 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Won Kim
Date: 2002-10-17 01:06
Hello again!
I had a recital, actually a dress rehearsal for my competition, few days ago. My program was:
Schumman Fantasy Pieces (mov I,II,III without repeat)
Weber Grand Duo Concertant (II and III mov)
Conpland Concerto
The whole thing was about 35 minutes. I had to switch reed everytime and drink some water between the peices. I did not get very nervous this time because I was really into music. The problem was the copland. By the time I finished Schumman and Weber, I became really tired and couldnt concentrate. I missed some notes and was not able to hit some high notes at the end clearly. Do you have any suggestion how I should overcome this problem? I know this is not an easy problem but I'm trying to improve my stamina through challenges. I think I'm learning how to manage my strength during performances but I still would like to have your advices. Thanks!
-Won Kim
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Author: Morrigan
Date: 2002-10-17 01:33
I would have put the Copland in the middle, after the shortest piece first, if possible. If not, I'd say bad programming will be your weakness. When not playng, relax as much as possible, and don't put so much energy into everything up until the Copland.
If you're anything like me, over the years your bottom lip has become much larger and your upper and lower arms are becoming quite toned. Strech and do some breathing exercises before you go on!
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Author: Ken
Date: 2002-10-17 03:26
Nice showcase, I wouldn't change a thing, especially programming the Copland last. You're an advanced player, in my opinion it's just a minor issue of a few more hours on the horn building up those "workhorse" chops; endurance is just as much a fundamental and discipline on the horn as anything else. A basic preparation technique I use for full recitals/extended classical soloing is adding "real time run throughs" into my daily routine 3 to 7 days prior to performance day. Top to bottom mock recitals timing it down to the second; tuning note, breaks between movements, applause, curtain calls before an encore...etc. This helps in ensuring I've got ALL the chops I need, (and more in reserve in case I'm a little tight) provides better continuity, sense of flow and a more accurate internal clock. v/r KEN
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Author: jack
Date: 2002-10-17 05:33
Do what athletes do: cross-train. Seriously, get a treadmill and start working out. You might even want to do some strength training with weights. Jack
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Author: Ken Shaw
Date: 2002-10-17 14:31
Won Kim -
I used to drive to work, 3/4 hour each way. I took an old mouthpiece and barrel and an old reed (with 1/4" clipped off the tip for durability) and held it in my mouth (supported only by my lips, in a double lip embouchure) for as long as possible as I drove. I got to where I could support it for about a minute. I got some funny looks, but it was close enough to a cigar that I got away with it, and my playing endurance went way up.
You might also want to work on doing more with the breath and less with the embouchure. When you are breathing well, it lets you do everything else with less effort. In my second posting on the string at http://www.woodwind.org/clarinet/BBoard/read.html?f=1&i=32180&t=32149, I gave some exercises and references to material on and by Arnold Jacobs, the great tuba player in the Chicago Symphony, who knew more than anybody about breathing for wind instrument players.
Finally, I've been reading a revalatory book that's been mentioned here several times, "A Soprano On Her Head" by Eloise Ristad. She gives all kinds of ways to free up your playing and gain access to energy you didn't know you had.
Best regards.
Ken Shaw
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Author: d dow
Date: 2002-10-17 16:39
I would advise for a piece like the Copland not to play on too hard of a reed, yet one that offers flexiblility. This is pretty tiring music and I would consider making sure you have one reed you can play all the music on....changing reeds at midpoint may make resistance questionable on certain areas of the clarinet.
In fact, unless you are a pro, I can't see advantages to changing reeds unless it died onstage. Drinking water between pieces is a good idea, and also make sure you swab out between music. If you are encountering fatigue issues in a fairly short recital, try to run through your pieces in rehearsal in segments until the final dress....
again I would say you should also get lots of sleep so you aren't running on nerves in a performance. Also eat a proper meal quite far ahead of your performance. Don't drink too much coffee or eat too much sugar....this can affect blood sugar levels and when they drop boy the energy does as well....
Good Luck
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Author: William
Date: 2002-10-17 17:19
"I became really tired and couldnt concentrate."
Just another thought bases on your statement. This may be a sign of mental fatigue rather than physical and may be a result of too much last minute practice on the day of your recital or too musch "warm up" just before. Excessive practice and warm-up can take the "edge" off of the performance and encourage bordon to set in--as in, "Oh well, one more time." Personally, I never practice on a performance day and keep any warm up to just that--get the instrument warm for intonation and get the reed "up to speed." It should feel like you are playing Copland for the first time, not "one more time" and keeping your mind as fresh as possible on the day of the event will help your concentration.
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Author: Won Kim
Date: 2002-10-18 21:22
THANK YOU ALL!
I knew it but this bb is amazing. I learned a lot. Few things to say... I think playing Copland the last is a good idea because if I play it before any piece I wouldn't be able to play the next one! I'll cerntainly try Ken Shaw's suggestion unless I get suspected for underage smoking! Just kidding... I'll try that breathing exercise too. I'll have enough sleep, eat a lot, and not drink too much sugar too!! Great! I have to record the program tonight.. Wish me some luck! And thanks you all again!!
-Won
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Author: D. B-Hannan
Date: 2002-10-19 02:48
Hi Won,
Are you living in Tokyo, and do you ever teach clarinet lessons in English? If so, please contact me!
Thanks!
Ms. B-H
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Author: Won Kim
Date: 2002-10-19 14:33
Sorry D. B-Hannan but I live in Fairfax County, VA US!
-Won
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