 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: seafaris
Date: 2006-06-25 21:38
We live and work in Mexico and take two months vacation a year, mostly visiting family (CA to Arkansas) going to a few jazz festivals etc. So far we have been lucky with the owners of some of the motels we have stayed at enjoying and listening to a clarinet play (mostly light jazz and standards). This year and in the future we are going to be driving across country in a van, and doing some camping. Has anyone had any experience good or bad with camping and playing?
Thanks,
Jim
www.bajaseafaris.com
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Author: ClariTone
Date: 2006-06-25 21:56
My previous instructor once told me a story of one of his students who would serenade the furry woodland creatures while camping.
Practicing while camping could give you the oppurtunity to play in nature's ampitheatre - a truly awesome experience!!! I live on a hill in the country (miles from civilization) with an awesome echo effect. It is AMAZING!!!
Have Fun!!!
Clayton
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Author: seafaris
Date: 2006-06-25 22:14
Thanks Clayton,
My concern isn't with the furry creatures :-), but with the non-furry ones in the various campgrounds.
Cheers,
Jim
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Author: Terry Stibal
Date: 2006-06-25 22:16
The campgrounds that we frequent (mostly National Seashore parks) would take a dim view of any music making after the lights out time, usually 9:00 pm or so. As most of them are loaded with older folks, there's a good bet that someone out of the total attendance may object to nocturnal muic of whatever type you might choose to generate.
There remains the option of doing what you're out to do; i.e., take a vacation from your normal activities including music. It's a wild idea, but it just might work.
I did a musical sweep through the deep South five years ago. Played two band jobs a week apart, and left the horns in the boxes the rest of the trip. Refreshing both when I played and (as important) when I didn't.
leader of Houston's Sounds Of The South Dance Orchestra
info@sotsdo.com
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Author: John O'Janpa
Date: 2006-06-25 22:23
If you are practicing high, loud, and fast, do it in the daytime while everyone is hiking, canoing or whatever.
If you have any slow, soft, gentle music it can be played around the camp fire.
I have some fond memories of a flute being played gently and echoing off the mountains and ponds of northern Maine.
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Author: ginny
Date: 2006-06-25 22:48
I did a lot of "more air than sound" for practicing scales and such on one vacation in the motel. I jammed with a friend when camping and played for a dance. I practiced a bit when most were off hiking, not being a real hiker.
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Author: seafaris
Date: 2006-06-25 23:15
My vacations are centered around music (trying to get in a few jazz festivals) as is any of my free time, when I am not working. I have been doing this just for two years (beginning to learn music and play clarinet when I was 56) and I just love to play. At this time I use Band in a Box (a computer accompaniment program) to play with, which I play through a speaker or through headphones depending on where I am. My wife also plays clarinet and piano. I just don't want to bother anyone when I am traveling. I am hoping to meet other musicians in my travels, it would be great playing with other live musicians.
Thanks for all the great advice!
Jim
www.bajaseafaris.com
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Author: vjoet
Date: 2006-06-26 14:48
Strictly personal point of view?
A day without playing is just as detrimental as a day without a shower or without working out. Each is necessary to mental tranquility.
Personal opinion only.
vJoe
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Author: William
Date: 2006-06-26 15:26
If I am vacationing in a major metropolitan area--or even within an hours drive--I always check this website to see if there are any community bands that I might be able to sit in with for an evenings rehearsal. It's a great way to avoid vacation chops, meet new players and find out where the locals go for the best meals, shows, etc. However, rather than just showing up "unnanounced" at a rehearsal, it is advisable to contact the conductor or personal manager via phone or email. I have never been turned down and have always had an enjoyable time. Good luck.
http://www.boerger.org/c-m/commother.shtml
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Author: Cuisleannach
Date: 2006-06-28 01:14
I generally keep my technique if I don't get to practice for a while, but my lip has a tendency to go pretty quickly. To combat this I make sure to do what my teacher called Q-T exercises:
1. Start by pursing your lips as if you were saying the "kyewwwww", and tense your lips with firm, steady tension. You will maintain this tension throughout the exercise
2. In the space of 7-10 seconds draw your lips out into an almost smile, as if you were saying "teeeeeee"
3. over the space of 7-10 seconds draw your lips in again, maintaining the tension, and say "kyewwwwww".
4. Repeat until your lips fall off
This is very effective, and doesn't take very long (it can't...you should tire very quickly) and it works if you can manage it three times a day. I usually do them while stuck in traffic, to the great amusement of anyone sharing the road with me....it does make you look pretty funny.
-Randy
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