Klarinet Archive - Posting 000298.txt from 1996/02

From: Dave Lane <davelane@-----.NET>
Subj: Re: FW: Extending Practice time
Date: Mon, 12 Feb 1996 03:00:52 -0500

At 01:03 PM 2/11/96 -0800, Renee Isar wrote:

>I have been playing clarinet for the last 4 years after a 12-year break =
>of not playing after college. I can practice for about an hour before =
>my mouth becomes too sore and I can't go on. Sometimes I want to =
>practice longer. Does anyone have any ideas how can increase my =
>practicing time??
>

Renee, I am not a daily player and my endurance is also not great. Is the
problem that you tend to cut your lower lip after that length of time? I
manage this problem in two ways:

1. I checked with my dentist, who was very receptive to helping me. When I
explained the mechanics of clarinet playing to him, he found that he was
able to relieve the sharp edge of my bottom teeth with a slight sanding! He
does it about once a year (no charge at checkup time), and I understand that
(at least for me) it poses no threat to the health of the teeth. Any
children listening are cautioned not to try this at home! If I'm playing
only an hour a day this is sufficient.

2. If playing for longer than a hour at a stretch, I use a tooth guard.
Charles Bay markets a product called "Lip-ease" which is an excellent
plastic material for making your own; basically you fold a couple of
thicknesses of this flat material and fold it over your bottom teeth. It
conforms to the shape of your teeth as it warms in your mouth and makes a
thin, slightly resilient covering for the teeth. It is reusable and one
piece will last me a couple of months. You will instantly adjust to playing
with it, and it is so comfortable I sometimes forget to take it out when I
finish.

Many pros use something similar, either wax paper, cigarette paper, or a
custom-made guard.

The lip-ease is carried by Leblanc, so you may find it at your local music
store. International Musical Suppliers,Woodwind/Brasswind and Phillip Muncy
all carry it if you want to order by phone.

Best Regards

Dave