You suck! I haven't played my darling clarinet in nearly six years, but I decided to go out and get some reeds and some cork grease and pick the old girl up again, and wow. Shame on me. I went from being 1st chair to...not being able to play a middle C or B. All that comes out when I try hitting those notes and higher is that beloved squeak we all know so well.

I'm not sure if it's entirely me that's the problem here, or my clarinet just needs some work done it. I noticed one of the pads have fallen off, but that is seemingly the only thing I have found wrong with it. No cracks, no missing screws, just that one pad.

Any tips on how I can get back into the swing of things? Thanks =)

1. Get the clarinet serviced & the pad replaced - that missing pad could very well be the source of the problem.
2. Buy some new reeds
3. Practice & have fun

If its been sitting for six years chances are things have happened to it. Go to a good repair tech and get it looked after. =]

Have fun playing clarinet again!

I agree with the above two posts, and also I think that if you are still squeaking, you may want to have some lessons and try to get a good embouchure as that could be a problem! It might have slackened over the past 6 yrs!

...& your breath support isn't what it was as well I expect.