Half-Holes and Intonation

Ms. Jensen and Reese Martin, seventh grader, address half-hole technique on G2 and Ab2 through “Octave Slurs”, #2 from Unit 25. Reese’s half hole technique is quite efficient, but his intonation needs to be addressed. Ms. Jensen plays along with him, holding out the Ab to see if he will adjust naturally. When he does not, she asks if his pitch is higher or lower than hers. He is able to tell it is higher, and knows to loosen his embouchure (or, rather, not tighten it quite as much) to bring the pitch in tune. Reese discovers that an effortless approach yields better intonation and tone quality.