Klarinet Archive - Posting 000619.txt from 2000/12

From: Bill Hausmann <bhausmann1@-----.com>
Subj: Re: [kl] deep breaths: Stand or Sit?
Date: Tue, 12 Dec 2000 19:32:34 -0500

At 07:53 AM 12/12/2000 -0500, Terry Sterkel wrote:
>A technical note: When I do the annual physical exam schtick,
>the clinician makes me stand up to take the spirogram(sp?).
>Reason? You gain up to 25% lung capacity when you stand up.
>
>I will remain seated, thank-you
>
The extra lung capacity you gain from standing up may be very much
over-rated. In a relatively low air volume instrument like a clarinet
(even moreso for oboe), you frequently have to EXHALE excess stale air
before taking a fresh breath anyway. Besides, if you MUST stand to play
properly, that would pretty much limit your performance opportunities to
solo engagements. Orchestras, bands, pits, and even most chamber groups
would tend to exclude you from consideration. On the other hand, as has
been pointed out earlier, very highly regarded soloists have performed
SEATED in front of orchestras. Sitting in such a fashion also tends to
reduce nerve induced shaking among those of us lacking total confidence,
what I refer to as "knee vibrato."

I, too, except in certain solo settings, will remain seated.

Bill Hausmann bhausmann1@-----.com
451 Old Orchard Drive http://homepages.go.com/~zoot14/zoot14.html
Essexville, MI 48732 ICQ UIN 4862265

If you have to mic a saxophone, the rest of the band is too loud.

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