The Break: Mastering the Middle Register of the Clarinet

Crossing the break can be a source of frustration for developing clarinetists. The Break is a logical guide for mastering this important step in clarinet performance. The method is divided into two parts. Part One includes: the clarinet overtone series; how to incorporate "right hand down" as a developmental technique; one octave scales across the break, and first melodies in the clarion register that teach basic musical concepts needed for advanced performance. Part Two includes: studies from Rhythmical Articulation by Pasquale Bona, selected and edited for clarinet to prepare students for upper level performance. The range is appropriate for developing clarinetists (low B to B just above the treble staff). The studies have been adapted to cover seven key signatures. Appropriate articulations, dynamics, and expressive markings have been added and advanced rhythms and time signatures are introduced with moderate tempos.