 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Sue G
Date: 2003-10-27 18:50
Hi there,
It's practice time again but I'm suffering with a bit of a cold at the mo and can't rustle up the strength to play my trusty pal for more than a few bars and it got me thinking ..........................
How on earth do you guys manage to play when you're not feeling to sparling and it's your livelihood as I'm sure it is for some who post on this board ????
It's ok for me I only play as a hobby and not to earn a living (just as well !!) but how do you cope with colds and stuff - especially the ones that creep onto your chests and linger ????
It's a frustration for me but it must be a real bind for those who play for a living.
Just wondering as I reach for Beechams !!!
Sue
:)
Hot toddy's all round for those of us with colds 'eh ??? !!!
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Author: msloss
Date: 2003-10-27 19:13
Soak your reeds in chicken soup.
In all seriousness, this is a real problem when the gig pays. Aside from the difficulties playing the instrument, you are of course blowing your germs on all of your colleagues. The professional thing to do is call a sub, particularly if you are off your game. Somebody like JJM should comment here since he's got a daily commitment in very close quarters. Putting the whole band/orchestra out of commission isn't really contributing positively to the cause.
Speaking for myself, I try to get a sub, but have been stupid on occasion and played gigs REALLY sick because I couldn't get someone to cover at the last minute. About 6 months ago I finished a gig running a fever so high I was disoriented and couldn't find my way home (followed by extreme spousal haranguing). Note to self -- spend more time practicing what is preached...
As for practicing -- put the horn down and concentrate on getting healthy first. It really isn't productive practice time if you are miserable or can't breath.
Feel better!
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Author: Brenda
Date: 2003-10-27 19:41
Hot chili peppers or similar sauce generously flavouring your small, garlic-laced supper, topped off with a couple shots of vodka straight, then into bed with a big comforter. Sleep it off and you should feel better in a few hours. Oh, unless you want to use Buckley's Mixture a few times a day!
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Author: hans
Date: 2003-10-27 19:44
Sue,
Mark has covered it well. I've played with a fever too, because there was no substitute tenor sax player available. It probably extended my recuperation time but when the team needs you.......
During illness and after recovering, it might be a good idea to use germicide generously on the mouthpiece to avoid recycling the infection.
Best wishes for a speedy recovery,
Hans
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Author: wyatt
Date: 2003-10-27 22:09
i take two reeds and call the Dr. (omar) in the morning.
speedy recovery.in›
bob gardner}ÜJ
Post Edited (2003-10-27 22:10)
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Author: BG ★2017
Date: 2003-10-28 04:11
As an orchestral player, my concerns become how far into the rehearsals are we as to whether or not it is prudent to try to get a sub. The level of difficulty of the music for that particular concert is certainly a factor. If you determine that you must play the concert series, then you just hope that you are physically able to do so and that you are not coughing or blowing your nose while the microphones are recording. I try to load up on whatever level of cold tablets that I think I can handle and keep a thick honey flavored cough medicine beside my chair. You have to be concerned for yourself, your colleagues, and the audience. Do everything possible to avoid getting sick in the first place (dressing warm, flu shot, vitamins, plenty of rest, etc.) and hope for the best!
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Author: Mark Pinner
Date: 2003-10-28 07:25
I am just fortunate that a cold or flu has never stopped me going to a gig or rehearsal. I try to sleep it off before hand and just bear it. Never ever take pseudoephedrine before you play. It dries out your mouth and everything else in your head as well as effecting your concentration, despite what the manufacturer tell you. I find a cold generally lasts no more than a couple of days and is worse early in the day and eases up at night, in my case anyway. I seldom get the flu as I don't work in, other than some theatres and venues, air conditioning. The benefits of lots of natural light, sunshine and fresh air are often underrated.
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Author: lycfmtkl
Date: 2003-10-28 07:38
I will stop playing and have as much sleep as I can.
Even with a mild cold. you certainly can't play as well as a healthy player.
You 'll spread the germs and viruses to other players.
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Author: Pam H.
Date: 2003-10-28 11:28
My most recent cold which this time turned into bronchitis, over that now, thank goodness. I pretty much took a break from playing as much as possible. Keep your mouthpieces disinfected more frequently when playing sick. Also replace your toothbrush once you're feeling better.
I don't earn a living at it either, but generally play a lot so...
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Author: D Dow
Date: 2003-10-28 14:55
Doing my current concert series with a throat and cold.
Using. Advil Cold and Sinus. Halls strong cough drops.
and Lemon and apple juice and alot of fluid.
This concert is a killer in that its a pops one and all I do is play. Not a break at all.....
back to bed.
David Dow
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Author: Brenda
Date: 2003-10-28 15:30
Say, David, they don't sell Buckley's Mixture there in New Bruswick? (nudge nudge) My husband introduced me to that awful stuff when I came to Canada. It's like the ad says, "It's awful, but it works". Diz, you think Marmite or Vegemite is bad? Halls strong cough drops don't hold a candle to this stuff.
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Author: David
Date: 2003-10-28 17:11
The way "guys" cope with even the mildest cold is to be whiney, useless and act like you're near death.
It's a proud tradition I've always adhered to.
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Author: Jim E.
Date: 2003-10-29 04:37
Its far easier to play with a cold than to sing with one! Several times over the years I've rehearsed several months to sing a work, only to have a cold take out my voice and I wound up in the audience.
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Author: Sue G
Date: 2003-10-29 20:42
Sing ????
Ooo er .........my singing voice is marginally worse than my clarinet playing at the best of times !!!
Sue
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Author: fmadison
Date: 2003-10-31 16:04
Hi,
I use my usual recipe.
1 Lemon Freshly squeezed juice into a cup of water
2 teaspons of honey
3 toss into the microwave for 3 minutes on high.
I find the honey coats my throat nicely and the heat and lemon
clears my sinuses.
Other people I have seen using thera-flu mix.
-Frank
It's the wood that makes it good!
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Author: jo.clarinet
Date: 2003-10-31 16:27
Sue - I hope your cold's eased up a bit by now and you can play again! I find it's really frightful when I get a day when for some reason or other I can't play - it doesn't seem like a proper day somehow!
Joanna Brown
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Author: Sue G
Date: 2003-10-31 19:38
Dear all ,
Thanks for your many and varied suggestions- fortunately I'm feeling much better now thanks.
I have missed not being able to play as much as I'd like to though - think I'm addicted !!!!
Hope you're all free of the dreaded sniffles !
Sue
:)
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