note based on the rhythms shown on the page.
Saying Note Names
Simply say the name of each note as they are shown in the rhythms they are shown.
Saying and Fingering
While saying note names, finger that note on your instrument without playing.
Airing and Fingering
Remove the clarinet from your mouthpiece and do everything you normally would do while playing. That includes foot tapping, tonguing, blowing air, and fingering the notes.
Each new fingering will be shown to you in your book with a diagram we call the "fingering chart." This image explains what shapes on the fingering chart correspond to each finger on your hands. When the shapes are shaded in, that means we should be covering or pressing that key. Notice the curved, spaced out fingers forming a natural "C" shape with the hand.
#1 - We learn our first note on this side of the book, "F." Make sure to use your octave key and the forked F fingering for this note.
#2 - We play our first note in rhythm.
#3 - We learn our next note, Eb. Make sure to roll your left pointer finger down to achieve the half-hole.
#4 - We play both of our notes in rhythm. Practice the transition between F and Eb very slowly.
#5 - We learn our next new note, "D." This note also uses the half-hole technique.
#6 - We play all three of our notes in rhythm. Make sure to quickly change fingerings in between the notes.
#7 - We learn our next new note, "C."
#8 - We play each note we know in a new rhythm. We also learn about repeat signs. Go as slowly as you need to in order to play this perfectly.
#9 - We learn our final new note for now, "Bb." Touchdown!
#10 - We apply all of the concepts we've learned so far. Again, slow motion practice is the best way to master the fingerings and timing. There are no shortcuts for repetition.
#11 - Now the note names are missing from the note heads. Make sure you have every note name memorized based on their position on the staff. Remember, the spaces spell "FACE."
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