Return to Tips for Band Intonation Tendencies of Wind Instruments Clarinet	by Mr. Fred J. Allen Director of Bands SFA School of Music fallen@sfasu.edu
	Flute  | Oboe  | Bassoon  | Clarinet  | Saxophone  | Brass & Percussion

• Pulling barrel (then middle joint) = flatter, pushing in = sharper
• Barrel length:  Shorter and longer barrels are available
• Range:  Throat tones are sharp on almost every instrument, especially the A and B-flat.  Altissimo register = sharp in more experienced players, though young players will often be a little flat when learning these notes.
• Embouchure:  biting or pinching = sharp, loose = flat
• Temperature:  cold = flat, hot = sharp
• Dynamic level:  loud = flat, soft = sharp
• Reed strength:  soft reed = flat, hard reed = sharp
• Angle of entry:  held too far out = flat, held too close = sharp
• Lay of the mouthpiece:  closed = sharp, open = flat

Low Clarinets

• Pulled out between neck and upper joint = flat, pushed in = sharp
• All other factors are the same as the clarinet (except barrel length)