Klarinet Archive - Posting 000023.txt from 2009/04

From: Shannon McNeely <shannon.mcneely@-----.com>
Subj: Re: [kl] Getting back into shape
Date: Fri, 03 Apr 2009 21:16:01 -0400

Patricia,
Congratulations on getting back to playing. There is nothing quite
like it to satisfy that musical itch. I am answering you because I
didn't play for 15 years because of 3 young children, a mother who
lived with us for 6 years and had late-stage Alzheimer, and very
hectic work schedule, not to mention my very patient husband.

I picked up my horn and was able to play about 5 minutes to start.
After a couple of weeks, I was able to play about 30 minutes without
stop. At that point, I joined a community band to get back to playing
with a group, sight reading, and all the other skills a group gives
you. Gradually, over the next year, and without too much effort and
without much consistency, I was able to play as long as I wanted.
Certainly, I was not tired at the end of the rehearsal.

I didn't overdo playing and just played the basic stuff from Baerman
to get my fingers working again, plus some easy Rose etudes. The rest
of the playing came from the band. I found that not only did I have to
regain my embouchure but I also had to re-teach my fingers how to move
smoothly.

Three years later, I practice 2 hours a day and just finished an
opera. What a change from the 5 minutes!

You'll be fine. Just don't hurry the process and don't get frustrated
with your progress. It's like riding a bike - your muscles remember
what to do but just can't quite do it immediately. Take it nice and
slow and enjoy the progress you make.

Shannon McNeely

On Apr 3, 2009, at 5:59 PM, Patricia A. Bandy-Smith wrote:

> I guess some of us go through this, but I thought I would put it out
> to the list. At one time, I played professionally with the U.S.
> Navy fleet bands, and did other gigs here and there. For the last
> several years however, I have played very little, if at all. It is
> finally time to remedy this appalling situation. I put it to you
> all bluntly: What kind of practice routine do you suggest for
> someone who wants to get back into playing shape? I'm looking into
> the article "For the Part-time clarinettist" on woodwind.org, but
> I'm also interested in your opinions and experiences. The more
> specific the better.
>
> I work a nine hour day at a non-music job 8 days every two weeks
> (with one 8 hour day and one day off every two weeks), so I don't
> have a lot of time right now if I want to get to bed at a decent
> hour. However, I definitely want to put the work in on the horn,
> and would like your ideas as to how to best go about it. I don't
> know where this will lead, but I simply want to start playing for
> real again.
>
> Patricia Bandy-Smith
>
> ------------------------------------------------------------------
>

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