 The Clarinet BBoard
|
Author: Laurie
Date: 2004-03-03 20:44
Hi,
I remember reading somewhere, that both players in the NY Phil - Stanley Drucker and I forget his name, both have non-traditional posture. They sit up straight but opposed to having thier feet conventuanly on the floor, they have their legs extended with their ankles crossed. Something dealing with breathing or such.. Is this correct ? Is there any benefits to sitting like this ? Help.
Laurie
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: BobD
Date: 2004-03-03 22:28
Crossed ankles is traditional among us older players
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: sfalexi
Date: 2004-03-04 06:26
I would say that it's probably preference. Judging by all the great musicians who sit "normal", I figure there's nothing wrong with that. With me at least, it'd be uncomfortable to sit with the legs extended, ankles crossed. That would mean I'd have to twist my body and/or angle my clarinet in order to avoid the bell from hitting my thighs. And this would bother me.
US Army Japan Band
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Brenda
Date: 2004-03-04 11:58
I'm probably a rebel in this, but you wouldn't believe how my legs are folded or stretched out while I practice (but not while performing). The air stream and support never has to come from my legs, only from the lower lungs, with diaphragm support. So the torso has to be able to expand and the airways to open up - who cares what your legs are doing. They're supposed to be relaxed anyway. If these people are famous for their playing, what can you say?
When you think about it, what difference does it make if you sit up straight while playing (the legs are bent at the hips) or if you stand up while playing (no bending at the hips)?
A funny looking position may not affect the playing, but would distract attention away from the great music you're playing and get the audience to focus instead on the sitting position. That's probably the biggest reason to "behave" while performing.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: William
Date: 2004-03-04 15:26
It is difficult to argue against success. Whenever I would discourage my young school musicians against puffing their cheeks out while playing, frequently some bright young player would bring in a picture of Dizzy Gillespie. So now it's Stanley and his crossed ankles--Yikes!!!
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: clarinetwife
Date: 2004-03-04 18:27
It also occurs to me that when sitting in this way, many people would naturally lean back, not sit up straight. I know I have a natural tendency to lean back a bit for balance when I stretch my legs out in front of me.
Gravity--it's the law
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: David Spiegelthal ★2017
Date: 2004-03-04 20:52
Any chance they are double-lip players and support some of the weight of the clarinet by holding the bell between their legs? (I'm just speculating.)
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
The Clarinet Pages
|
 |
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
