Clarinetist, Concert Artist, and Studio Teacher - Jennifer Showalter - News and Tips

Clarinet Technique Tip

Wed, 24 Aug 2011 00:00:00 -0700

The first step to having good technique on the Clarinet is proper hand position! Your right thumb should support the Clarinet with your thumb positioned on the thumbrest between your knuckle and fingernail. If your thumb is placed too far in, it will take the rest of your right hand out of an optimum position.

Once your right thumb is in a stable position, check to make sure that you are sealing the open holes of the Clarinet with the soft pads of each finger. This will put each finger into a relaxed curve. Keep your hands and fingers as relaxed as possible as you are playing, with soft, flexible muscles.

Now you are ready to perform and practice, and acheive great results!

Performing with Piano Tip

Sat, 23 Jul 2011 00:00:00 -0700

When you are performing a solo with the piano, it is important to tune properly before you begin playing. First, you need to evaluate where the piano is on pitch and set your barrel joint. For example, have the pianist play a concert F on the piano and just listen for a moment. Then play your throat register concert F on the clarinet with a good sound, but without adjusting the pitch! Ask yourself, are you flat or sharp to the piano? Adjust your barrel joint and try this again. Once your barrel joint is set properly, then you can try another pitch using the whole clarinet, such as a concert A or Bb. You might find that you need to pull out slightly in the middle of the clarinet as well to be in tune with the piano.

Once your clarinet is tuned properly and you are performing, then be sure to adjust your pitch to the piano. Expect that your clarinet may go sharper as you continue to play and adjust your clarinet when possible.

Happy Soloing!

Grace Church Symphony Sunday

Fri, 10 Jun 2011 00:00:00 -0700

We are playing a great church concert on Sunday at 10 am, featuring arrangements by Don Neufeld, our Interim Dean at Azusa Pacific University.

Check it out at:

http://www.grace-church.com/

Vegas!

Sat, 21 May 2011 00:00:00 -0700

Larry took me to Vegas for my birthday this weekend! We had a great time at the Barry Manilow show. He had a great band, and he also had a program established to help local school music programs.

Check it out at: www.manilowmusicproject.org

Easter week services

Mon, 11 Apr 2011 00:00:00 -0700

Lake Avenue Church in Pasadena will be featuring Easter week services with full chamber orchestra!

Palm Sunday, April 17th, 9 and 11 am
Good Friday, April 22nd, 7 pm
Easter Sunday, April 24th, 9 and 11 am

Many styles of music will be featured!

http://www.lakeave.org/

"European Adventure" is featured on NPR

Sat, 02 Apr 2011 00:00:00 -0700

"European Adventure" was featured on NPR in Arizona. I am pleased that all four pieces on the CD that feature clarinet and piano have received radio airplay!

Angeles Chorale Concert: Rutter opening movement

Sat, 26 Mar 2011 00:00:00 -0700

APU Faculty Woodwind Quintet concert

Sun, 06 Mar 2011 00:00:00 -0800

Our annual Azusa Pacific University Faculty Woodwind Quintet concert will be coming up this month!

This concert will feature works by Blumer, Arnold, and Ligeti. Free admission!

Monday, March 14th, 7:30 pm
Munson Recital Hall

I hope to see you there!

www.apu.edu

Clarinet Reed Tip

Fri, 18 Feb 2011 00:00:00 -0800

Reed placement on the mouthpiece is very important to how the clarinet sounds and responds! For most mouthpieces, the best starting position is to place the reed even with the tip of the mouthpiece. Be sure that you are checking the position of the reed and mouthpiece right at eye level, otherwise you could be placing the reed too low without realizing it! It is also important to check that the reed is on straight and not tilted to the right or left...use the guide at the bottom of the mouthpiece to help you.

Good reed placement is crucial for clean articulation and a smooth tone! Be sure and take the extra moment to check your reed placement before you play...it will help you sound better and choose a good reed much more quickly!

Happy Tonguing!

New music for my upcoming recordings...and Paris!

Wed, 12 Jan 2011 00:00:00 -0800

I have already started working on picking new repertoire for future recordings. I visited Vandoren on my recent vacation to Paris, France, and found some great new French music to try out! Stay tuned!