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Originally Posted by RaeRayMusic  This actually was one of the things that my lessons teacher recommened. But seeing as my concert is not in 8 days she said to just wait and try it out next year. I'm just playing on a 3C right now. Just bought a Schilke 14A4a. It's going okay with that and I can play the higher notes a lot clearer but when I go back bellow the staff it sounds fuzzy sometimes and I don't know if I want to risk that.
I'm wondering if it would throw me off if I changed back to a 3C on the two of the pieces where I'm not playing lead? I have a solo that doesn't go above the staff at all and I can sound beautiful on it with my 3C but not my Schilke. |
Your mouthpiece is critical; some guy’s can play a 3C on legit and lead gigs—most cannot. I would try to keep the same rim/cushion/bite of your current piece, and then try others with various cup depth/shape---again, one that feels good. I have played with Lew, Vizzutti and a few other pro's who use the same mouthpiece for every job; generally a medium shallow custom. Other guys adjust their embouchure (Arturo) when playing a "lead" style or for a double G and above---kind of like a falsetto break in a singer's voice. Mark Curry and Bob Reeve's make great mouthpieces that will feel like your 3C, but have either interchangeable cups/shanks or a set cup (medium-shallow) with a 3C feel. Check out a MP comparison chart or just go to mouthpieceexpress.com and order 5 to demo. Their really is no wrong or right in terms of an individuals mouthpiece selection; it's your sound, your comfort and your face!
I personally use a Marcinkiewicz Custom for almost everything except Flugel. I do switch to a classic Reeves for studio jazz work and ballads. I can't produce a duck fart on the Lynch Asymmetric Lead 342, but I can nail a decent double A on my dads Bach 2 1/2 C....Go figure.
If you need any tips on range just shoot me an email. I have been very fortunate to have studied under a few great players. I also had my high range/lead kind of forced on me in high school like you did as well. I was playing 2nd/jazz chair as a Junior, then as a senior I had the Chase arrangement of "Somewhere" as our festival solo chart. I then lucked/bribed my way into the split lead book in the McDonalds All American HS Jazz Band under Bob Curnow......He loved Buddy Rich--- Channel One/West Side Story and Bob O'Connell's (sp?) arrangements (written by a trumpet player to make other trumpet players look foolish). So, "I been where yo at!"
Best of luck,
Jason