How do you blow into the clarinet? I know w/ the either the trumpet or trombone you have to kind of make a sound like a duck or something. What about the clarinet?
You let your lower lip, supported by your teeth, vibrate on the reed.
I suggest you ask your band instructor or a musical instrument store to let you try a clarinet.
When playing a brass instrument (trombone, trumpet, etc) the lips vibrate in the mouthpiece and that is amplified and comes out the end. Fingering changes the length of the column of air and that changes the pitch. In woodwinds (clarinet, saxophone, bassoon, etc) the mouthpiece is placed IN the mouth (as opposed to the lips being placed in the mouthpiece of brass instruments) with the bottom lip curled over the lower teeth. The musician blows and a reed vibrates. The vibrating reed then is amplified and the sound comes out the end. Again, fingering changes the length of the column of vibrating air and that changes the pitch. I recommend you ask around at school (band director, music director, or whomever) or visit a music store that sells instruments. They can show you the correct way to use the instrument and how it sounds.
To blow into the clarinet, you need to follow these steps:
1. Proper mouth position: Form an "embouchure" by placing your lips firmly together, similar to saying the letter "M." Make sure to cover your teeth with your top lip and slightly curl your bottom lip over your teeth.
2. Positioning the reed: The clarinet has a mouthpiece with a single reed attached. Place the reed against your lower lip, aligning the tip of the reed with the tip of the mouthpiece.
3. Holding the clarinet: Hold the clarinet properly with your left hand at the top, gripping the instrument below the mouthpiece. Your right hand should be positioned at the lower part of the clarinet.
4. Breath control: Take a deep breath through your mouth, like you are about to blow out a candle, while maintaining the embouchure and reed position.
5. Blowing air: Start blowing a steady stream of air into the clarinet by slightly relaxing your embouchure and allowing the air to pass over the reed and into the instrument.
Remember, the clarinet requires a consistent airflow, so maintain a steady and controlled breath. Also, avoid puffing or blowing too hard, as this can cause undesirable sounds or difficulties in playing.
I hope you find these instructions helpful!