​

​

In this letter

okay we kid, it's an articulation warm-up from Tad Calcara

​

...in honor of Thanksgiving. And probably a good one to do in between plans.

Since ours is a quiet, low-key holiday, with concerts of Dvorak's 7th Symphony this weekend, I will definitely be trying this warm-up in between making the blueberry galette and sitting by the first fire of the season!

Our featured clarinet guest of the month often shares their favorite go-to warm-up - and we are extra delighted that Tad, the principal clarinetist of the Utah Symphony, got his from his own dad! Which means he's been doing this since he was a wee lad of 9-10 years!

But wait... let's back up a little and give you a little introduction.

Please meet Tad Calcara!

We've been profiling this uber-talented, jazz-playing, train aficionado and in getting to know him, some truly fun facts have popped up:

• he plays cornet, bass and piano (!)
• has a turtle named Myrtle (haha)
• hikes and surfs (being a California kid)
• has been playing in Utah since 1998
• lived in the dual coast big cities of San Francisco and New York
• and the dual coast beach towns of Oceanside and Miami
• and spent a couple of years on Lake Erie... in Cleveland

​

We've also gotten some wisdom:

• always keep working on the basics, no matter what age or level you're at
• these are the tools for communicating to the listener
• the real magic of music making is sharing your unique ideas, communicating some original, imaginative and creative to the listener!

​

Here is the articulation warm up from Chuck and Tad Calcara - enjoy 😞

INSTRUCTIONS

• The goal of this warm-up is (1) to align your fingers and tongue, and (2) to continue using air especially when articulating and changing notes.
• If you have any inconsistencies in your air when you tongue and change notes, this excerise can be tricky (and a great diagnostic tool!)
• Once you keep your air consistent and move your fingers rhythmically, you will find a nice flow state in this exercise.
  ​

Part One

• Play whatever scale you choose, moving a note each beat, but articulating in triplets.

• Ensure that you move your fingers right with the beat, and line up your finger motion with the tongue.
• Pro tip: practice with a metronome and start slow!

​

Part Two

• Now move a note every eighth note, but articulating in sixteenths.
• Ensure that you move your fingers right with the eighth note pulse, and line up your finger motion with the tongue.

Part Three

• Now play in sixteenth notes, every note articulated.
• Keep your finger and tongue motion lined up.
• Focus on keeping everything steady and even.
• Tip: set your metronome to sixteenth note subdivisions for even greater accuracy.

​

Notice how easy this scale feels now that your fingers and tongue are lined up, and you are using your air support!

​

Enjoy your holiday, and remember... the best way to snap out of your tryptophanic daze is by doing articulation exercises :)

Truth!!

WE ARE GRATEFUL FOR ALL YOU TURKEYS!! love from,

Ixi & team dca

​

p.s. To prove that he really does play cornet, bass and piano (oh and drums) check out this fun video of the 1939 song "Good Mornin'" :D

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​