Players in second section and below rarely find time to practice their instrument outside rehearsal. "too busy", "can't rehearse at home" etc these are all valid reasons however you don't need much time everyday to make a difference. Playing for 5 minutes a day on long notes can boost your note production and strengthen your lip. When you start playing at rehearsal you will find the benefit even from playing a small amount between these valuable practice sessions. Try increasing your range by practicing a scale, moving one note up every week, it will enhance your playing a great deal.
The band is heading for 1st section, the pieces will get harder so it will benefit the band and players if practice outside rehearsal can be maintained.
If you can find any time between rehearsals I am sure you will be pleased with yourself for putting in the extra effort.
Another idea is to go to the bandroom, there are no distractions, you can't do anything else but practice so you can really get some quality practice in.
The band is sounding great and the Folkestone Test Piece is coming along, any practice achieved outside rehearsals will be a valuable bonus.
Thanks for listening, again please feel free to comment
Andrew
QUOTE TO REMEMBER: "tuning is everything" - John Berryman
I agree with you Drew on the practise side but it's also important to state that warming up also plays a crucial part in lip stamina and particularly applies to near and during contests. As with gym exercise the lip needs to be warmed up before playing takes place as the muscles in your lip are just as fragile as elsewhere and can be easily damaged. It's vital to get blood flowing through the lips before playing.
ReplyDeleteThe best warming up methods are long notes and lip slur exercisers, using lots of air in the process and concentrating on note quality. It's best not to do this longer than say 5 minutes before playing, making sure you have a break from between your warm up and the actual rehearsal/concert/contest. Also, don't warm up too hard or strain your lip - this can end up doing more harm than good.
The benefits of this will be felt and heard - especially on contest day as it effects tuning, intonation and note production. The first to the last note of 'Ocean's' needs to be perfect, and having a band that warms up prior to taking stage can mean the difference between coming 1st and last. You wouldn't want the first note of the piece to be the first note you've played all day!
So remember to warm up!!
You are spot on Matt, warming up is also important. Combining proper warm up and practicing between rehearsals will make individual playing better, this will then contribute to upgrading the overall output of the band. Mix these elements with concentration and the bands playing will be elevated.
ReplyDeleteHi.
ReplyDeleteMatt. Just a quick question about these 'lip exercisers'. Do you know where I could buy one from ? Is it a bit like a 'bullworker' for the embouchure ? Do players of larger instruments need a bigger one or is there a 'one size fits all' exerciser that bass players (for example) need to use for longer ?