 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Brenda Siewert
Date: 2009-03-25 16:14
Ok, I'm not a woman who is ashamed to mention her age. I'm 58 and I've played clarinet 48 of those years. I'm playing better now than I did when I was in school and play with a couple of very good groups (pro and semi-pro) and do some solo playing with others. BUT, I've noticed some of the players I've worked with who are a bit older than I are beginning to lack the ability to play they once had. One player in particular is really having trouble with her embouchure and has begun to sound more like a beginner than an experienced player. She has had to remove herself from playing solos and other exposed solis.
I know Benny Goodman and many, many other clarinetists have played extremely well up into old, old age, so it's not everyone who is affected by this problem. Some people get arthritis in their hands and have to stop playing...others may have less mental ability than when they were younger.
Just practicing all the time is not the only thing. As we age we need to try to stay in shape mentally and physically. I'm not wanting to start a discussion on living healthy lifestyles...although that's certainly a plus to longevity. I'm just wondering how some of us are coping with aging and playing clarinet and if we have suggestions for helping stay in good playing shape and maybe even improving as we age. Like fine wine without a whine?
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Author: arundo
Date: 2009-03-25 16:52
Brenda:
At 58, I returned to the clarinet about 14 months ago after a 20 year hiatus. Since then I've practiced for about an hour a day each day and am playing better than ever. I believe the problems of arthritus and mental sharpness may be at least partly a matter of heredity. I have a little arthritis, but not enough to effect my playing. I think my brain is working better than ever, although my memory is less dependable. I don't smoke and am a vegetarian. And I get plenty of mental stimulation in my job, my political activism, my writing and reading. I hope to play a recital this year,
but have not yet come up with a pianist. We can't all be Placido Domingos, but we can try to do what's in our power to keep on making music.
mark
mark dickman
7738565490
markdickman82@hotmail.com
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Author: Paul Aviles
Date: 2009-03-25 17:01
In the post about Benny Goodman's clarinet, there was a quote from his daughter, "he even practices during the commercials of the World Series."
I think it really comes down to contunually putting in the practice time and the constant effort to improve on what you can already do.
Although with age comes experience and the knowledge that there are ways to practice more efficiently. But that must be balanced with practice, practice, practice.
...................Paul Aviles
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Author: Bluesparkle
Date: 2009-03-25 20:36
I sit next to an older lady in my community band. She has arthritis and invested in a clarinet that has closed hole keys so that her fingers don't have to line up as accurately. I thought this was a great solution to that problem. Her tone is not what I'm sure it used to be, but she's a great music reader and an asset to the band.
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Author: Ed Palanker
Date: 2009-03-25 23:16
I have taught some adults that have come back to the clarinet after years of neglect. The secret is to have the desire first, then the time and patience to practice on a regular basis. That doesn't have to mean hours a day, but a regular routine. Even a solid half hour to and hour a day, doing some slow scales, 12th long tones or something to concentrate on your embouchure, opening your throat,supporting the air etc. Then practicing some scale studies, an etude and a solo piece. Playing duets with a friend is great. It's always a good idea to take lessons from an experienced teacher as well to make sure you're doing things correctly. You can play well into your senior years if you keep the muscles strong and active. ESP http://eddiesclarinet.com
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Author: Brenda Siewert
Date: 2009-03-26 04:17
Reading and playing music is such a good exercise for the mind. It's really a benefit that we don't talk about too much because we're more focused on other benefits of playing instruments. The finger work is something that has to be kept up, but the mental exercises are really good for us.
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Author: Mike Baines
Date: 2009-03-26 08:15
'Practice, practice, practice' said Paul:
I agree, I didn't start to play the clarinet until I was 70, previously I'd played tenor sax until a severe back problem forced an extended layoff and finally a desire to find a rather more portable instrument. I had the good fortune to find a superb teacher who has lots of patience and gives a great deal of encouragement. Now, four years on, I'm beginning to feel comfortable, the sound I make is becoming reasonable, (changing embouchure wasn't easy), and because I find my dexterity is still improving I can, for example, do things now with the clarinet that I couldn't do last year. One of the great advantages of age is that one can usually find time to practice so that two or three hours a day can be dedicated to music. Retirement is wonderful!
Mike Baines
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Author: johnniegoldfish
Date: 2009-03-26 14:02
Also 58, I feel physical activity such as walking, get your heart and lungs pumping, can greatly influence the mental acuity needed to continue with many things we love. If your dog is fat you need to go for a walk.
Enjoy
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Author: Brenda Siewert
Date: 2009-03-26 14:13
I walk every day as well. My dog, alas, pulled a ligament in her knee (like a football injury for humans) and can't be taken for walks anymore. But it is true that any physical activity to keep us strong is good for playing instruments. Also doing focus exercises for the mind is a good thing...like memory exercises, etc.
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Author: Hank Lehrer
Date: 2009-03-26 15:12
Hi Brenda,
I'm still playing loud and strong in my early 70s. Lots of shows, three good collegiate/community bands, and various other outlets. The only problems are my vision (trifocals) and not as much lung capacity.
I think you need to look at The Nun Study, a longitudunal research effort funded by the National Institute on Aging. The subjects are members of the School Sisters of Notre Dame. There are some preliminary findings that indicate that some of the ravages of Alzheimer's can be mitigated by keeping an active mind at an early age (writing in this study).
As a researcher, I would be very interested in finding out if there is a link between individuals that use the high level cognitive processes of musical performance are also the same type of "idea density" things that Dr. Snowden, the PI, has identified.
This is good stuff, Brenda and may well answer some of your questions on a more theoretical level.
HRL
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Author: Brenda Siewert
Date: 2009-03-26 18:43
hmmm. Interesting. I read something once that mentioned reading and performing music does the same thing as working algebra problems. Since I was an absolute dud at math I found this comforting.
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Author: Roger Aldridge
Date: 2009-03-26 18:45
Brenda,
I'm in my 60's and in good shape. I do a number of specific things that help my playing as well as overall well-being: QiGong (Chinese movements related to Tai Chi), workout 4 times a week with dumbells and exercises, take Hemp Seed Oil and Hemp milk for Omega 3, 6, 9, and pure dark cherry juice (good for joints, etc). Also, I have a naturally curious mind and a great many things in life interest me. Even more importantly, I'm happily in love with my wife....which has made a huge difference in my life. I look at all of these things as being a part of a big picture in how I live.
Regarding specific things I do for playing:
I do not have instrument weight on my right thumb. I rest my clarinet bell on my right knee. Otherwise, my thumb will let me know that its not happy. I also use the Thumbsaddle on my Bb clarinet. It's wonderful for having less tension in my right hand.
On flute (concert and alto) I use only curved head joints. This avoids stretching the right arm...and the right arm and shoulder telling me about it!
On saxophone I found a neck strap made in Germany by a saxophonist who is also a yoga teacher. Without question, it's THE most comfortable strap I've ever used.
There may be a few other things I've had to do as a player to being older. But, these are the main ones that come to mind. Simply put, the idea is to avoid wear & tear...and stress on the body....as much as possible. And, to find things that help to renew the body such as Qigong. Kumbucha tea, also, is very good for the body.
Roger
Post Edited (2009-03-26 18:49)
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Author: Hank Lehrer
Date: 2009-03-26 20:14
Brenda,
Roger has it with "I have a naturally curious mind and a great many things in life interest me."
I forgot say that I am in my 45th year of teaching and am working off & on a very cool research project about the early US airmail navigation routes. Oh yeah, I just took the refresher course to renew my flight instructor certificate again in January.
While my renowned physical prowess may be on the decline, my mind is still working overtime.
HRL
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Author: Don Berger
Date: 2009-03-26 20:40
Reaching 90 in July [??], I try to keep ole body exercised as best I can, climbing stairs, breathing hard, playing a few cls, flexing little fingers [which seem to show what arthuritis I have]. A few drams of northern British Isles tonic seem to help more than hurt. Computer "surfing" and plural interests [climate change, patent activity, ret. home resident council] seem to help ole brain also. Keep busy, only weather on afternoon TV !! Don
Thanx, Mark, Don
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Author: Tinselworm
Date: 2009-03-27 12:27
I do feel like somewhat of an imposter posting to this thread at a mere 37. But... I've definitely noticed differences in some aspects of my playing nowadays, to how they were when I was 20.
The biggest one is a breathing/stamina issue. I'm significantly more - rotund, I suppose, would be the diplomatic choice of word - than I was at 20, and correspondingly more unfit, and I'm sure that doesn't help. I do tend to forget just how much of a physical work-out a two hour rehearsal is. I'm thinking perhaps something like yoga may help with this.
In another life, I've switched from a neck strap to a harness on my alto sax, because the weight is too much for my neck now.
But back to clarinetting: there's a lady who sits next to me in the clarinet section of the jazz orchestra who I'd guess is in her mid sixties, and who is becoming quite hard of hearing. She can't hear when her intonation is out and blows flat a lot of the time, but that may not be to do with age; she may have always played like that. On the other hand, there's a gentleman who looks to be at least 90 in the wind band I also play in, who is as deaf as a post to the point of not being able to hear the MD's instructions and the person next to him points out rehearsal number start points, etc - but he plays perfectly in tune.
I was always most impressed by my uncle, who was a jazz clarinetist, and who played for years beyond the point where all his teeth had fallen out with seemingly no ill-effects.
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Author: Paul Globus
Date: 2009-03-27 13:02
The great man, Al Gallodoro, passed away last fall. He was past 95 and played his last gig less than two weeks before he died, peacefully in his sleep, I believe.
He played rings around EVERYBODY on both saxophone and clarinet and had been doing so since he was a teenager. He lost nothing of his ability as he got older. He was asked once how he could play so well and he said simply, I enjoy practicing.
If you've never heard him, get his CDs (available on the Web, surely) and be prepared to be flabbergasted.
Paul Globus
PS Maybe we should start a club. I'm also 58 and this summer will have been playing the clarinet for 50 years. Recently, I have started to get the hang of it.
Post Edited (2009-03-27 13:06)
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Author: Brenda Siewert
Date: 2009-03-27 14:04
I think the music playing is such a stress-reliever that it helps with my overall health. Of course, there are those times when I'm stressed about the playing, like exposed parts that are difficult to play or I'm concerned about how I sound, or someone in the band or orchestra is annoying me.
Walking is one of the best exercises we can do and almost everyone can walk a little bit. Going up and down stairs is another good one (until our knees go out).
Memorizing passages of music is a good work out for the mind and the playing.
Eating healthy is another good thing. I don't do much of it, but it's a good idea. We tend to eat what is convenient and easy these days because I'm also caring for my 85 year old Dad.
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Author: Don Berger
Date: 2009-03-27 19:05
TKS, Girls and Boys, I guess we have found something ?good? about getting older [not necessarily schmarter, tho] . With a high degree of flexibility, should we try to have a [dis]organizing meeting in the not-to-distant future ?? At this moment, I'm putting together my old Sel Bass cl for playing it and sop [by local request] on a few golden oldies to our memory-disadvantaged residents in our Assisted Living facility, next door. None of these ?fans? mention [comprehend perhaps] what mistakes I make, lots of grace notes and improved? harmonies. Thots?, Don
Thanx, Mark, Don
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Author: Brenda Siewert
Date: 2009-03-27 19:50
getting together might have to be online since we're all scattered around the world. but whatever.
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Author: CarlT
Date: 2009-03-27 20:18
I am about the same age as Hank Lehrer (early 70s). I started the clarinet last April, so I have almost a year in now. I am practicing with a community band now, and I will likely start playing with them this fall. I started out taking weekly lessons, but I now only take them now and then when I need a "tune up".
I also have many interests in life...the clarinet not being the least of them.
I have no arthritis to speak of, and I currently beat youngsters a third my age in racquetball. I didn't just take up racquetball though, as I've been playing it for many years now. I firmly believe (and I'm preaching to younger folks now) that you either "use it, or lose it". I would advise you younger clarinet players to start exercising at every opportunity and make it a daily habit, because there are too many instances (just look around you) of people who don't pay any attention to their bodies until it is too late.
I retired from an engineering career several years ago, and although I don't allow much of anything to get in the way of my daily clarinet practice, I recently took a fairly physical part-time job that keeps me hopping.
I really think that age, itself, is not all that relevant. What is relevant IMO is frailty. Years of inactivity leads to frailty, and when one is frail s/he does not feel like nor is able to do much of anything.
Enough preaching from this "health-nut" for now.
CarlT
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Author: Brenda Siewert
Date: 2009-03-27 21:19
It's especially important for musicians to remember that we need to get up and move around because we sit in chairs for way too many hours a day. I agree with the above because I can see a big deal of things I have brought upon myself from not taking as good a care of myself in my 20s and thirties as I should have done.
Exercise is essential for a healthy body, soul and spirit.
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Author: stevensfo
Date: 2009-03-27 21:34
-- "Eating healthy is another good thing." --
Ah, well that's a subject that could fill a whole forum on its own!
Having just seen the whole world of healthy eating turned on its head amid claims that we've all been manipulated by the sugar, cereal and drug companies, I've just about given up on food.
But those old reeds do make a nourishing soup!
Steve
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Author: Rusty
Date: 2009-03-27 22:00
Yes but I think the "hurtest" thing as I get older is the embarrassed pain as you muff simple little notes that younger folk beside you don`t. And there is the problem of which bar are we at? So let`s not kid ourselves things do slow down as we age and the challenge is how to accept these incremental deteriorations mentally as well as physically.
I`m still searching.
Post Edited (2009-03-28 05:54)
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Author: clarnibass
Date: 2009-03-28 04:47
I recently saw one of the better concerts and the player was a clarinetist who was introduced by the host as "has been playing for about 80 years" and I'm pretty sure she wasn't exaggerating.
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Author: Carol Dutcher
Date: 2009-03-29 19:02
How about an Al Galladoro fan club? I have two of his CDs, I don't know if there are others - and never tire of listening to them. I wrote to him once on the Internet as I thought he and my father may have played together at one time. He said he didn't remember my father but he had a written list of everyone he had ever played with. My father subbed when he was putting himself through college and played with the big bands during the summer time.
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Author: Paul Globus
Date: 2009-03-29 19:14
A Gallodoro fan club would have millions of members. He was out of this world. I'm sure there are many who frequent this bulletin board who are fans but a greater number (among the younger players) who know nothing about him.
Do yourselves a favour. Go to his Web site and purcahse "The Many Sides of Al Gallodoro." It's just a taste of this phenomenal musician but on this CD, you can hear a live on-air broadcast of Al Gallordoro and the Fine Arts String Quartet performing the Brahms Quintet. As you listen, remember that this is being played by one of the greatest big-band sax players of the 1930s and 1940s.
Incidentally, Gallodoro once told me that during his heyday, he played on average 4 or 5 on-air solos a week on both saxophone and clarinet.
There will never be another one like him.
Paul Globus
Post Edited (2009-03-29 20:45)
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Author: Arnoldstang
Date: 2009-03-29 21:30
There will never be another Al but it wasn't all about HIM. You don't have to go too far to see videos of him playing a duet with a kid or performing with lesser players. He had both virtuosity of musical skills and a great capacity to encourage others. My favourite sax solo of his is Gershwin's Lisa. It is inspiring technically. He also creates a perfect stylized version of so many pieces on sax. I've heard some of his bass clarinet recordings and look forward to hearing him on soprano clarinet.
Freelance woodwind performer
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Author: Paul Globus
Date: 2009-03-29 21:54
To me, Al Gallodoro had that indefinable something extra that amounts to true musical expression. It didn't matter what piece music he was playng or which horn was in his hands. He just soared. As an extra bonus, he had perfectly fluid, perfect controlled, perfectly honed chops. Even into his 90s, he could still out-play everyone.
I suppose this is what happens when a complete "natural" musician and instrumentalist loves practicing and practices -- literally -- hours and hours a day for years and years.
To listen to him on CD is always a lesson in what it's all about.
Paul Globus
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