Klarinet Archive - Posting 000083.txt from 2002/12

From: "William Semple" <wsemple@-----.com>
Subj: Re: [kl] Benefit of taking time off
Date: Thu, 5 Dec 2002 06:54:08 -0500

These are wonderful responses. The mind and muscles need time to absorb. In
my case, after my house fire in 1994, I didn't play seriously for quite
sometime. But I have since achieved a higher level of performance than ever
before. For some reason, my ear, technique, tone are simply better . . .
Some of this is due to the reeds and my new instrument, but most of it is
me. I hear better; I am more patient, less anxious.

I apply this principle to practice sessions. I break up sessions to pursue
other activities during the day, such as riding my bike. (which I honestly
believe helps my breath control immensely). Albert Tipton, principle flute
at the Detroit, told me once that he thought about as much as he played
during his sessions.
I put the instrument down a lot and simply think.

Accordingly, it seems I also get more out of each study. In the old days, I
would play notes by the thousands, and like a bad golf swing, keep repeating
the same mistakes.

There is one constructive story I heard about a trombone player in the
Chicago Symphony Orchestra when I was on the staff there. He had a small
horse farm west of the city. One day, he got kicked in the mouth while
shoeing one of his horses. (Why someone who depended on his hands and mouth
would be doing this, Lord knows). His recovery took months of
reconstructive surgery. Eventually he returned to the CSO. Word was that his
playing had not only returned to its previous form, but had reached a new
level.

Something like Lance Armstrong.

Not that I endorse people getting ill or having accidents as a way of
achieving progress . . .but time off helps the mind, the soul, and the
sound.

---------------------------------------------------------------------