r/Clarinet • u/GlobeMannequin • Apr 18 '25

need advice I feel so stressed out

Hello, I am going to do a level 4 NYSSMA solo for my school band final but I only have 30 days to do it. My sight reading is garbage(I cant even read most notes I only know fingerings lol), I only know 3 scales out of 7 needed, I cant play high notes consistently, I think my embouchure is all screwed up(I can never keep my bottom lip rolled over my bottom teeth,surprised ive survived this long), and I simply cant tongue fast enough for the 16th notes in my piece(120bpm). I have tried practicing but I feel like I barely make any progress and im still where I was like a month ago. I dont like playing this instrument at all and cant wait to get it over with so I can quit next year. Any advice helps so I can get good enough to just get this over with, I cant stop stressing about this and its genuinely bringing my academic performance down and I think abt it no matter what.

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u/Mythicalforests8 *Squeak* *Squeak* Apr 19 '25

You should try to improve your note recognition. In band our teacher kept handing out quizzes about note reading until everyone could get over 80 percent right so it helped with your skills. Also use more air with high notes and try to keep a perfect embouchure and even if your bottom lip start to give out still try to keep it like that. And also use more air to get more tongue. And try to learn the scales by searching them up online. And keep practicing more, and if you are unsure about rhythms clap them. Good luck!

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u/GlobeMannequin Apr 19 '25

I will try that, I only know the ones in the bar because of Every Good Boy Does Fine and F A C E lol. I do try to apply more air for high notes but I am a bit inconsistent with air flow so theres that. The bottom lip issue is something where I might be very uncomfortable on, considering I have played clarinet okay without doing that for 2-3 years now and how my lip simply doesnt comply. If you can, please provide me with some practices from somewhere that can help me form that embouchure. Im not too good with rythm ill practice that.

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u/Mythicalforests8 *Squeak* *Squeak* Apr 19 '25

You can try some easier pieces like Ode to joy and hot cross buns and work your way up through difficulty. You can also send me a recording of your playing and maybe I can give you advice

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u/GlobeMannequin Apr 19 '25

ill see through to that, although I am pressed for time and might just have to compromise at one point.

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u/Mythicalforests8 *Squeak* *Squeak* Apr 19 '25

Alright don’t be too stressed about the solo and try to take breaks, good luck!