Klarinet Archive - Posting 000210.txt from 2000/12

From: stewart kiritz <kiritz@-----.net>
Subj: Re: [kl] Breathing
Date: Mon, 4 Dec 2000 13:52:13 -0500

I have chronic asthma and I don't believe that any of the general principals
of correct breathing for the clarinet affect how an asthmatic should
approach the issue. The only difference for me is that I need a bit more
attention to making sure to exhale enough, because asthmatics problem is
usually not that they can't get enough air, but rather on the expiration.
So perhaps there is more similarity to the oboe, where you build up CO2.

Actually, I suspect that the clarinet is a good instrument for an asthmatic,
since it forces you to excercise your vital capacity and make your lungs
more efficient. I do find that over the years I can't play quite as long
phrases and so need to find more creative ways of taking in a breath
unobtrusively. This is due to the chronicity of the problem. Over time,
small airways become somewhat reduced in capacity if you have a lifetime
with asthma, unfortunately.

Best,

Stewart Kiritz
----- Original Message -----
From: "Tony Wakefield" <tony-wakefield@-----.net>
Subject: Re: [kl] Breathing

> I wasn`t aware that breathing thru` the nose was a yoga exercise, in all
> seriousness. But obviously a medical condition will require some
> re-thinking. May I ask does that apply to you Marty? If so, could you
share
> with us how you overcome any breathing difficulties when playing. I`m not
> experienced medically with all of these difficulties, so would certainly
> welcome anything constructive. So, I can only advise and help any pupils
of
> mine to breath in a way which would be most comfortable for <their own>
> dilemma. I have some experience with asthma, and yes, breathing thru` the
> mouth is really the only easy way for this complaint. One has to be very
> careful in advising how fast the air flow into the clarinet may be for
these
> pupils, as they can very quickly feel light-headed, and may indeed faint.
> My post was obviously intended for the majority, none of who have as yet
> related any breathing problems similar what you list. For the majority,
what
> I originally posted can be very, very useful. It has indeed been an
> important part of Trinity College`s teaching (U.K.) up to a couple of
years
> ago, when Peter Howes retired, after serving several years as Principal of
> the Junior Woodwind Department.
> Best,
> Tony W.
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: <martinmarks@-----.com>
> To: <tony-wakefield@-----.org>
> Sent: 04 December 2000 15:41
> Subject: Re: [kl] Breathing
>
>
> > Breathing through the nose may be helpful as a yoga excercise, but for
> > players with sinus passages that are not completely clear or who
> experience
> > even occasional colds, have allergies or deviated septums, relying on
> this
> > method could be extremely dangerous in my opinion.
> > Marty Marks
>
>
>
>
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