Sharel Cassity: Reed Break-In, Rotation, and Warm-Up Routine

The VandorenUSA crew sits down to discuss all things reeds with Vandoren Artists Sharel Cassity and Albert Rivera.

*This video was recorded during the 2021 JENX Conference

When Sharel Opens a New Reed

1. When you open a new reed, soak it in water by quickly dipping in a glass.

2. Sharel advises not to use saliva because of the sugars and enzymes can easily break down your reed.

Break-In Process

1. Play for 5 minutes, not too high, not too low.

2. Next day, play the reed a little longer for 5-10 minutes.

3. On the third day, increase the time to 10-20 minutes and mark on the bottom of the reed using a system that works for you. Sharel uses number (1, 2, and 3).

Rotation

1. Sharel has 6 reeds in rotation that she uses.

2. Usually, Sharel has 3 new reeds she's breaking in, and 3 older reeds she uses for performances or practice sessions.

Warm-Up Routine

1. Start with a chromatic scale starting on either a low Bb, B, or C and play chromatically up to Bb, B, or C.

2. Play a Ballad, focusing on your breath, tone and being lyrical. This opens up your harmonic mind, gets your fingers warm, and prepares you for your practice session.