Effects

A series of interesting and useful effects, explained in detail and demonstrated clearly.

Glissando

A slide in pitch between notes. The beginning and end note of the glissando are written and connected by either a straight or a wavy line. Usually the word gliss or glissando will be written above. On clarinet - works best between (written) D4 and F6. Avoid in the lower register. Bass Clarinet - glissandos don't work, because of covered holes. Fast chromatic scales are substituted.

Harmonics

Produced by fingering a fundamental low note, then picking out partials using venting or the register key. The notation is an o - over the notehead.
(It is probably a good idea to include a note explaining whether the notehead is the sounding or fingered pitch), this is very rare and fairly ineffective on the clarinet.

Trills

A rapid alternation between two pitches - either a tone or a semitone apart. Indicated by accidentals over the note. If these are not given, players will choose a trill type based on musical context. Wavy lines to indicate the duration of a trill are optional. All trills are possible on the clarinet and on the bass clarinet (except very high on the instrument). Timbral trills involve trilling between alternative fingerings for a given note, or using very little embouchure.

Tremolo or Tremolando

A trill or rapid alternation between two notes more than a tone apart. Notated by thick slanting lines between two notes. The tremolo shown on the left lasts for one beat. Many are possible, but avoid crossing the register break, especially on bass clarinet. Clarinet tremolos sound particularly effective in the bottom register.

Subtones

A very quiet sound. Verbal instruction - terms used include echo tone, subtone, mezzo voce or sotto voce. An extreme pianissimo will easily be drowned out by other sounds!