Klarinet Archive - Posting 000081.txt from 2002/12

From: Donna Higgins <Donna@-----.com>
Subj: Re: [kl] Benefit of taking time off
Date: Wed, 4 Dec 2002 22:17:26 -0500

Wayne P Hill wrote:

> I found myself forced to take some time off for medical reasons back in
> march. Since the problems I had forced me to give up a career I found it
> far too painful emotionally to play at all up until very recently. I would
> never recommend taking as long a break as I did (9months plus)

Similar experience here, although my layoff was not total, and was caused by
depression over a breakup and not by medical problems.

I didn't play at all from last March until about two months ago, except for
showing up at rehearsals and concerts an average of once or twice a week
(community orchestra/band stuff, much of which I'd played before so I already
knew the music). But now that I'm starting to practice more, I'm noticing
that my sight-reading is better than it's ever been, and my technique has
improved.

On the down side, my embouchure is totally shot and my tone quality is
suffering. Back to daily long tones for me......

- Donna

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