Klarinet Archive - Posting 000595.txt from 2000/02

From: alevin@-----. Levin)
Subj: Re: [kl] Rhythm training, was: daily playing
Date: Mon, 14 Feb 2000 23:41:25 -0500

Ann:

In high school, the two and three-day performance marathons (such as
county and district band festivals) would leave me with cut and bloody
lips on the inside of my mouth. I never had a teacher who could get
through to me just what had to be done to prevent it. I still have
residual scarring. Relaxation and a silicone tooth guard saved me. I
understood reeds and mouthpieces well enough for my age; but not barrels or
breathing. The sad thing about proper breathing is that it requires you to
breath from the abdomen (which controls exhalation) and diaphragm which
controls inhaltion and retention). In our figure-conscious society it
makes many teenagers feel unglamorous. But when done correctly you know
it. When you do it and you are out of shape your abdominal and lower back
muscles don't let you forget your sins.

Allen

At 11:12 PM 2/13/00 EST, you wrote:
>
>On Sat, 12 Feb 2000 11:32:59 -0500 alevin@-----. Levin)
>writes:
>>To all who have been following this string:
>>
>> It took me a very long time to learn relaxation. I'm certain
>that my
>>teachers told me to relax; but it never quite got through to my brain.
>All
>>through college and grad school my playing was on a plateau. Once in a
>>blue moon I could play up to my own expectations; but not often. I was
>an
>>adult (actually 33) before I was able to integrate relaxation, good
>>breathing and a proper embouchure and use the technique I already had.
>My
>>playing improved dramatically - almost overnight. I've always regretted
>>the wasted time. It altered my career choice. While I'm happy with my
>>career, now, I don't wish to see more young players miss out on the
>option
>>of a performance career - or ever miss the satisfaction of playing as
>well
>>as they can.
>>
>> Allen
>Allen,
>
>The more you describe, the more i see that we are talking about similar
>end results.
>
>>My playing improved dramatically - almost overnight.<
>
>i have experienced this, on the clarinet.
> and as a viola beginner, i could make listenable sound quality almost
>immediately. without the help of needing to breath specifically from the
>diaphram.
>
>>>or ever miss the satisfaction of playing as well as they can.
>
>YES.
>I often play close to what i imagine. and when i do not, usually have a
>good idea of what aspect IS the barrier, and how to improve-- mind, body,
>preparation.
>
>good discussion
>
>annhall
>
>you wanna talk 'bout tension?
> not only did my R thumb attached muscles hurt, my top teeth would feel
>loose after a couple of hours.
>
>
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