 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: clarienet
Date: 2011-04-10 20:51
I recently caught the flu after trying my best to stay away from it. I started symptoms friday night. It got pretty bad, the worst part is we have a state band contest and after making superior at a smaller contest earlier in the year for the first time in 15 years, we're so clsoe to making superior at state for the first time in even longer. That contest is sadly Tuesday, and I have about 5 solos in a piece called courtly Airs and Dances. my throat has been a bit sore and swolen but not quite as bad as it was yesterday. My ears also seem to be a little sore and I'm hearing things a little muffled. I'm not sure if its my ears, or the fact that my throat may be swollen enoguh that its changing my pitch, but my tone sounds a little off.
Can a swollen throat cause tone issues?
I'm recovering very fast but I'm still a little concerned I might have this issue Tuesday. I'm afriad if its not any better by Tuesday I will have to give my solos up to someone else and stay home.
Thank you for any answers and comments in advance.
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2011-04-10 21:00
I've had swollen tonsils for years and they've never caused me any problems playing, but see if you feel up to it.
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
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Author: curiousclarinetist
Date: 2011-04-11 01:45
I think it could affect your tone in several ways.
1. If you throat is sore, your air support is likely to suffer from the pain and aches.
2. If your tonsels are swollen, this is going to constrict your throat and add more tension to the sound.
3. And if your ears are feeling sore, this could make you play off key because your hearing might be affected as you said.
Drinking hot tea or any kind of hot beverage will help to relax and soothe your throat. The heat will bring the swelling down. Ibuprofen or another similar medicine can help too. (but check with your parents) If you ears are aching, you may have an ear infection. Best to get to the doctor and have it checked out.
Unless you make a very quick recovery, it might be in your best interest and the interest of your healthy friends that you stay home and take the time to get better.
Sorry to hear you are sick. Best wishes for a speedy recovery and congratulations on your superior ranking.
Curious Clarinetist
http://curiousclarinetist.blogspot.com/
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Curious-Clarinetist/155848744465821
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Author: Ken Shaw ★2017
Date: 2011-04-11 03:34
A laryngologist will be able to treat the tonsil pain and swelling, and undoubtedly the ear problem, though an ENT specialist may be better for that. For the contest, it's worth the time and effort.
Ask around for one who has experience with wind players or singers.
Ken Shaw
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Author: GoodWinds ★2017
Date: 2011-04-13 05:22
there's a big difference between enlarged tonsils (Chris P?) and swollen ones, which I would assume would be in an active stage of fighting some infection.
It was once the fashion to take out all enlarged and/or swollen tonsils, but the practice has changed. Now they are valued as having some immune function... In any case, I would venture to say that if your tonsils are busy fighting an infection, they are likely swollen and causing you pain, and yes, they would affect your playing very much. They may be trying to get your attention. Like, YOUR BODY NEEDS REST SO GIVE THE CLARINET A BREAK.
On the other hand, I've both clenched my figurative teeth and played through a concert with a Serious Health Problem, and on another occasion, cancelled at the last minute (same Serious Health Problem). I probably suffered more from the cancellation-guilt than the play-when-ill concert.
I DID ask my doc, though, and she said, "As long as you don't make a habit of it, it will likely not hurt you in the long run." She was Scottish and very sensible.
I hope you received enough Sage Advice that you got through your solos today (I found this thread rather late) ... but yes, tonsils embroiled in battle can and will affect your playing, most likely your tone.
GoodWinds
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