Piccolo Registers

GerryG · Post by **GerryG** » Fri Jul 25, 2003 11:32 am

In my old age, I''ve been teaching myself piccolo
for the last 7 months. I notice the lower register has a distinct difference to
the sound quality compared to that of the middle register. The lower register
seems to lack any brilliance or punch (kind of dull). Is this the case in
general? I imagine most piccolo parts don''t use the lower register - am I
correct? Also - I finally played what you might call a high B and C - please
gain tell me with time and practice these notes will get easier and better. In
that highest register I can play the A with little problem but the G B and C
give me problems - mostly B and C. Thanks, Gerry G

AG950Flute · Post by **AG950Flute** » Fri Jul 25, 2003 2:03 pm

the lower register does have a different timbre than
the middle and high register of the piccolo. i have personally found in the
piccolos that i have owned i've generally been unhappy with the lack of color i
can get in the low register. however, in my search for a new piccolo, i have
found the higher quality the instrument the better the low register becomes. in
terms of the top end of the third register, bravo on getting those high notes!
especially after only 7 months! if you continue to work and make the progress
like you have those notes will become better in time. for me personally, i think
the struggle becomes being able to hit those notes after playing for some time
and my lips are tired and start to buzz. my course of action tends to be to warm
up with long tones up to about the third octave A, and then i play scales up to
the high C, and if i'm feeling good, sometimes a little beyond that. but keep
going, your progress should be highly commended.

GerryG · Post by **GerryG** » Fri Jul 25, 2003 4:33 pm

Thanks, Courtney I always feel better when another
person tells me I'm on track. I played trumpet in grade school and high school
and now learning flute and piccolo I have so much admiration for what it takes
to play them well - so many more keys and trying to read those notes up to C4. I
love the sound of piccolo in the third octave and can't wait until the notes
flow easily. I've been playing along with a college marching band CD from
Illinois and love it. Thanks again for your encouragement. Enjoy your weekend.
Gerry G

GerryG · Post by **GerryG** » Fri Jul 25, 2003 4:37 pm

Courtney - I just realized you said "beyond the high
C". I can't imagine notes that high. I'd be afraid I'd shatter the windows in
my house. How high can a piccolo go on the scale? Gerry G

AG950Flute · Post by **AG950Flute** » Fri Jul 25, 2003 9:51 pm

gerry, thanks for your replies, i'm always glad to
share a word of encouragement. i've played some pieces in my wind ensemble
group that has the piccolo going all the way up to C#4 and i've seen D4 a few
times as well. mostly in some sousa marches (which in some cases i think it was
originally scored for a Db piccolo). keep up the hard work!

GerryG · Post by **GerryG** » Mon Jul 28, 2003 11:21 am

Thanks, Courtney. I'm sure I'll have more questions
in the future. I really love the piccolo! Gerry G