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Playing with a Cold

Author: brahma
Date: 2009-01-29 18:00

Hi all.

I haven't really been playing my clarinet for a few weeks - since Christmas actually - as I have had a bereavement in my family and I haven't really been inclined to pick it up. As I'm a beginner, this has really hit my abilities quite hard.

I am now "getting going" again but have developed a bit of a cold over the last few days - another knock back!! My question is, should I carry on playing with a cold or is this bad practice? Probably a bit of a daft question but I thought I'd ask.

Many thanks,

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Re: Playing with a Cold

Author: cigleris
Date: 2009-01-29 18:50

You can still play with a cold. It will sound a little strange if your ears are block and if you have bad sinus. I do if and when I get one or else I lose work. Luckily I try and avoid it or try and knock it on the head with a s many drugs as possible.

Get well soon.

Peter Cigleris

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Re: Playing with a Cold

Author: brahma
Date: 2009-01-29 19:41

Thanks Peter. Wasn't sure whether the cold virus would hang around on the reed / mouthpiece if I played with a cold? Think I'll get playing again tomorrow!!

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Re: Playing with a Cold

Author: cxgreen48
Date: 2009-01-29 19:57

You can always wash your reeds and mouthpiece with soap + water.

I've always thought I couldn't get sick again from something that I've already had before, since my immune system knows how to fight that cold now, so I just kept practicing anyway. (I hate when I get congested during playing :P )

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Re: Playing with a Cold

Author: kdk
Date: 2009-01-29 22:08

I've been told by several people, including doctors and other health pros, that in the process of fighting off the virus you build antibodies that give you immunity against being re-infected, at least for the near future.

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Re: Playing with a Cold

Author: BobD
Date: 2009-01-30 11:07

.....except for "cold sores". Those viruses (virii ?) last forever. I guess my attitude would be .....give it a rest, and if you have a cold sore don't put any of your clarinet stuff in your mouth.

Bob Draznik

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Re: Playing with a Cold

Author: Sean.Perrin
Date: 2009-01-31 01:44

Take some Sudafed if you have a gig or something, but otherwise, just take a rest!

Founder and host of the Clarineat Podcast: http://www.clarineat.com

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Re: Playing with a Cold

Author: Pam H.
Date: 2009-02-01 22:59

I've played with a cold quite a few times over the last ten years. The colds always seem to come for me during my busiest playing times. That's when I'm glad I'm not a singer. :-)

I do clean out the mouthpiece after feeling better. It might not hurt to replace your toothbrush as well.

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Re: Playing with a Cold

Author: Sarah M
Date: 2009-02-01 23:53

Sometimes being sick is a time to reflect upon one's practicing/performance techniques. I normally take the time out to do "shadow playing": fingering along at the correct rhythms but not using the reed. It is up to you whether you blow into the instrument (ie. actually want to touch the mouthpiece with your mouth). Sometimes this technique can be good to so that you can hear the air quantity/pressure going through the instrument. It is also good for finger muscle memory without having to worry about the reed/sound being produced. Try it!

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