Klarinet Archive - Posting 000150.txt from 2011/03

From: hns692@-----.com
Subj: Re: [kl] sitting, standing; a comment
Date: Sat, 19 Mar 2011 12:51:25 -0400


Alexander's recommendations regarding stand height and head position would
cause me a problem. I have a C-6 cervical spine herniation that goes
against both the stand and head positions, since with my head in a more upright
position, the herination is further pinched -- and extremely painful.
Unless I require surgery, I think I'll continuing using the less desirable
position and continue breathing from my diaphragm. It might be a good idea
for the teachers using Alexander to keep this in the back of their mind(s).

Lee Ann Hansen

In a message dated 3/19/2011 11:35:07 A.M. Central Daylight Time,
gsurosey@-----.com writes:

> Is studying Alexander technique necessarily an extended process (you say
> you've spent a few years at it)?

What exactly is Alexander technique? I've heard it mentioned, but don't
actually
know what it is.

I've also been exploring the sitting vs standing thing. My teacher tells
me when
I sit, I'm almost too upright. He says my shoulders tend to be too far
back,
like I'm bending backwards past the straight point (or whatever I'm trying
to
say; I don't have the best way with words and don't remember exactly what
he
said). He thinks that may be part of my lack of breath support problem in
that
my body mechanics are cutting my air supply off. I'm trying to get used to
supporting more (and boy, is it tiring).

Speaking of, perhaps you guys can shed some light on this. My teacher says
that
when you support more, you can play longer on one breath (and I'm finding
out
that it's true). I'm trying to understand how this works. It seems
counterintuitive to me that when you're supporting and expending more air
faster, you can play longer. How does this work?

Rachel

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