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Concept of Sound
Breathing/Breath Support
Embouchure Formation
Combining Breathing and Breath Support and Embouchure
Mouthpiece Placement
Creating Sound
Concept of Sound
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Before a student tries to play
a sound on a horn, he/she should know what sound he/she is trying
to make.
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There is no substitute for a
concept of sound; it is the most important aspect of tone production.
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Perform and demonstrate often
if at all possible!
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Bring in clinicians, private
lesson teachers
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Play recordings:
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Lindberg, Christian
-- Bis 378
David, Grondahl, Guilmant
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Conant, Abbie
-- Audite 97410 Guilmant,
Marcello, Handel -
Bousfield, Ian
-- Doyen 014 Blue
Bells of Scotland
Breathing/Breath Support
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This is one
of the most important aspects of performing on any brass
instrument.
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"Sustain the
beautiful music from below the rib cage with no conscious muscle
involvement on the intake or the blow." (Buddy
Baker) -
Student should sit gently tall
(relaxed). The spine should be straight. ( Do not curve the lower
back.)
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Intake
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Think the syllable "HAW"
on the inhale.
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Air should fill the lower abdominal
muscles first (below the belt line) -- then to the middle -- finally
to the upper chest.
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There should be no gasping or
wheezing sounds. Stay relaxed.
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Exhale
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Use the syllable "POO"
(after the embouchure is set, use "TOO"). -
Support the sound. Use the air
first from the lower abdominal muscles -- then the middle -- and finally
the upper (if needed.)
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The inhale and exhale should
be one continuous smooth, relaxed motion.
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There should be a visible movement
of the lower abdomen during this process.
Embouchure
Formation
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Use the student's natural lip
formation, a natural "facial mask."
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Bring the jaw forward slightly.
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Upper lips and cheeks "gently
hug" the teeth and gums so air can come through the center
of the lips ONLY -- no air puffs. (Buddy Baker)
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Flat chin.
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I prefer a wet embouchure.
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Teeth slightly apart.
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Use "POO" so that
the lips are slightly pursed.
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Gently firm corners (not pulled
back, i.e. smiling)
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Most relaxed part of embouchure
is the aperture (the center of the lips).
Combining Breathing and Breath Support and Embouchure
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Use the syllable "TOO."
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Hold a piece of paper in front
of the air stream for a visual reinforcement.
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Watch for "smiling",
puffed cheeks, bad habits, etc.
Mouthpiece Placement
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Hold the mouthpiece by the shank
with two fingers and a thumb.
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The mouthpiece should be
positioned with more of it on the upper lip than the lower.
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The vertical placement is more
important than the horizontal. (Some players perform off center
because of dental structure.)
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Practice placing the mouthpiece.
Creating Sound
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Start with the mouthpiece by
itself. Place it gently on the embouchure and blow "TOO."
Remember to constantly reinforce proper breath techniques and
embouchure formation, constantly correcting bad habits.
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Some may have trouble producing
a sound; keep trying. It may help to partially cover the end
of the shank with the "pinkie" to create more resistance.
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of
the Department of Music
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For questions about this
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Copyright ? 2002, Department
of Music at Stephen F. Austin State University
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