How to Teach Beginner Clarinet Students to Play Over the Break: 4 Easy Steps for Band Directors

Teaching students to play “over the break” doesn’t need to be overwhelming. Actually, we should probably avoid using the term altogether, and teach these notes just like any new set of fingerings. With a solid foundation in the lower register, they’ll be ready to tackle the upper register with confidence.

Lesson Plan Overview

1. Play a segment of familiar tune in the lower register
2. Learn correct thumb position for the register key
3. Play the same segment in the upper register
4. Learn the note names and play the new version of the familiar tune

Download your free printable guide to use with your students

Before Playing Over The Break, Your Students Should

• Be able to produce a full, strong sound in the lower register with a great embouchure. Encourage them to hold their tongues high and back in their mouth, as if saying, “eeee.”
• Feel comfortable playing down to a low F, ensuring their fingers fully cover the tone holes.

When clarinet students are ready, I encourage you to introduce the upper register from the top down, rather than from the bottom up. Here’s my approach:

Step 1: Play Hot Cross Buns

Start by having students play the first part of “Hot Cross Buns” beginning on a low A. They should play it slurred to focus on fingerings without worrying about articulation. Repeat this step several times until they feel comfortable.

Step 2: Add the Register Key

Demonstrate the register key by playing a low A and slurring up to the higher E. Have your students practice this. See the tip below.

Make sure their thumbs are at the 8:00 position so they can just catch only the tip of the register key. Demonstrate this for them first, so they can hear how it should sound and see what their thumb position should look like. You may need to remind students to cover the thumb hole while pressing the register key. Practice this a few times.

Next, demonstrate the beginning of “Hot Cross Buns” in the upper register so students can hear how it should sound. Have them play the beginning again, this time pressing the register key to shift into the upper register. Focus on playing by ear, without worrying about naming the new notes. Repeat this process a few times.

Step 3: Learn the Letter Names of the New Segment

• First, sing the letter names of the new segment.
• Next, sing and finger letter names.
• Finally, have them play it in the upper register. Repeat this step until they feel comfortable.

Step 4: Play the New Version of Hot Cross Buns In The Upper Register

Demonstrate the new version of Hot Cross Buns. By this step, I usually articulate all of it. Have them sing note names and finger along. Finally, have them play the whole tune in the upper register.

Conclusion

By breaking down the process into manageable steps, you can help beginner clarinetists approach playing over the break with confidence. Starting with a familiar tune, using the register key correctly, and reinforcing music literacy through singing and fingering equips them with the tools they need to succeed. With patience and practice, they’ll soon play smoothly between registers.

Happy Clarineting!