Klarinet Archive - Posting 000549.txt from 2002/05

From: w7wright@-----.net (William Wright)
Subj: [kl] Maintenance pays !!! Even if you don't think you need it
Date: Mon, 20 May 2002 23:12:14 -0400

For the last few months, I've been working to increase my breath
stamina. Some of the phrases that I've been playing recently are
simply too long for me.

I don't regret exercising to take deeper breaths with my diaphragm,
but.......

Last week my clarion register disappeared. Obviously a pad was leaking
or the register tube was clogged, or whatever. So I took my clarinet
in for maintenance.

I got it back from the repair shop today, and those long phrases.... I
can play them now and still have plenty of breath left over. Obviously
I was struggling against leaks without realizing it. (Hey, now that
I've worn out a pad or two, can I claim to be an 'experienced'
musician?)

I feel like the joke about bathing once a month, whether you need it or
not. EVEN IF YOU DON'T THINK YOU NEED IT, TAKE YOUR INSTRUMENT TO THE
REPAIRMAN FOR GENERAL MAINTENANCE AT LEAST ONCE A YEAR !!!!

<Bill climbs down off his soapbox> <but he's learned his lesson>

Cheers,
Bill

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