Klarinet Archive - Posting 000068.txt from 2008/06

From: Jason Tiller <jason@-----.org>
Subj: RE: [kl] Help: Dry mouth ruins performance
Date: Mon, 16 Jun 2008 19:29:58 -0400

Hi, Karl, :)

On Mon, 16 Jun 2008, Karl Krelove wrote:

> If it was nerves that "done you in," the best long-term solutions
> involve practicing to gain more control of the instrument and
> finding more playing opportunities to help get used to public
> performance and maintaining your composure.

I was thinking it was some unavoidable environmental problem, nothing
to do with me of course! Ha! Naturally, you're right. I've been a
musician all my life, but I've only begun performing on a wind
instrument in the last 6 months or so. It didn't help that other
engagements kept me from practicing the three previous nights,
either...

> Also, whatever's going on inside your mouth, make sure the reed is
> wet enough when you start and don't leave it exposed for long
> periods of time to the dry air - a drying reed doesn't respond well,
> adding to the misery.

Amen. The water is an idea I should have applied at the time. I
realize now that my reed was never moist enough - not even while I was
warming up. I didn't adjust to the extremely low humidity. Ah, well,
live and learn!

Excellent suggestions, all. Thanks Karl!

---Jason
Sonos
www.sonos.org

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