Klarinet Archive - Posting 000439.txt from 1998/11

From: "Edwin V. Lacy" <el2@-----.edu>
Subj: Re: [kl] Clarinet playing and fever
Date: Thu, 12 Nov 1998 04:38:22 -0500

On Wed, 11 Nov 1998, Nicholas Yuk Sing Yip wrote:

> It is not very recommended to play or play that much when you are sick.
> When you play or sing you are working your diaphragm muscles. When you
> are sick and working muscles you tire faster.

I've been playing in various professional situations for nearly 50 years,
so naturally I have played many times when I didn't really feel like it,
and some times when I really should have been in bed and under a doctor's
care. However, when other people are counting on you, not playing is not
an option. So, to the best of my recollection, I have never missed a
performance due to illness. Sometimes I had to take my cold remedies and
my tissues on stage with me, but as these occasions have not been very
frequent, I have just kept going.

I missed one performance in 1950 when I was 12 years old due to being in
the hospital to have my tonsils removed, and another one in 1981 due to
attending the funeral of a close family member. In 1964 I was scheduled
to play a rehearsal 85 miles away from where I lived, and didn't make it
due to being in an automobile accident. Other than those, I don't recall
missing a scheduled performance or rehearsal.

Some say we shouldn't play when we have a cold because you can "blow the
infection into your ears." However, doctors have told me not to be
concerned about that. So, I don't waste any time thinking about such
things. I just assume that I if there is a performance I am supposed to
play, I will be there, God willing.

Sometimes students will come to me to say something like, "I just broke up
with my boyfriend/girlfriend, and don't feel like having a lesson today,"
or, "I had a cold this week and didn't get enough practice." I regard
this as my opportunity to give them an introduction to the real world. I
certainly can't go to the conductor of my orchestra and say that I just
had an argument with my wife and so I won't be able to play the concert
tonight. If I haven't had time to practice my part, I just have to do the
best I can. More than one such occasion, and I will be in danger of
losing my job. Students generally can relate to this way of thinking
about music and responsibility.

Ed Lacy
el2@-----.edu

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