Klarinet Archive - Posting 000313.txt from 1997/04

From: "L. BORCHERT" <lborcher@-----.EDU>
Subj: Re: Lip cushion?
Date: Thu, 17 Apr 1997 08:57:17 -0400

On Wed, 9 Apr 1997, Frank Garcia wrote:

> >I've read in the past short while on Klarinet a suggestion on using some
> >kind of material to form a cushion for the lower teeth so they won't
> >hurt the lower lip etc. The material had something to do with "sports"
> >and was put into hot water and then on teeth to form a "perfect fit." I
> >looked through the mail still on my machine, serched the archives (it
> >was before the "last updated on" date), and couldn't find it. I spent
> >close to forty minutes trying many search strings, but still couldn't
> >find it. If anyone still has this article, please do e-mail it to me,
> >as my semi-crooked lower teeth are hurting my lips. My teacher
> >suggested I use a piece of paper, which does work, but I'd like to try
> >that material.
> >(snip)
>
> I do not know what this item is, although it reminds of a football player's
> mouthpiece. I use florist's tape, which can be purchased in any craft
> supply store. It is thin, easy to use, forms well to your teeth and will
> not absorb moisture and tear like paper does. I usually fold a small piece
> over itself so that I am playing on two layers, which is plenty to keep my
> lip protected through several hours of playing.
>
> Frank Garcia
>
> ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
> Frank Garcia fgarcia@-----.edu
> Clarinet Instructor (715)394-8115
> University of Wisconsin-Superior
> ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
> --
>

Like Frank, I use floral tape whenever I play. Virtually all of my
students use it also.
I just finished doing a two-day series of clinics and sectionals with
middle school (grades 6-8) band in Albuquerque. I took along a roll and
handed it out to every clarinet student and showed them how I fold it for
the thickness I liked. They all used it at least for that day and several
remarked that it really helped their lips to not feel so sore after
several hours of playing. This was especially important, since most of
them were not used to playing that many hours in a day. I am curious
about the plastic film, though, and will have to try it.

This is my first response to the list, so I hope it goes out OK.

Laroy

Laroy Borchert
Professor of Clarinet
New Mexico State University
Las Cruces, NM 88003

   
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