ALONG THE WAY BY KELLY

Oliff Dorsey

“Your State Band Performance begins the first day of your beginning band class.”

Ionce heard this from a colleague. “Wow! What a spot-on comment,” I thought. As a director, it is easy to fall into the trap of concentrating on our advanced groups more than our beginning groups. Likewise, we may also get distracted preparing music for a performance and neglect fundamentals.

As a young director, I thought spending a lot of time on the basics wouldn’t give me the time needed to prepare the music. Once making the commitment to incorporate more fundamentals, I was amazed how quickly the music prepared itself. Students began immediately transferring basic concepts to every piece of music without having to relearn them. However, when making that commitment, you must know what to look for and how to fix issues; otherwise, you will go through the motions of a misguided warm up.

For the purpose of this article, let's focus on the basic fundamentals of the clarinet. A clarinet section can make or break the overall tonality of the band. As an adjudicator, I find few bands having an appropriate section sound (especially regarding the upper register). So, let’s begin this conversation: how to start a clarinetist from the very beginning and what to look for along the way.

Embouchure

• The bottom lip should cover the bottom teeth just enough to provide a cushion between the teeth and the reed. There should always be a little pink showing in the lip; otherwise, there is too much coverage.

• The corners of the mouth should be firm so the air will not escape. This will also help to maintain stability in the sound.

• The upper teeth should always be placed directly on the top of the mouthpiece. For students with sensitive teeth, a mouthpiece patch can be used.

Ms. Kelly Dorsey is a graduate of The Florida State University. She has enjoyed over 30 years of teaching during which her bands have consistently received superior ratings at all FBA Sponsored events. She is currently the Band Director at Union County High School, having served previously at Bell Jr./Sr. High School.

Ms. Dorsey has served as a guest clinician, adjudicator and conductor for numerous band programs and honor bands throughout the State. She served as the Conductor of the Florida Small Schools Honor Band in 2008 as well as the FBA Nine Star Honor Band in 2022. In addition, she has served The FBA as a member of numerous committees. She was awarded the prestigious "Oliver Hobbs Award’ presented by the FBA and District Teacher of the Year for Union County. She is a member of the FBA, FMEA, NAfME, NBA, Tau Beta Sigma, ASBDA, and Phi Beta Mu.

• The top lip should be firm.

• The chin should be flat while pointed out and down.