We are playing chester and in the center ring for a concert for little kids and our band director want it perfect. He has been getting on me espicially in chester for not having clear short notes espcially at the end of slurs. I don't know what to do. I can't tounge any lighter. DO you have any tips

try playing with a slightly longer articulation at first then gradually shorten it, if playing longer groups of sixteenths, try more of a "du" articulation, it will sound separated..

when it comes to articulation in general, one has to really exaggerate to make it clear, much like an actor projecting to the back row even when whispering...