Klarinet Archive - Posting 000653.txt from 2000/12

From: "Kevin Fay (LCA)" <kevinfay@-----.com>
Subj: RE: Re: [kl] Stand or Sit?
Date: Tue, 12 Dec 2000 19:33:08 -0500

Tony Wakefield noted:

<<<It is not uncommon for directors of large jazz ensembles to insist in
players standing, for the rhythmic benefits.>>>

Trumpet players in big bands prefer to stand, as it helps with the high
register. Many attribute this to the extra bit of air that one may or many
not be able to take in -- it's a point of controversy in trumpet pedagogy as
well as our list. Claude Gordon advocated taking the fullest possible
breath at all times. ("Chest Up!") Bobby Shew, OTOH, when teaching his
"wedge" method points out that a trumpet in the highest registers actually
takes little air; it's the *compression* and resulting air *speed* that is
important. Indeed, at the master class I attended he pointed out that the
highest levels of compression are attained on less than full lungs.

. . . but the difference is at the higher edge of the available range.
Orchestral trumpet players generally have no problems sitting down. Johnny
Audino and Snooky Young played lead while sitting for years, so even that
can be done seated. Nevertheless, most studio guys will ask to stand for
the high stuff -- and in the studio, it doesn't matter what you look like.

What does any of this have to do with clarinet? Not much. The amount of
compression/air support needed to successfully play clarinet. isn't even on
the chart in comparison. While standing may be a help. pedagogically in
inducing proper air support, a reasonably healthy human should have no
problem getting the necessary level of support while seated.

kjf

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