| View previous topic :: View next topic |
| Author |
Message |
juju831
New Member
Joined: 05 Sep 2011
Posts: 6
|
 Posted: Fri Jul 06, 2012 9:22 pm Post subject: Taking Breaks |
 |
|
| It always seems like after I've taken a couple days off of playing that I have a better high range. But as soon I get back into a steady schedule it goes away. Does this mean I'm doing something wrong on a normal basis? |
|
| Back to top |
|
 |
BuckTrump
Veteran Member
Joined: 23 Nov 2005
Posts: 116
|
| Posted: Sat Jul 07, 2012 1:16 am Post subject: |
|
|
Playing on fresh chops is a wonderful thing - it can remind us what we are capable of...if we learn to practice the right way...
I used to feel the same way as you after a few days off, and like you, the range would fade as I played more. It seemed like the more days I tried to do what was possible on that first day - the worse it got. I realized that these practice sessions were more "tear down" sessions rather than "building up" sessions. So I decided to focus on playing what I am capable of that day at my best (while taking breaks, to always stay fresh)...and expand that into the upper register. Some days are better/worse than others - but if you stick with it over the course of weeks/months, that is where the real changes happen.
*There are a number of ways to "build up" to a great high register - many would argue it starts with a great low register*
_________________
Yamaha Bb - Chicago
Bach/Melk Eb - ML, 239
Blackburn C
Yamaha Picc |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
GenoValet
Heavyweight Member
Joined: 30 Aug 2006
Posts: 1234
Location: Jacksonville FL
|
|
| Back to top |
|
|
cbindis
New Member
Joined: 15 Apr 2012
Posts: 5
Location: Cincinnati, OH
|
| Posted: Tue Jul 17, 2012 7:27 am Post subject: |
|
|
| I use to be the same way and then I started doing a daily warmup session. This would be about 45 minutes in the morning consisting of Clarke, Schlossberg, Gekker, and Stamp exercises. I felt relaxed in my practice sessions later in the day and would be able to play for longer periods of time. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
jesscarltonjazz@gmail.com
New Member
Joined: 17 Jul 2012
Posts: 5
|
| Posted: Tue Jul 17, 2012 9:54 pm Post subject: Resting |
|
|
The Bill Adams way of resting the same amount of time of play between each exercise is really good for chops. I think taking a few days off is a bit excessive and that's probably why it becomes inconsistent.
_________________
-JHC |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
NickD
Heavyweight Member
Joined: 19 Jun 2005
Posts: 607
Location: Chicago (northern suburbs)
|
| Posted: Wed Jul 25, 2012 6:55 pm Post subject: Fragments |
|
|
I would fragment your practice. I rarely practice more than 20 minutes at a time. I still try to get in a total of three hours per day, but in 20 minute increments separated by stuff to do. I find my endurance is fine, my range has improved and I rarely get tired on gigs, and on those I do, I know how to hide it! 
Seriously, practice in short spurts. I swear by it.
FWIIW coming from me...
Nick
_________________
Nick Drozdoff - Getzen Endorsing Artist
"How to Practice" available on iBooks
http://www.nickdrozdoff.com
http://www.getzen.com/
http://www.youtube.com/nickdrozdoff |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
garrett901
Heavyweight Member
Joined: 07 Jan 2009
Posts: 1196
Location: Vacaville CA
|
| Posted: Wed Jul 25, 2012 9:40 pm Post subject: |
|
|
| Quote: | I would fragment your practice. I rarely practice more than 20 minutes at a time. I still try to get in a total of three hours per day, but in 20 minute increments separated by stuff to do. I find my endurance is fine, my range has improved and I rarely get tired on gigs, and on those I do, I know how to hide it!
Seriously, practice in short spurts. I swear by it.
FWIIW coming from me...
Nick |
I'm hitting the "Like" button !!!
I do the DCA Drum and Bugle Corps thing. At times we rehearse for 4 to 7 hours at a time then do a show ! Mind you, were not "playing" for all that time. We do a section at a time, or one section (Baritones,a etc...) will work a section for a bit. That gives everyone else a chance to rest the chops.
Taking multiple breaks is really the best way to build endurance. Just don't forget to, actually take a break! Too many times when given a break, folks will start playing, working on parts, etc... TAKE THE BREAK !!!
Also playing at 80% is a really good idea. Far too often we actually play too loud. You get much more musical effect by making the low's really low, and make the high's, really high. Let the contrast in dynamics do the work for you! Playing loud all the time is just, well, loud all the time. It can get boring.
_________________
Jeff Garrett
Playing "G" Soprano Bugle, Freelancers Alumni/Mini Corps
NorCal Horn Line Instructor/Musical Arranger
Kanstul G Soprano (Powerbore Bell)
Yamaha YTR-739T
Xtream XZ w/ XXX backbore GREAT MP!!!
http://freelancers-alumni.org |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
|
