 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Tom
Date: 2003-02-26 00:21
I've noticed that if I hold a note for any length of time (say 6 seconds or more), my neck starts to inflate and my veins stick out! This is worrying - but is it a sign of bad technique? Why is it happening, and what can I do to sort it out?
Any help welcomed.
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Author: Synonymous Botch
Date: 2003-02-26 11:40
This is a sign of excessive resistance in your rig.
One of the modern Saxophone heroes, Michael Brecker, played for years with what looked like a turtle-neck sweater during gigs... it was an improvised brace built by his ENT doctor to counteract this same problem.
A little is not such a problem (say if you're holding whole notes for 8 measures - *ah* the joys of third clarinet parts) but SIX seconds?!
This can lead to distension of the soft palate and a Vaso-vagal response where the Carotid artery and Vena Cava are compressed. (Us old folks do this most every morning, so it's within the realm of normal physiology.)
The bottom line is that repeating this pressurization at high frequency MAY lead to ear, nose and throat problems later.
It may also lead to unexpected notes when you 'accompany' yourself.
Pursue the least amount of resistance that still retains some dynamic control (and don't whine about the suggestion as 'hurting' you sound).
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Author: ebasta
Date: 2003-02-27 22:54
my throat became sore after playing the bass clarinet loudly for> 30 mins.
I have never had this happen with the tenor sax. your mouth and throat become extensions of the instrument. you have to take it easy.
ed
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