 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: MSK
Date: 2013-08-01 00:36
My son has been invited to play his clarinet in church for specific occasion six days after he is scheduled to get braces. I know that most people, myself included, adjust to clarinet playing with braces. What I don't remember is how quickly one adjusts, and whether his mouth will be ready in that time frame.
If his skill level makes a difference: He has been playing for two years, and has can cross the break easily and play all notes to clarion high C.
Thanks in advance for your input
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Author: marcia
Date: 2013-08-01 03:30
I had braces both as a teenager and as an adult. With my adult experience, I played the evening of the same day that I got them, and for the next 10 days. I would suggest perhaps using dental wax to cover the braces while he is playing, until his lip(s) becomes accustomed to the braces rubbing. I would expect the orthodontist to provide the wax, and other goodies that are necessary when one has braces.
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Author: pewd
Date: 2013-08-01 05:09
Most of my students recover from braces within a week, some have wobbly tone for another week or 2.
- Paul Dods
Dallas, Texas
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Author: Bill Patry
Date: 2013-08-01 11:59
My daughter got them on a Monday and was totally fine for rehearsal Sunday.
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Author: alaskaneric
Date: 2013-08-02 00:49
My daughters played everyday the week they got braces, but it took a little getting use to, and there was some soreness which made playing more challenging.
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Author: alaskaneric
Date: 2013-08-02 00:50
My daughters played everyday the week they got braces, but it took a little getting use to, and there was some soreness which made playing more challenging.
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Author: kdk ★2017
Date: 2013-08-02 02:24
Is he playing by himself or in an ensemble? It may be a less critical issue if he can hide at least a little in an ensemble.
This is a spot between a rock and a hard place that comes down to the importance of his playing his best at the church occasion. He might be fine, or he might by OK but a little uncomfortable. I don't remember having a student play for me that close to having braces put in, although I've taught many who had braces. They do get used to having the braces between their teeth and their lips (which forces slight embouchure adjustment) and they do learn to manage the ends (with wax or some other covering) to keep them from digging into the inside of their cheeks. Your son may manage that in time to play 6 days later and all will then be well, but if he's playing something that he needs to practice in order to stay sharp, that may be as much the issue as actually performing.
If it's possible to postpone the braces until after the performance, it would be safer, if possibly an unnecessary precaution. On the other hand, most orthodontists are scheduled far enough in advance that rescheduling any time soon may be impossible. Is the church date fixed? Two weeks after the braces are installed would certainly be safe if there's any flexibility on that side of the dilemma.
Karl
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Author: MSK
Date: 2013-08-03 01:45
Thanks for the input. I think we're going to go with Karl's suggestion and postpone playing in church. The piece is a duet, and is therefore pretty exposed. I'm sure there will be other opportunities.
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