Hi, I was wondering if anyone had tips on how to make my mid-low register, like A, G, Fs below the staff clearer and more steady. I can play them easily, but they don't sound as nice as the rest of my range.

Well, other than practice in the low register, I'd have to say play a lot of low notes. Pedal tones. That will help range as a whole. As for middle low range I'd try this.

Play a C below the staff. Then play a E in the bottom line of the staff. Now play C-E-C-E-C-E-C-E-C The C's and E's all being eighth notes and the final C being a quarter. Then take a beat rest or so and go B natural-E flat (it's the same thing, but down a half step). Bn-Ef-Bn-Ef-Bn-Ef-Bn-Ef-Bn (n=natural f=flat). So what you're doing is lip trills. You're not moving the fingers for each two note trill, just this lips. Keep going down half steps until you do the opens, then second key, the first key, the first and second key, the second and third key, and then finally the first and third key in that order. I hope you understand, if you're confused let me know and I'll explain in further detail.

After you start on the C and work your way down to the G. Start on a G (open again) and do G-C-G-C-G-C-G-C-G (once again all being eigth notes except for the last note, being a quarter). So your trills are going from the G, up to the C, down to the G, back to the C, and so on and so forth. Then do the second valve, first, first and second, second and third, then first and third, going down a half step each time.

Keep going down as low as you can with the open, second, first, etc etc. Once you do that go back to the original C (first one below the staff again) and go up to the G and back down the the C like this: C-E-G-E-C-E-G-E-C (all being eighths and the last being a quarter even again). Then go to the second valve and down a half step. Bn-Ef-Fsharp-Ef-Bn-Ef-Fsharp-Ef-Bn. And then first, then first and second, then second and third, and then first and third. Then start on the G below that C you started on and go G-C-E-C-G-C-E-C-G, and so on and so forth.

Keep doing these excersices and I guarantee you that your middle low range will improve like you have no idea. At first go for notes, and remember do not change valves use your lips. It's will always be a set of open, then second, then first, then first and second, then second and third, and last first and third and it will work with those fingers.

Start slowly until you can hit all of the notes, then gradually increase your speed.

I hope this helps, and I didn't confuse anyone.

For anyone interested, this will also work on high range if you want. Start on a G in the staff and go to the middle C in the staff. G-C-G-C-G-C-G-C-G. Like the first set of the middle low range drill. Go down, then start on the C above that and go to the E. (No trigger yet). Then the E at top of the staff to the G above it. (Still open trigger). Then you start on a High F in the top line of the staff (using trigger) and play it open (trigger) to the A above the staff. Holding trigger when going high F above to keep the notes. Then Trigger Open A- to Trigger C. All the way down the drill (open, second, first, etc etc with trigger down the whole time). And if you feel saucy high C to high F's above the staff. (Good luck on that last one, it took me forever to get a high range like that).


With enough practice you can do it. But remember, have patience. Some things just come with age and experience. No matter how good a 13 year old may be, if they don't learn anthing new in four years and stay where they are when they are 17 they will more than likely sound better because their jaw and body as a whole has grown, along with lung capacity.

Truly,

Joey

Also, let me know if this helps anyone. It's always good to hear.

Dont be afraid to experiment with slight variations in embouchure. Is the tone a problem regardless of volume and air support? Is your right hand correctly positioned?

<Added>

I've seen one horn - a well known brand - which sounded stuffy regardless of what the player did. This could have been the horn - I didn't get the chance to try it.

Wow - Joey, Quite a long piece there!! I'm Going to Try your tips though... Sure once i've read them through - I'll Understand more! Well, Great Tip! Ill Reply with how i get on,! :O Thanks - Steph

Wow - Joey, Quite a long piece there!! I'm Going to Try your tips though... Sure once i've read them through - I'll Understand more! Well, Great Tip! Ill Reply with how i get on,! :O Thanks - Steph

Thanks! I will definately try that, it sounds like a good way to practice and improve.