A great way to help clarinetists know how much of the mouthpiece to have in their mouth, and prevent the all too common problem of them using too little, is to have them play an open G, then take a tiny bit more mouthpiece into their mouth, and play another open G. Have them repeat this until the instrument “squeaks.” Then, have them take a tiny bit less mouthpiece. Basically, this gets them to have as much mouthpiece in their mouth as they can without making the instrument squeak! It works every time, though I will caution you to do this with the band room door closed!
Peter Loel Boonshaft, Director of Education
KHS America
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