rdt1959
New Member
On the comeback trail, playing a Benge 65B
Posts: 12
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Post by rdt1959 on Oct 21, 2003 12:25:00 GMT -5
Hello all. Just joined today, and it looks like a good forum here. We just closed on our house last Friday, and the next two weeks will be spent moving. Between moving and work (the day job ya know!) I will be lucky to have 15-30 minutes a day for practice.  I started playing last January after 23 years off. Frankly, I don't want to lose what few skills I have built up since then. Do any of you have any etudes, exercises, routines etc. that you have used in the past in such circumstances and have found helpful? Thanks |
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gzent
Junior Member
"6 Sharps? You've got to be kidding!"
Posts: 68
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Post by gzent on Oct 21, 2003 13:18:55 GMT -5
rdt,
Welcome. I play a variation on the lip slurs from Jeff Smiley's Balanced Embouchure book when I have to practice quickly.
Also, I recently started practicing at ppp and find I don't have to practice long to keep the lip in shape and tone rich.
Greg
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rdt1959
New Member
On the comeback trail, playing a Benge 65B
Posts: 12
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Post by rdt1959 on Oct 22, 2003 9:34:44 GMT -5
Thanks Greg. I will try those ideas out starting today. Had to laugh when I saw your quote about 6 sharps.  I play in our little church orchestra/band. Our music is taken right from the hyhmnal and arranged around the piano part, so we routinely play in really weird key signatures! That has been a good thing though. Makes me stop and think about keys after taking so many years off. thingy |
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Post by romey1 on Oct 22, 2003 9:41:28 GMT -5
I would do scales, clarke studies, then an etude.
romey
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rdt1959
New Member
On the comeback trail, playing a Benge 65B
Posts: 12
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Post by rdt1959 on Oct 22, 2003 9:41:41 GMT -5
btw, my name is NOT "thingy"! My name is Richard, but all my life I have gone by a knickname that the word filter must not like! |
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gzent
Junior Member
"6 Sharps? You've got to be kidding!"
Posts: 68
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Post by gzent on Oct 22, 2003 9:55:12 GMT -5
D_i_c_k,
Yeah, that's pretty funny!
I didn't know what weird was until I played in the pit for a musical. Those scores are all over the place. Key changes, time changes, tempo, cuts you name it, they've got it. But they can be quite fun.
Greg
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Post by ConnMan on Oct 24, 2003 14:04:56 GMT -5
Richard, I know what you mean about finding time to practice while trying to keep your head above water being , husband, dad, loyal employeef, work around the house, etc... One thing that I do at work is the " 'Ol Pencil Exercise " to help keep the muscle tone in/around chops in check. You probably remember that exercise, man does that burn after awhile ~ ouch! |
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Post by swthiel on Oct 25, 2003 6:18:44 GMT -5
Lots of us have been there, this can be a problem for all non-pro players, not just for comebackers. Here's what's works for me: - Remember to practice often, not long. If you can somehow sneak in a second 10-15 minute session, do it, even if you have to use a practice mute.
- Whatever you choose to play, make sure your cover your whole range.
- Make sure that some of what you play is "music." Don't just do embouchure building and technical stuff.
- Keep focused on your sound!
Keep us posted on how you're doing! Steve |
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