Klarinet Archive - Posting 000834.txt from 1998/07

From: "Kevin Fay (LCA)" <kevinfay@-----.com>
Subj: RE: [kl] More on hand position & thumbs
Date: Thu, 23 Jul 1998 13:21:50 -0400

Hey, J--

I, too have long thumbs--and I *think* from your description that my thumb
curls up like yours. I use the same solution that you do--the bell goes
between my knees. For Eb (in the pit when the audience can't see) I cross
my legs so that the Eb bell will rest on an outstretched knee as well.

This must work somewhat OK, since I sit at a computer keyboard all day, play
clarinets a fair amount at night and don't have tendonitis. My thumb does
get sore still, however, so I am considering the neck strap route (although
can't imagine it will help on Eb).

I find the idea of short skirts in the pit to be . . . interesting.
Especially with the assertions in an earlier post regarding (ahem) how hard
your reeds are, while doing the Wagner thing. I'm sure some of our young
college guys on the list would be more than happy to oblige should an
opening come up in your pit orchestra . . .

kjf

-----Original Message-----
From: Jacqueline Eastwood [mailto:eastwooj@-----.EDU]
Subject: [kl] More on hand position & thumbs

I'm a little behind on topics, I realize, but I wanted to add a couple of
things to what I believe Teri Herel was saying about playing postures.

I too support the bell with my knees, being only 5'5" on a good day, but I
always try to hold the sides of the bell, leaving room for the sound to
come out. (Since I work in the pit, I can get away with short skirts!)

One thing no one has mentioned with regard to elbows being away from the
body: women have breasts, and developing girls (i.e., students) are
developing them! To be frank, sometimes they get in the way, and as
teachers of middle and high school kids, people need to be aware of that.
I recall one teacher I had who was determined that my elbows were too far
out. I showed him the result when I changed my posture to what he thought
was the ideal -- the left hand does not make for a comfortable boob prop!
It was rather embarrassing; teenage girls will be uncomfortable
expressing this to their teachers, so it's something to be aware of
without making it a big deal. (I still have trouble sometimes when
playing Eb!)

And now I have a question about thumb structure as it affects hand
position. I have very long thumbs -- the second knuckle bends above where
the thumb blends into the rest of the hand. This has caused me problems
with the thumb rest -- I try to set it on the top knuckle and not let my
thumb bend backwards (I'm double-jointed too). It's not always easy to
maintain this position, and I have contemplated having the thumb rest
moved up higher so the "C" formed by the thumb and index finger is more
"level" (as it is now, the thumb is lower than the index finger and it
feels unnatural to me). Has anyone else had experience with this, or even
with moving the thumb rest permanently? I don't want to drill extra holes
in my horn if it's not going to help! TIA for any assistance!

Jacqueline Eastwood
University of Arizona/Arizona Opera Orchestra
*and now* Double Ring Cycle Survivor
eastwooj@-----.edu

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