Klarinet Archive - Posting 000180.txt from 1996/12

From: "Joie Canada , Jcanada713@-----.com>
Subj: Re: clarinet survival tips
Date: Sun, 8 Dec 1996 05:26:43 -0500

Having barked and snorted through many a concert, not to mention reheasals, I
have come to the conclusion that a good bag to put the dead tissues in is a
must or your neighbors will hate you! I was once told by a standmate that if
I quit kissing the cat I would quit having hairballs. This was in the middle
of a concert and talk about hard to keep going! We were both snickering so
bad about the idea that we could hardly play. Fortunately, we had a long
rest to compose ourselves and since the piece was a Wagner excerpt, the
conductor's attention was on the horns and we escaped detection.

I find that the vibrations coming from the mouthpiece loosen my sinuses no
end and the beginning warmups set off a nasal flood and I feel much better
for it. I use throat lozenges (the sugarless kind) to keep my throat from
tickling so much and try not to contaminate anyone else. Dry-up pills make
my mouth too dry to play as well as I like, so I avoid them before playing.
Had my flu in September this year so I hope I am done for the season! Knock
on wood--it's close at hand.

Best wishes for a healthy winter,

Joie