How can I smooth out jumps in an audition piece? They jump over the break and have octave jumps (B B B). Can I improve the voicing of these?

The biggest advice I can give here is to work on keeping your air consistent. There are quite a few threads on here about breathing (do a search), and at least one is bound to help. Think about the separate notes across the jump as only one note as far as air is concerned. In other words, the air never stops, even if you have to tongue. That way the reed never really stops, so the sound will speak easier. Hope this helps.

the best thing to do is to fill the notes with air if you get me

Take an extra big breath and then keep u head up(stand up if poss , weight evenly spread) and try and play the notes. Think positive think u can do it and u will

Hey thanks y`all...I`ve got area comin up and these jumps are sone of my top priorities. If anyone else has ever played etude #17 on C. Rose`s 40 etudes for the clarinet, any playing tips would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks again!
Amanda

I have neva played this piece but just go for it play like u would if u were practisin

. use games ie high five
wot u have to do is play difficult sections over and over again till u gt it rite 5 times

Amanda, #17 was my own personal hell for a month or so when my instructor and I were going through the book. Make sure you take a good breath at the breath marks. Even if you have to come in a little late, it`s ok. There`s no one playing with you, and the breaths are kinda far apart.

Next, the breath marks in the book I have were in the wrong place sometimes. Here`s the one`s I changed:
-before measure 60, move it to after the first note of 63.
-between measure 80 and 81, breathe after the first note of 81 (for phrasing purposes)
-feel free to add more, but mark them so they`re always in the same place. that way you get a good feel of where the piece is going.

Lastly, even though it`s "just" an etude, try to hear the musicality of the piece. Listen to how the chords progress and resolve. This will really help with phrasing and dynamics. That goes for all the Rose studies. They`re more than just technical (surprise!).

Make sure you don`t adjust your embouchure. Keep it absolutely still. Also, keep your air stream constant and your breath support. Octaves are hard on the clarinet, as are large jumps. Keeping still and keep support are the only ways to learn. Work slowly and think about what you`re playing. Isolate the spots. Think about your breathing and your embouchure. This should help.

I just read your other post. Okay, Rose etudes. Mark your breaths in and take them -- and try your hardest not to take them in any other spot. If you have to, drop a sixteenth note or two and grab a breath. NEVER EVER allow your breathing to throw your rhythm off -- that`s one of the biggest things judges are looking for in an audition. Don`t hesitate too long after breathing -- take a "rhythmic breath." Yeah, sometimes it`ll be hard, but you`ve got to do it. Also, make sure you spend plenty of time practicing slowly, isolating trouble spots, and doing exercises related to the areas you`re having trouble with.

If you have any other questions (I`d give you more specific help, but I can`t find that book of Rose etudes at the moment), feel free to email me.

I just pulled my dusty Rose etudes book out. no. 17 doesn`t seem to have ANY breaths marked. Anyway, as with any Rose etude it`s all chord progression. Practice all of your scales and triads. Major, minor, dom 7th, dim 7th, etc. if you get these down you can play any Rose etude EASILY and most times on the first try.

-Dennis (sarasotahair@yahoo.com)