Do you vent the high-D every time?

[jhonan]

Should I be aiming to vent the high-D every time I play it?

For certain combinations of notes, I find it's easier to play xxxxxx instead of oxxxxx, especially if I'm cutting on the D

So, it is better for me just to learn to play oxxxxx when I really have to, or should I learn to play oxxxxx each and every time I play the high-D?

John.

[edit]
Just to add to this, that if I am playing high-D down to low-A (for example), my fingering is;

D oxxxxx
C# oooxxx
B xooxxx
A xxoooo

Any comments?

[fearfaoin]

I certainly don't, especially in fast runs when my left index finger will have to be down immediately before or after the high D. Now, if you're holding a high D, it's probably a good idea to vent, just to make sure you're properly in tune (depending on your whistle).

[TonyHiggins]

I rarely vent it. Try the tone covered and uncovered and see if it makes a difference that matters. It's different on different whistles. If it's clear enough closed, what the heck?

the 0XX000 usually gets you c nat, not B. Whether you use that or half-hole the top hole depends on what you get used to and how it effects the rhythm. It's tougher to get a crisp distinction between c nat going down to B half-holing. You can make up for it sometimes by tonguing. You can also cheat on the c nat and play a c# if you're going fast. It won't be very noticeable.
Tony

[BrassBlower]

I would say it depends on the whistle. If the breath requirement is low (e.g. Oak), you should probably vent the upper D to prevent overblowing it. If the breath requirement is high (e.g. untweaked Clarke original) you may be better off closing the upper D so you don't end up with something like an out-of-tune lower A.

[jhonan]

I rarely vent it. Try the tone covered and uncovered and see if it makes a difference that matters. It's different on different whistles. If it's clear enough closed, what the heck?

the 0XX000 usually gets you c nat, not B.
Tony

It sounds fine as xxxxxx to be honest, and I find it easier that way. I was just trying out oxxxxx to see if I could make high-D cuts sound clearer, and because every single fingering chart I've seen has it as oxxxxx!

I play the B as xooxxx just using the last three holes to hold the whistle, (the note sounds the same as xooooo) - I got that from reading the Brother Steve pages.

fearfaoin: The note sounds in tune either way on my whistle. I just wanted reassurance that I'm not doing something wrong by consigning xxxxxx to muscle memory now, and then having to spend time relearning it later on....

[jhonan]

I would say it depends on the whistle. If the breath requirement is low (e.g. Oak), you should probably vent the upper D to prevent overblowing it. If the breath requirement is high (e.g. untweaked Clarke original) you may be better off closing the upper D so you don't end up with something like an out-of-tune lower A.

It's a Waltons brass D, and the only notes I really have to concentrate on keeping in tune (have to watch my breath control on) are the high F# upwards. The others sound fairly clear and in tune whatever way I play them!

[TonyHiggins]

heh, heh, I just realized "I play the B as xooxxx" is the inverse of 0xx000, which is c nat. I do the same thing.
Tony

[JamesF]

I always do. No wonder Humours of Tulla is a b*tch to play!
On some tunes it's easier to use xxxxxx.

[jhonan]

I always do. No wonder Humours of Tulla is a b*tch to play!
On some tunes it's easier to use xxxxxx.

Well, you can relate to what instigated my original post.... Basically it's 'the blackthorn stick', http://www.thesession.org/tunes/display.php/702

There's a section in part b that goes;

edd gdd

Now, trying to play that with venting the high-D AND cutting the high-D is what's causing my problem. I have no problem playing it using xxxxxx, but venting the D seems almost a physical impossibility on this tune....

I've been beating myself around the head with this particular blackthorn stick... :roll:

John.

[Bloomfield]

If you think that's bad, try the B-part of Julia Delaney. Only way to do that cleanly (on a C whistle) is to vent the D hole. But that's like stuff you really have to practice, which is a bit awkward when you're busy reading the chiffboard.

*drags up ancient thread

http://chiffboard.mati.ca/viewtopic.php?t=5277

I use one of StevieJ's suggested variations now, btw.

[jhonan]

But that's like stuff you really have to practice, which is a bit awkward when you're busy reading the chiffboard.

I don't think the boss would be too impressed if I started practising these high-d cuts in the middle of the office either....

[fearfaoin]

... I got that from reading the Brother Steve pages.

fearfaoin: The note sounds in tune either way on my whistle. I just wanted reassurance that I'm not doing something wrong by consigning xxxxxx to muscle memory now, and then having to spend time relearning it later on....

I was going to mention Brother Steve in my earlier post, but I couldn't find my link for it at the time (guess you know of it already, then). I remember when I read his pages the first time, he mentions not having to vent the d in the second octave, so I would say you have permission

[kevin m.]

Depends upon the tune.
I've read (true or false)that C.C.E. competition invigilators will mark you down if you don't vent,but as I don't expect to be EVER in that situation it doesn't particularly bother me.
This is FOLK music remember? !

[BrassBlower]

This is FOLK music remember? !

Of course it is! You never hear a cow playing it, do you?

[dreamerlass]

My whistle sounds a little better when I vent the high D, so I try to do it most of the time, but on some tunes it's practically impossible. If I'm playing fast the difference isn't noticeable.