Klarinet Archive - Posting 000407.txt from 1997/10

From: Dee Hays <deerich@-----.net>
Subj: Re: Crossing ankles, sitting, and playing the cello. Not.
Date: Sun, 12 Oct 1997 01:51:05 -0400

C Henderson wrote:

> You wrote:
> > Crossing the ankles often makes
> > resting the horn in your calves (if you are short like me) or your knees
> > easier. I have long since given up giving a damn on how it looks visually.
> > Of all the things to do wrong, I don't find this one objectionable. And in my
> > case, it is necessary.
>
> I find it more comfortable too - but what do you do when the conductor
> blows you up for not sitting with your feet flat on the floor (and,
> incidentally is a much better clarinettist than I am, so I can't beat him
> in a technical discussion!)?

Personally I think if you don't affect your breathing and don't muffle the notes
with your clothes or legs, that it's no problem. BUT you are fighting traditional
training attitudes here.

If he is much larger than you are, ask him how long he can hold say a tenor sax (or
even baritone sax if he is really big) without a strap and without resting it on
something. It would be comparable to smaller adults and children trying to hold a
clarinet for a long time.

Now for a couple of possible practical solutions.

1. Have your tried a neck strap? They do help a lot of people and on television I
saw the clarinettist of the Metropolitan Opera orchestra using one. I use one
sometimes.

2. I have seen a stand in a catalog designed to support the weight of the clarinet
while playing. I don't know how well it works though.

Dee Hays
deerich@-----.net
Canton, SD