Klarinet Archive - Posting 000582.txt from 2001/06
From: "Gene Nibbelin" <gnibbelin@-----.com>
Subj: RE: [kl] Right Thumb and Wrist Problems
Date: Wed, 20 Jun 2001 00:30:08 -0400
David -
I realize that someone of unusual "dimensions" could have a problem resting
a horn on their knees, but it seems that even a very tall person could still
get some support from a spot above the knees, if necessary.
I am 5'9" tall but am very short waisted and long legged. I sit up straight
with my feet comfortably flat on the floor and have no problem resting the
Bb a bit above the kneecap and the A just a little closer to the kneecap.
My teacher is about 6'2" and rather long waisted and he has no problem
resting his horns on his knees.
There may be some who aren't physically able to rest their horn on their
knees or legs, but I believe that most who want or need to, can do it. I
would venture that older clarinetists who have arthritis in their thumb and
wrist would be prime candidates for "knee resting" out of necessity
Best regards,
Gene Nibbelin
-----Original Message-----
From: David B. Niethamer [mailto:dnietham@-----.edu]
Subject: Re: [kl] Right Thumb and Wrist Problems
on 6/19/01 5:10 PM, Gene Nibbelin wrote:
>I have noted in reading the numerous "solutions" to these problems, that
the
>easiest solution is generally not mentioned. When I returned to playing,
>the arthritis of age in my wrist and thumb was causing me some problems, so
>I just started resting the horn on my knees. In addition to relieving any
>pain, I found a fringe benefit of keeping my hands (particularly the right)
>much more relaxed, enabling a considerably faster technique.
Unless your torso length and thigh length are perfect to for a right
triangle with your clarinet, you'll be rounding over your back when you
do this, and overstretching your arm muscles as you do. Those muscles are
the very ones that cause 4th/5th finger problems , esp. of the right
hand. When I had physical therapy for these problems, the therapist got
me to sit up straighter, which was helped by a daily dose of sit-ups -
the bent knee variety only.
David
David Niethamer
Principal Clarinet, Richmond Symphony
dnietham@-----.edu
http://members.aol.com/dbnclar1/
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