Klarinet Archive - Posting 000129.txt from 2011/03

From: DGross1226@-----.com
Subj: Re: [kl] standing, sitting
Date: Thu, 17 Mar 2011 19:15:59 -0400

In a message dated 3/17/2011 2:40:11 PM Pacific Daylight Time, Margaret
Thornhill <clarinetstudio@-----.com> writes:

> ...it is a giant difference in how musically you are playing, in favor of
> your playing while standing.

Returning to the clarinet after a 31-year break in 1986, for the next 15
years I "sat" during all my private lessons with some truly wonderful
teachers. However, when I had my first lesson with Helen Goode-Castro at Cal State
Los Angeles, she let me know in no uncertain terms that "her" students stand
for their lessons. Needless to say, I totally support Margaret's endorsement
of standing while playing...and practicing!

While I haven't required that of the middle school clarinetists (U.S.
grades 6-8; 11-14 years old) I'm now coaching, I do make them sit on the edge of
their chairs with both feet flat on the floor, with their chins and stands
as high as possible, and their shoulders as low as possible. "It's the air,
stupid!"

Don Gross
La Canada, California
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