Competitions are a good resource for new or lesser-performed works. I’m always curious. Repertoire for the 2018 Concours de Genève International Music Competition (Clarinet) may be found on p. 10 and 11. In the B Recital I list below, new to me was “Bug” by Bruno Mantovani. B. Recital I: Robert Schumann: Fantasiestücke for clarinet and… Continue reading Geneva Competition – Repertoire
Author: singlewinder
Associate Principal Clarinet, St. Louis Symphony Orchestra. Teacher/educator.
Teaching Philosophies
I’m transfering my website materials to a new website called DianaHaskellClarinet. It’s up and running! Which has meant updating/enhancing/dictionary-ing/thesaurus-izing/and so on. It’s tear-my-heart-out slow. Arduous. Worse than practicing long tones. I’d rather rearrange my sock drawer. And so on. Kidding. It’s actually been a thoughtful process of updating my philosophy statements for all age groups.… Continue reading Teaching Philosophies
The Modified Box Breath
I was taught this wind version of the Box Breath by Laura Dwyer, a fabulous flutist in the St. Louis area. Also known as the Navy Seal breathing technique, the Box Breath is calming and energizing at the same time. Students who try it find it effective in calming nerves before tests or auditions. Practice the… Continue reading The Modified Box Breath
Tips For Better Performances
No one can take away our musicality. Reeds may fail. Technical slip-ups are common. We might trip. Distractions are everywhere! But musicality is internal. So focus on musicality. No one can mess with musicality. Pour over and study harmony. Practice shaping every phrase. Be concerned with beauty and artistry. WHAT ELSE WE CAN CONTROL 1)… Continue reading Tips For Better Performances
Vandoren Optimum Switcheroo 2
So a billion years ago I wrote a blog post about trying the Vandoren gold Optimum alto sax ligature on my Bb M13Lyre mouthpiece. It fit very well with a mouthpiece patch on the back. Here’s an update: I have switched to a Vandoren BD-5 mouthpiece. The gold alto sax ligature is a nice match. I use… Continue reading Vandoren Optimum Switcheroo 2
Pete’s Incredible Sound
Sit back and listen to the liquid sounds of Pete Fountain. http://youtu.be/3BP-NGFooJU
Musician Injury – Peabody Magazine article
Here is an excellent article on musician injury. If you are suffering from an injury related to playing, please seek assistance. Do not hide or try to muscle through the pain.
Imagination and Singing
Take seven minutes to sit at the feet of these musical giants who process music at a very deep level....far beyond the pedantic mechanics of playing an instrument. I am inspired.... are you? https://youtu.be/hnIjGICvfAU I’m grateful to Pianist/Teacher Emma Leiuman for posting this recorded ensemble of inspired voices. Leon Fleisher, Daniel Barenboim, Gyorgy Sebok and… Continue reading Imagination and Singing
Vandoren Optimum Switcheroo part 1
I'm not an equipment junkie, but I like to experiment with ligatures. My favorites are the Vandoren Leather (sometimes without an insert and sometimes with the black leather insert) or the Vandoren Optimum ligature. I've never understood why Vandoren only makes a silver plated Optimum ligature for clarinet. On a whim I called my favorite… Continue reading Vandoren Optimum Switcheroo part 1
Importance of Studying Other Genres
My piano professor at Eastman, Maria Louisa Faini, taught me to study the music of a composer's 'best' genre in order to understand that composer's piano works. For instance, she encouraged me to study Beethoven's symphonies...his voicing of chorales and use of dynamics, for example....in order to have a deeper understanding of how to approach… Continue reading Importance of Studying Other Genres
