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The Patience and Persistence Principle
You may recall from my Nov/Dec 2019 Sectionals column that I suffered a hemorrhagic stroke, making me paralyzed on my ... -
Quarantunes
You gotta stay home. Camps are closed. Concerts are canceled. Vacations are now staycations. I’m sure with the demands for ... -
Learning or Relearning
On July 19, I suffered a hemorrhagic stroke. It paralyzed the left side of my body. It affected my ability ... -
The Three C’s
It’s solo and ensemble festival time in most areas of the United States. But playing the correct notes, dynamics, and ... -
Pitch Perfect?
“Ahh, I’m in tune. Wait, I’m sharp. No wait, I’m flat!” That’s me, at every gig. Fact: The clarinet is ... -
All in the Case
Back in the third grade when it was time to select a band instrument to play, my classmates were busy ... -
The International Clarinet Association, a Treasure Chest of Opportunities
I love when I discover something new … at least new for me. I got a call to perform the ... -
Three Pillars of Practice
Two class projects are due. Exams are coming up. Then there’s soccer practice, band rehearsals, track meets. And homework … ... -
The Secret to More Sound
The required musical skills out on the marching band field are the same as inside a concert hall, band room, ... -
Reed Myth Busters
I just got this new student who’d been playing for four years before he came to me for lessons. Our ... -
Listening to Recordings
I’ll bet I’m older than you. That’s a good thing because I’m gonna tell you what it was like back ... -
Oodles of Noodles
Back in November 2009, I penned the Sectionals column, “You Run the Show,” proposing the notion that we’re all “self-taught” ... -
Our Village
"It takes a village" for anyone to succeed. Remember to give thanks to the parents, teachers, supporters and concertgoers who ... -
Play What You Hear
Playing by ear is one of the most valuable tools in your arsenal. “But I can’t play by ear,” you ... -
Clean It Up
We’re in the midst of cold and flu season right now, so don’t let your instrument make you sick. Your ... -
Pick a New One
When it's time to replace your instrument, what should you look for? By Jim Snyder, The Clarinet Guy. From Halftime ... -
Hold It
Let’s talk about holding your clarinet properly. This topic seems so obvious that you’re probably tempted to stop reading right ... -
Developing Your Sound
Your sound. It is what distinguishes you from all the other clarinetists. How would you describe it? Believe it or ... -
Listen Up
Find out why you're playing the clarinet! From Halftime Magazine, a print publication and website for the marching arts. -
Get Around Roadblocks
Roadblocks! It’s time we steer the clarinet-car around them! You know what I’m talking about: those things we’ve convinced ourselves ... -
You Run the Show
Woodwind playing tips from musician Jim Snyder. From Halftime Magazine, a print publication and online community about the marching arts. -
Tools of the Trade
Read about clarinet expert Jim Snyder's recommendations for choosing accessories for your instrument. From Halftime Magazine, a print publication and ... -
No More Wimpy Notes!
The coolest thing about this section of Halftime Magazine is that even if you don’t play the same instrument as ... -
In Need of Repair
The following sounds should not come from the clarinet: Squeak! Chirp!! Squawk!!! The good news is: It may not be ... -
I Can’t Heeeear You!
Clarinets are chamber (cameral) instruments—think of it as playing a mouthpiece attached to the room. The different acoustics of each ...
Author: Jim Snyder
Jim Snyder
Jim Snyder is a clarinetist from Orlando, Fla. Though primarily known as a jazz musician, his extensive career has put him in every musical place you’d expect to hear a clarinet—and in some you wouldn’t! Jim played for many years in New Orleans with trumpet virtuoso Al Hirt and is currently a staff musician at Walt Disney World. A Yamaha Performing Artist, he travels the United States as a soloist and clinician. Visit his website at www.theclarinetguy.com.
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