Klarinet Archive - Posting 000279.txt from 1999/06

From: Alan.Woodcock@-----.net
Subj: [kl] Re: Posture, Hara, Tai Chi, etc.
Date: Mon, 7 Jun 1999 06:26:23 -0400

Jack Kissinger <kissingerjn@-----.EDU> wrote :

>>I have two comments on the thread that has developed from this post:

>>1. (As is often the case ;^) ), it has little to do with the original
question and, in fact, (as is also often the case) the person who asked the
question hasn't received much of an answer.

Yes, isn't it funny? But I was not surprised, because the subject of
standing .vs. sitting has often come up on this list, usually in connection
with Double Lip. So when you write

>> Alan wrote, "I know there are people who say you should not stand
..." I don't know who these people are or where this assertion comes from.

... well, now you know... they have revealed themselves...

I did get one relevant and positive reply, from "J. Michael Norsworthy"
<mnorswor@-----.

Now, while I'm only a very humble amateur clarinettist, in my profession I
very often have to talk in public, give presentations, etc, sometimes to
quite large assemblies. I always stand. I have things to say and the
posture helps me to say them. And it helps people to receive my messages.
That I know.

Of course it is not just a question of standing. I know people who stand
and communicate nothing. Sometimes I have to sit. It's less dynamic, but
things like presence, projection etc. still have to be established. The
message must get through.

Isn't it the same thing with a musical instrument?

GTGallant seems to perceive some of this, but unfortunately mentioned the
word "showmanship" which got the thread off onto another - to me irrelevant
- track. "If you stand, you're a showman, you dance around on the
stage..."

Here is the serious question :

Is not posture when playing a fundamental technique (just like breathing)?
If so, should it not be taught?
Are there not techniques which go beyond simple (restrictive) rules like
"always stand for a concerto", "never stand if you use double lip"?
Just like for breathing "from-the-diaphragm-that-we-can-never-perceive":
may there not be a whole new set of "metaphors", as Tony Pay calls them,
which could help us to establish our position in front of the audience?
(and to ourselves - perhaps even more important?).

Mr Kissinger - you write that your wife is a certified Tai Chi instructor -
I'm sure she would have an opinion - if so, please post.

Hey, you japanese members, what about a comment on "hara"?

Alan Woodcock

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