Worse After A Break?

[swthiel]

I'm interested in the community's thoughts about something I've noticed in my playing.

I play in a big band that rehearses for a few hours on a bi-weekly basis; I cover the lead book about half the time on average (we rotate parts so it depends on what's called and who's there). We usually play for about 80 minutes, take a break for 10-15 minutes, and then go another hour.

I very consistently struggle a little during the first chart or two after the break -- my sound usually isn't as robust, intonation is wonky and a struggle to get that back in place, my upper register isn't where I left it, etc. I have similar issues at performances.

I don't drink at all at rehearsals (other than water), or eat anything. I just take a bio-break, chat with the guys, and drink a little water.

Any of you have similar experiences, or have any thoughts about this? It's an annoyance, not a major problem, and I plan to address it in lessons later this month or in July.
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Steve Thiel
Matthew 25:31-46

[stanton]

I have similar issues. After a break, whether it be a rehearsal or performance, it rarely feels the same as when I left off. Much of the time the responsiveness of my embouchure is missing. I have learned not to let it freak me out and now seem to be able to make enough adjustments to deal with it. It often (but not always) seems to work its way mostly back to where I was before the break.

Additionally, I might be practicing earlier in the day where it feels great. Then I come to rehearsal and begin to warm up again, feeling like I'm playing on someone else's chops.
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Schilke B1, Bach 37, 1969 Getzen Severinsen Eterna
Bach C 229 w Charlie Melk custom work
Getzen Eterna Cornet, Benge #5 Fluegel
Kanstul Besson Prototype A/Bb Pic
Crappy old Yamaha 3valve Eb
Stanton Kramer "Signature" Mouthpiece

[Mark Curry]

Welcome to My World!

I believe this condition is a result of sagging (for lack of a better term) mental acuity and physical conditioning. I go through this on almost every rehearsal and every gig.

on every band

I think it is as much a "ensemble-condition" as well as an "individual condition." In the old days when I was playing hard 6-7 nights per week I believe the condition was still present, but was rectified in a much shorter time span, a few bars into the first tune back from the break, perhaps, as we regained our physical "pump" and locked our awareness into the music again.

A normal week of non-gigging playing for me consists of daily practice and probably 3 nights/week of rehearsal bands max.

A normal week of work will generally have me playing 6 days (minimum) plus the daily practice (tailored, of course, to complement the gig).

The Reno Jazz Orchestra's last live CD ( this past February) had a very busy schedule having several days of back-to-back rehearsals (something like 9 rehearsals and 2 live recording nights) over a 12 day period.

We ALL had chops and we were ALL sharp mentally (This recording went very well, BTW).

Then, of course, all that goes away when the gig ends.

So you're not alone IMO. This is something everyone goes through to some extent, whether you're playing a trumpet, chomping on a reed, or holding a drumstick.

That's what rehearsals are for- to mitigate this very condition.
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A mouthpiece never missed a note by itself!

[trombahonker]

On the orchestral side of things, this is something that is practiced to nullify. Playing a Beethoven symphony (cough7cough) is an exercise in being able to "flick a switch" and have playing simply work, despite having sat for fifteen minutes.

I don't pretend to have the answer, but if you're having trouble getting your mind/face back in to things, I suggest practicing that skill directly in your routine. Start with thirty second breaks, pick up and play, then start to expand the gaps. And when you return from these breaks, absolutely demand that things be as you need in whatever way you do after returning from a set break.

For what it's worth, I've found that a 10min on, 12 min off practice routine works really well and allows my face, and more importantly mind, to stay fresh.

Good luck!
-a2

[cheiden]