 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: personwithaclarinet
Date: 2013-11-06 04:45
Hi! I am FAAB and a trans person and I have found that I have a really hard time playing with my chest bound. It affects my posture and thus my tuning, and I cannot breathe as deeply so it messes up my phrasing. I'm only a student, but I still play at least an hour or two every day.
I know one other transgender clarinetist, but she's an MTF and therefore not a lot of help, so has anyone else been in this situation? How did you deal with this? Any tips either about either a clarinet-friendly binder or a more binder-friendly reed or any other tips?
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Author: donald
Date: 2013-11-06 06:18
The only trans-gender wind player I know (who does play clarinet among her doubles) was also MTF so did not have her chest bound. I'll ask her if she knows anyone who could offer advice
dn
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Author: Jbosacki
Date: 2013-11-06 07:27
Could you perhaps try to do breathing exercises to strengthen your lungs before you play? It might not solve your problems but it could help!
Plus breathing exercises are always helpful.
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Author: Ken Shaw ★2017
Date: 2013-11-06 13:16
You seem to be breathing with your chest. In fact, more than half your inhalation should come from expanding your lower ribs and belly. Sit back in your chair, roll your hips so that your rear end sticks out like Donald Duck and inhale, beginning in your back and sides, letting it raise your sternum and expand your chest. It's done in a single gesture.
More important, when you're comfortable with your gender, it makes no difference what other people see. You know who you are, and that stays the same no matter how you look. Loosen the bindings, let the wind flow and sing through your clarinet.
Ken Shaw
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