 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Robin
Date: 2000-08-02 14:42
If you happen to come accross this, Mr. Gibson, I've just read your aritcle from last year on Palatal Air leaks. I would be keen to discuss with you my own experience of 'that noise' if you are still interested in it.
Has anyone else experienced this embarrassing condition?
Robin.
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Author: Nick Conner
Date: 2000-08-04 02:47
I used to have it a couple years ago. i had a pretty bad embouchure though, so that may have been the problem. I don't know if having tonsils out matters or not, but I had them taken out at age 4. I used to breath wrong and ended up supporting with my throat, and I think that is why I ended up making those noises. I can make them on command though when I want to, so I might not have the same problem.
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Author: GKF
Date: 2000-08-06 05:15
I think I also read that article, but it's been a while. I could use a refresher on exactly what the "condition" is. Although it seems to be a little different for each of us, making it even more of a mystery...I believe it was a palatial air leak that made my junior recital an utter disaster! If anyone has any ideas on how to better this frustrating condition, please let me know.
In the past couple of years since that recital, I've tried to improve the situation through softer reeds, less resistance, etc. Of course, that creates other problems!
Please let me know of any other ideas -- that would be much appreciated. Perhaps we could discuss this at a Sunday chat sometime (If i ever remember to "attend" one!
Thanks and good luck to all who deal with this issue,
GKF
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Author: Robin
Date: 2000-08-07 14:16
Dear GKF
I have pretty much eliminated the problem by working on low breathing and positioning of the tongue. I personally found moving to softer reeds less effective than supporting my breath better - and, as you say, overly soft reeds lead to even more infuriating complications than the air leak anyway.
Try also to place the tongue more forward in the mouth. My sound production was too far back, and I think that somehow, this placed undue pressure on the soft pallate (as opposed having the pressure more forward on the hard pallate which won't leak).
While I'm not sure of the ins and outs of all this - the technical aspects, I understand how horrible the air leak can be and how few people seem able to help aside from asking, "Are you tired?"
I should also mention that at the height of my problem, about one year ago, I had cronic tonsillitis which led to a tonsillectomy. There was a bit of improvement after the op, the surgeon suggesting that the enlarged tonsils were straining the soft pallate, causing a splint in the airway.
But my breath and tongue were even more important, I think.
The main reason I posted was because I remember C. Gibson asking readers to respond with their experiences of the air leak. It was so traumatic for me, I sort of feel like I should help out in any research which he might be doing (or have done).
All the best, in 'air-leak commradeship',
Robin
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Author: Jem B
Date: 2013-10-24 14:27
I have just started a blog on this if anyone is interested in sharing and joining in: http://www.airleak.blog.com
Jem B
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