Clarinet Secrets: 52 Performance Strategies for the Advanced Clarinetist [Paperback]

Michele Gingras (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 8, 2006

The advanced clarinetist, eager to improve quickly, often hits a wall on challenging techniques such as rapid tonguing and the precise control of intonation. Clarinet Secrets: 52 Performance Strategies for the Advanced Clarinetist offers a year-long course in these and other important techniques for clarinet performance, providing a secret for every week of the year. Learn practical and technical secrets about
· Fingering strategies
· Circular breathing
· High register
· Sight-reading and Orchestral repertoire
· Mental concentration and memorization
· Reed fixing and equipment
· Career-planning

Discussed in a straightforward way, the concepts are explained clearly and thoroughly and illustrated with photos, diagrams, and musical examples. This newly revised edition contains updated information on harmonics, electronic music and equipment, and expanded techniques for playing Klezmer music. An audio CD with excerpts performed by the author helps to fully demonstrate each concept. Printed with a lay-flat binding for use on music stands, Clarinet Secrets is perfect for all clarinetists, whether students in a class or private situation, professionals searching for technical or musical challenges, or instructors doing pedagogical research.

Editorial Reviews

Review

Although Michèle Gingras designates 'advanced' clarinetists in the sub-title to her book, there is a wealth of material in Clarinet Secrets that can benefit less accomplished clarinetists....I congratulate Michèle Gingras on a well-thought-out and handsomely-presented handbook which contains a great deal of useful advice, concepts, and ideas for clarinetists. Ideally, it should go through many printings in the future. The accompanying CD of Gingras performing clearly illustrates many of the techniques she addresses in the book. This volume should be on the reference shelves of music libraries and band rooms, and in the personal libraries of clarinet teachers and students across North America and beyond. It is a fine contribution to the study of clarinet playing in all its richness and diversity. (Canadian Winds [1St Ed.] )

Michèle Gingras' Clarinet Secrets deals with an incredibly wide range of tactics related to teaching and performing the clarinet and does so in an engaging and even entertaining way. The writing style is clear and to the point, never stodgy... Highly recommended. (Larry Combs, Principal Clarinet, Chicago Symphony Orchestra )

About the Author

Michele Gingras is Professor of Clarinet at Miami University in Ohio, and is past secretary of the International Clarinet Association (ICA).

Product Details

• Paperback: 127 pages
• Publisher: Scarecrow Press (July 8, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0810857332
• ISBN-13: 978-0810857339
• Product Dimensions: 10 x 7 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #425,247 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

20 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Can YOU keep 52 secrets?, December 10, 2004

By 

S. Dadabo (Cincinnati, Ohio) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Clarinet Secrets: 52 Performance Strategies for the Advanced Clarinetist (Paperback)

Looking for a quick fix to some really annoying clarinet problems? Now you can surely relax, because Michèle Gingras is here to save the day. In size, this book is smaller than your average method of study, but in content, look out! She has divided her book into 7 sections of 52 secrets for common technical and musical issues in clarinet practice and repertoire. Gingras' writing is very "to the point" without the life stories, personal experiences, and strongly directed opinions of many other current books on the market today. I believe that because she uses this particular style of writing, she is able to cover so much more in such a miniature book, perfect for having with you at all times.

Never does she state a method of instruction without also telling you exactly how to practice it. This book really uses nature as its primary example of what clarinetists, and really all musicians, should follow. Gingras feels that rather fighting and working against nature, we should use it to help us in every way possible. Although this book is intended for the advanced clarinetist, many of her explanations would be very helpful to intermediate and even beginning students; her book is that user friendly, and not intimidating in the least. I especially feel this way when she refers to tonguing and finger/hand positions, which are probably two of the biggest challenges younger students face when first approaching the instrument. Included at the end of her book is a CD that demonstrates with her own playing each musical excerpt inside "Clarinet Secrets." In my opinion, you'll never be without a clarinet teacher as long as you have this book. Anyone who knows this professor can see that inside "Clarinet Secrets" is one hundred percent Michèle Gingras. One more thing...these "secrets" really work. An alternate title for her book could be "No More Secrets!"

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Author Michele Gingras presents her book Clarinet Secrets, December 1, 2008

By 

Sporty Arts - See all my reviews

This review is from: Clarinet Secrets: 52 Performance Strategies for the Advanced Clarinetist (Paperback)

Length:: 1:25 Mins

Author Michele Gingras presents her book Clarinet Secrets

5.0 out of 5 stars A Clarinetist's Omnibook, March 10, 2011

By 

Charles H. Davis (Bloomington, IN United States) - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Clarinet Secrets: 52 Performance Strategies for the Advanced Clarinetist (Paperback)

Well and thoughtfully written, "Clarinet Secrets" is helpful for players at all levels, particularly at the advanced intermediate level. It will serve as a handbook for professionals as well. The variety of styles, including Klezmer, is remarkable.