 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: tatitheartist
Date: 2014-02-20 09:31
Recently I've been have 5 hour long practices twice a week. During which I play a good majority of the time. In addition I practice independently for a half hour a day and in class for about 40 minutes. As a result my bottom lip has stated to chafe even with Chapstick. Any suggestions as to how I can reduce this or at least quell the pain?
Tati
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Author: Paul Aviles
Date: 2014-02-20 16:52
Even someone as prestigious as Itzak Perlman suggests at least doing a ten minute break within each hour. This may help the lip and keep your concentration level more intact. But there are better lip balms such as Carmax. Chapstick used to make a product called Naturals (or something like that) that was far superior to their usual fare, but I cannot find this anywhere anymore.
...........Paul Aviles
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Author: Funfly
Date: 2014-02-20 13:03
I'm not an experienced horn player but it does sound as if you are expecting a lot from your lips if you are doing that amount of continual blowing. If you are a young person then I suggest that you should seek a professional opinion as you could end up with harmed lips that could effect you in the longer term.
When I started the clarinet aged 15 I had to stop because I kept getting broken lips and in your teenage years the skin can be quite sensitive.
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Author: kdk
Date: 2014-02-20 13:43
Just to be sure, the other responses make the assumption, as I do from your post, that you're talking about irritation on the outside of the lower lip area and not the inside tissues that can be cut up by the teeth.
Apart from any salves or balms you apply to the irritated skin, make sure the reeds you use are very smooth - a rough surface that wouldn't matter much after an hour of playing might cause a lot of discomfort given the regimen you're describing.
Also, whether you use Chapstick or anything else, try not to let it accumulate on the reed surface. A buildup wouldn't be good for the reed and, I would bet, could cause lumpiness in the reed's vamp surface that might even increase the chafing over many hours, not to mention the strain of playing on balky reeds that are clogged with wax or other contaminants from the lip application.
If you're talking about cutting inside the lip, it's a different discussion.
Karl
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Author: TAS
Date: 2014-02-21 18:54
Here is your cure:
Go to the cosmetics area of Walgreen's or any other large pharmacy.
AQUAPHOR
TAS
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