How can I improve sop top note range?

[Helenmichk]

I have been asked to play soprano cornet for a concert in a weeks time (and stupidly agreed to do it!). I'm usually a 3rd cornet player but generally have no problems with the upper end of the register. However, I'm struggling to get past a top G on soprano and would like to know if anyone has any tips that might help me?????

Any thoughts gratefully received!

Helen

 

[Vegasbound]

Practice......is the only answer!

 

[blue juice]

A shallower mouthpiece might help. It'll be a struggle to squeeze the high notes out playing on your average 3rd cornet bucket mouthpiece. As for working on the upper register, playing long notes ascending semitone by semitone or doing similar with arpeggios will help.

 

[Bryan_sop]

How's your range above top C on Bb? Playing a sop doesn't automatically give you a better range, just puts the notes lower in the instrument's harmonic series, so easier to pitch without hitting another note

 

[Helenmichk]

Thanks for that, I'll keep trying! I've just been out mouthpiece shopping and tried a 5B and Soprano Denis Wick mouthpiece - I brought the soprano one and it's helping quite a lot!

.......long note practise it is then

 

[GeordieSop]

If you want to go down the mouthpiece route (like i did), then just find the shallowest thing you can din.

My cornet mouthpiece is a RW2 and my Sop mouthpiece is a VB 17C (or 16.. can't remember)

be warned though.... it completely nackers your embrousher (or however you spell it)

 

[trumpetmike]

In a week?- pray
To gain range over a long term (which is the only secure way to do it) - flexibility & scales (preferably alongside a lesson or two from a good teacher, who is able to play in that sort of register, so knows what they are speaking about).

 

[Helenmichk]

How's your range above top C on Bb? Playing a sop doesn't automatically give you a better range, just puts the notes lower in the instrument's harmonic series, so easier to pitch without hitting another note

Ah ok, well I can only comfortably get to a top D on a Bb cornet and really struggle with anything above that

 

[Helenmichk]

Thank you for all your comments, I will just keep practising the upper register and pray for a miracle!

 

[trombone-john]

A small tip.....
Don't try to play everything on the part. Let the front row do the donkey work, and only play the high stuff & individual parts. That way your lip will last out the concert. Good luck!

 

[Kjata]

A small tip.....
Don't try to play everything on the part. Let the front row do the donkey work, and only play the high stuff & individual parts. That way your lip will last out the concert. Good luck!

Best advice i've ever had for Sop, let the front row earn their keep!!

 

[GJG]

A small tip.....
Don't try to play everything on the part. Let the front row do the donkey work, and only play the high stuff & individual parts. That way your lip will last out the concert. Good luck!

Best advice i've ever had for Sop, let the front row earn their keep!!

Absolutely! One of the benefits of being an MD when occasionally depping on sop is that I usually know most of the scores pretty well, so I have a good idea of what can and can't be left out. Helps enormously!

 

[Andrew Norman]

My "miracle" was finding www.trumpetteacher.net this revolutionised my range/stamina overnight - honest !!

 

[Blagger]

My "miracle" was finding www.trumpetteacher.net this revolutionised my range/stamina overnight - honest !!

Yep - its a great book for any brass player - not just trumpet/cornet

Seriously though - if you only have a matter of days to get ready I would make sure you know what you can leave out on every piece you play - get hold of the scores if poss.

 

[Bryan_sop]

And don't feel that you have to hit every A, Bb, B etc. No MD in their right mind could expect someone to move from 3rd to sop in such a short time and get all the notes. Better to miss them out if you don't think you'll get them, the overall band sound will be better without you struggling and splitting them.

 

[Helenmichk]

Thank you all for your help with this, I have a rehearsal tonight so I'll put all of your advice into practise!

Helen

 

[corsopflug]

Hi, apart from the obvious 'practice practice practice' offers of help, I found that tightening up the corners of your mouth, opening the throat, and masses of diaphragm were the best ways to get you 'up in the gods'.

I also opted for a Warburton 4M cup on my mouthpiece - Don't get me wrong, the Denis Wick's are great for retaining a cornet-ish sound, but as Sop, you really should be standing apart from the rest of the section.

Hope all goes well for you!