I have been playing for 3 years through middle school and this year it seems that i have gotten worse than last. I admit that i didnt practice a whole lot over the summer, but i used to be able to get the second C above the break down and now it got REALLY hard to get it at all. I need help with the upper register and i have started practicing alot more. Also most of my notes sound airy and the upper register is flat above G. I could really use some help here.

thanks

sean.

It all comes down to air and air supply. It took me half of the semester to be able to get over the break, and I got to the point I thought I`d never be able to. Also make sure that there are no air leaks, that also keeps you from getting out higher notes. It takes a lot of air, to get them out. Once I finally got it after a LOOOONG time, I had to keep practicing to keep it up. Once you do get it just keep practicing till you can play in the upper register with ease. I didn`t practice my summer off, but once I got back in class with a little practice I was able to play the notes again.
That`s really all I know to say for right now. LOL hope it helps atleast a little.
~alexis

Well, the first problem that you have is that you didn`t practice alot over the summer. When you hit that hi C, you need to blow really hard, as for all of the other register key notes. It sounds airy because:
1. You`re not blowing hard enough.
2. You aren`t practicing enough.
3. You might need to change your reed size.

If you have been playing for 3 years, you should be at least at a 3 reed. If not, a 3 1/2. But it`s not your fault that it sounds airy. The instrument is probably cold, and needs to be warmed, and is not used to being played as much.

I would appreciate it if the other experienced players would back me up on this.

Reed strength is NOT dependent on the amount of time you`ve been playing. The original poster may need a harder reed, but that will be because his embouchure msucles have become stronger, not because "he`s been playing for 3 years." I`ve been playing for 11 years, and I only use a size 3 1/2. I believe the average strength for a professional player is 3 3/4.

High notes- a harder reed will help. However, you shouldn`t use the reed as a crutch.
Use more air, and a more focused airstream. Also arch your tongue for the high notes. Playing long notes through your entire range will be useful as well.