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Re: Blacking out!

To: brass-band@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Subject: Re: Blacking out!
From: David Cooper <david@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Date: Mon, 16 Jun 1997 15:34:39 +0100
In-reply-to: <9705098658.AA865886741@compsci.powertech.co.uk>
Priority: low
Reply-to: brass-band@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Mark Tanser wrote
>Having read Dave Deakin's bit on circular breathing - and the problems he has 
>experienced with "back pressure" I was wondering if anyone could shed any light 
>on the causes of "BLACKING OUT", that really "cool" (NOT) thing that Sop players

I experienced this problem myself until I learned to breath properly and
to relax the neck muscles when playing in the upper register. I would
suggest you assess your intake of breath and make sure you are getting a
lung full, and work on gradually improving high register playing
technique so there is not so much straining necessary. 

To improve range I set aside around 15 minutes of my practice schedule
at least twice a week to work specifically on range. I use scales,
arpegios, studies with lots of high notes, etc. As a starting point,
find the note at which you begin to struggle then play a one octave
scale to this note and down again, then repeat 5 times ensuring tone
quality is maintained. Rest and then do the same a semitone higher,
always maintaining quality, continuing until you miss the top note 3
times. The following day give your chops a rest by avoiding the high
register. Don't expect immediate improvements, probably a semitone on
comfortable range per month!!

Also check the mouthpiece you use provides the support required in the
upper register - this is a matter of personal choice though so if you're
happy with your current setup stick with it!

Hope this helps

Regards

David Cooper
Sop - KM Gillingham Band 

-- 
David Cooper


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