Klarinet Archive - Posting 000743.txt from 1998/03

From: Roger Shilcock <roger.shilcock@-----.uk>
Subj: Re: NeckStraps
Date: Thu, 12 Mar 1998 04:19:03 -0500

Which "joint" are we talking about here? I can think of at least 4
possible
relevant ones - middle of thumb, base of thumb, wrist and elbow.
Roger Shilcock

On Wed, 11 Mar 1998, L. BORCHERT wrote:

> Date: Wed, 11 Mar 1998 16:45:29 -0700 (MST)
> From: "L. BORCHERT" <lborcher@-----.Edu>
> To: Jennifer Rose McKenna <jrm0013@-----.edu>
> Cc: klarinet@-----.us
> Subject: Re: NeckStraps
>
> You are missing the purpose(s) of the neck straps.
>
> In some cases, the neckstraps are used to reduce the tension
> placed on the RH thumb as it supports the weight of the instrument. To
> lessen the pressure on the joint is of critical importance, as that is the
> area where tendonitis or overuse strains occur. (N.B. Usually this does
> not occur without added tension in the wrist/fingers/hand). If properly
> adjusted, the elastic strap will ease up the pressure on the joint itself,
> hopefully to allow the strain to heal more efficiently. That upward lift
> of your RH thumb support is important in the overall production of a
> "characteristic" clarinet sound. Leon Russianoff used to call it "chonk."
>
> In younger players, the elastic strap can help them realize the
> importance of the lift needed from the RH thumb to keep the mouthpiece
> firmly anchored behind the top teeth. If they are made aware of the the
> difference and improvement in sound, then the logic of using more RH lift
> will be encouraged. BTW, this is similar in concept to the use of the
> commercial support stands know as "Weight Lifters."
>
> All that being said, I do not start beginners with a strap or a
> stand, but I do use the elastic strap to demonstrate the lift and to
> encourage them to work for that "characteristic" clarinet sound. I would,
> however, encourage the use of the strap if I thought it would help them.
> Good teachers search for what works and there is a difference
> between "group truth" and "individual truth." [If you or one of your
> children are in the "one in a million" group, (I don't recall the exact
> percentage), that contracts measles from the vaccine, it doesn't matter
> what the percentages happen to be for everyone else, only you or your
> child is important]. Consequently, Ii a teaching technique works for
> one it might not work for everyone. I would not rule out using a
> neckstrap based on a pre-conceived opinion.
>
> Personally,, I do use a neckstrap when I perform a long recital
> or concerto where I have to be standing up and have the full weight of
> the instrument on my thumb for long periods of time. It sure helps
> relieve the strain on my thumb joint.
>
> This was a good question to ask and I look forward to hearing from
> others on the list as well.
>
> Laroy
>
> Dr. Laroy Borchert
> New Mexico State University
> Las Cruces, NM 88003
>
>
>
>
> On Wed, 11 Mar 1998, Jennifer Rose McKenna wrote:
>
> > Since we were on the subject of weight of wooden clarinets I
> > thought now may be a good time to get my question answered. Here at North
> > Texas, I am one of the few (actually 3 out of 20) who don't use a
> > neckstrap when playing. Dr. Gillespie plays with a neck strap and so he
> > has persuaded all of his students to play with one. I will not resist to
> > pressure....call me a sucker for tradition, but I don't see an incredible
> > need to use them unless your the type to get nervous when performing a
> > solo (standing). All of the students also use them when seated in
> > emsembles. I would like to know how many of you use neck straps, and why?
> > I understand that the clarinet maybe heavy to hold and that is the reason
> > some people use neckstraps, but I've played Alto and Bari sax, and Bass
> > Clarinet, and those are the only instruments that I have found need a neck
> > strap(bass clarinet only when marching). I'm intreseted in your feed
> > back. Do you think that starting clarinet with a neck strap is advised, I
> > think that the student should build up the muscles in the forearm first.
> >
> > thankyou in advance,
> >
> > jennifer mckenna
> > jrm0013@-----.edu
> > university of north texas
> > music ed major/clarinet concentration
> >
> >
> >
> >
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