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Re: Trouble with Fast Breaths

Author: Bob Bernardo
Date: 2018-07-03 01:03

Asthma comes to mind. Have you been checked? Heart issues. I know you are very young.

Might be a really great time to learn the art of circular breathing? You are young so you might catch on fast. I remember an earlier post about a year ago with someone trying to play the opening solos to Capriccio Espagnol and having the same problem. I don't remember the final results, but surely a piece that shouldn't ever be a breathing problem.

You can try blowing into a balloon for a month or 2 everyday for a few minutes as warm-ups. Get the feel of lung capacity and the feel of grabbing air fast.

But get checked out by a doctor. Inhalers might correct the problem. Keep us posted, because I don't think this is right healthwise. I hope I'm wrong and you are in fine condition.

If everything checks out don't be opposed to running, biking, other forms of exercise. You will be going to college in a few months or less, so take advantage of the gyms.

Lastly I read a lot on the board here about players using very open mouthpieces. 1.13 to 1.20. I am against this. With the correct setup and a great facing 1.01 to 1.09 seems about right. The German players hardly ever go over 1.00, but as we all know there are exceptions. The great Eddie Daniels is only at 1.03. It also has to do with the mouthpiece itself. The deeper the baffle the less open you need. A general statement, just as German players often play softer reeds and some play harder reeds. I've been working with Michele Zukovsky lately and she is using Steuer 3 1/2 and 4 strength reeds, but some German players like 2 1/2 strengths. We have no issues hearing the German clarinet sections on mouthpieces inder 1 mm. The sound still projects. Same with American players that play with tip openings around 1.01 to 1.03mm's. They still fill the halls.

So Ray stay around a tip opening of 1.05 or less and a 3 1/2 strength reed for now. Maybe a 3, depending on the brand. Work with a balloon and get checked out by a doctor.

A friend got into an Air Force band, but during Basic Training he was running and fainted. Well the Air Force only makes you run 2 1/2 miles, or you can actually walk part of it in 20 minutes. The poor guy was kicked out on a medical discharge. Sadly there wasn't anything wrong with him. Just wasn't good at running so he should have walked and run. My point is everyone is built differently. He should be in a military band right now. Maybe it was a really hot day. Don't know. His brother made it.

Designer of - Vintage 1940 Cicero Mouthpieces and the La Vecchia mouthpieces

Yamaha Artist 2015

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