The Buzz Clip -- Suggested Practice Routine
- Take several deep, relaxed breaths
- Buzz simple songs on the mouthpiece alone for several minutes focusing on
air movement, full buzz, clear, vibrant and unwavering sound (if needed, see
song suggestion list below)
- Place The Buzz Clip (prongs first) into the mouthpiece
receiver of the instrument gently--do not force
- There should be a slight gap between the spit shield flange and the end of
the receiver
- Gently place the mouthpiece into the receiver through the center hole in
The Buzz Clip
- Do not twist the mouthpiece into place as you would traditionally do to
lock it in--the material chosen for The Buzz Clip will slightly
grip the mouthpiece (forcing will minimize effectiveness)
- The mouthpiece will come to rest approximately half an inch further out of
the receiver than in traditional position
- Begin playing middle G and slur down to low C to find an accurate pitch
center on which to begin scale practice
- Play scales beginning first with C, B, B flat, A, A flat, G (if needed,
see scales and fingering chart below)
- Suggested--Always slur scales and play with crescendos from piano on
the bottom to mezzo forte (or forte) at the top
- Take a 2 minute break
- Start scales again beginning on C, C#, D, E flat, E, F, F#, G
- Rest for 2 minutes
- Repeat pattern until you create a clear, vibrant buzz which accesses the
full spectrum of colors and resonance your instrument provides
- When you achieve a clear sound, simply remove The Buzz Clip and
reassemble instrument in traditional form (without the clip)
- Whenever your sound or response is not clear (becoming fuzzy or tight),
rest for a few minutes, insert The Buzz Clip, and repeat
steps 3 through 15 until a clear sound is produced again
| Suggested Simple Song List for Buzz Warm-Up: |
|---|
 Pop Goes the Weasel |
| Amazing Grace |
| Take Me Out to the Ballgame |
| The Star Spangled Banner |
| Row, Row, Row Your Boat |
| Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star |
| Farmer in the Dell |
| Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring (Bach) |
| I've been working on the Railroad |
| Happy Birthday |
