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Wcobb32 New Member
Joined: 10 Nov 2009 Posts: 5
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Posted: Sun Dec 06, 2009 9:39 pm Post subject: John McNeil's Flexus |
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Has anyone used the Flexus book and found it helpful? Been using it for a while and I am getting the same results. Any suggestions on how to use this book. _________________ I am Custom Calicchio Trumpet in lacquer w/a 2 bell and 2 leadpipe. Please go to Calicchio.com to get the specs. Also willing to trade for an open horn with brushed raw/brushed laquer or brushed silver finish. |
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jazz-o-matic 12 Veteran Member
Joined: 14 Feb 2007 Posts: 329 Location: farmington ct
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Posted: Sun Dec 06, 2009 10:37 pm Post subject: |
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My old private teacher gave me a daily routine to do out of that book. I thought it was the greatest thing in the world! I would sit down do my 25 minute daily routine, and I had monster chops in no time. I have since moved away from it though seeing as though I noticed the the exercises were promoting bad habits in my self; using too much pressure, over blowing, and being too "chop heavy."Now I take a more musical and ear based approach to my daily activities.
How are you using this book that you keep getting the same results? _________________ Getzen 3001 Bb
Getzen 3050 Bb (Bach 3B)
Getzen 3070 C (Bach 3C 24 throat) |
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Jazzfreak251 Regular Member
Joined: 19 Oct 2008 Posts: 48
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Posted: Tue Dec 08, 2009 6:03 pm Post subject: |
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I study with Laurie Frink and she has me focus on a select few exercises until they are easy. Only till then, that I move on. I encourage this way of practicing. It's probably not the material but the approach. |
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PH Bill Adam/Carmine Caruso Forum Moderator
Joined: 26 Nov 2001 Posts: 5865 Location: New Albany, Indiana
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Posted: Tue Dec 08, 2009 6:12 pm Post subject: |
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I find this book to be fabulous and a great extension of Carmine's concepts. It has a daily place on my music stand and in my routine. I find it to be a great balance to the drills in MCFB, with a greater emphasis on flexibility and finesse.
How are you using this book?
I would love to do a series of threads here like the Getting Started threads that guide a student through Flexus. However, I feel that would be wierd when John and Laurie are around to help.
Maybe I'll ask one of them to join here and chip in. _________________ Bach trumpet artist-clinician
Clinical Professor of Jazz Trumpet, University of Illinois
Professor Emeritus of Jazz Studies, Indiana University Jacobs School of Music
Faculty Jamey Aebersold Jazz Workshops 1976-2019
JazzRetreats.com |
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ajr51 Regular Member
Joined: 05 May 2007 Posts: 64
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Posted: Tue Dec 08, 2009 6:55 pm Post subject: |
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It would be great to have their input. |
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Wcobb32 New Member
Joined: 10 Nov 2009 Posts: 5
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Posted: Tue Dec 08, 2009 10:34 pm Post subject: |
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I have used the entire book, but now I am using the prelim studies, and I think I have done some damage, what was the 25 minute plan, and what are you doing these days from a musical approach? It's good to have a resource of someone who has tries these studies. _________________ I am Custom Calicchio Trumpet in lacquer w/a 2 bell and 2 leadpipe. Please go to Calicchio.com to get the specs. Also willing to trade for an open horn with brushed raw/brushed laquer or brushed silver finish. |
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carltrumpet Heavyweight Member
Joined: 09 Sep 2005 Posts: 530 Location: San Diego, CA
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Posted: Wed Dec 09, 2009 12:42 am Post subject: |
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I'd also love to see a series of threads started that go into this book in detail - and of course the authors' input would be fantastic as well.
I've been working from this book daily for the past six months or so, and I've definitely benefited from it. But, I don't think I'm really using the book to its full potential. Some guidance would be good. I tend to work on 4 or 5 specific exercises for several weeks before moving on to anything else.... but I try to mix it up in terms of covering various sections of the book.
The CD that comes with it is helpful, too. Overall, I think it's a very good book, with interesting - and challenging - exercises and a fresh approach. |
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gennaro Veteran Member
Joined: 13 Jun 2005 Posts: 151 Location: italy
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Posted: Wed Dec 09, 2009 1:03 am Post subject: |
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the problem is not in the book but in the guidance... as for all the calisthenics material.... overdoing is very easy... some exercises are written high.... but are for people ready to approach there... not for all.... not since the beginning.... are we ready to admit it to ourself?
A balanced routine allowed me to reduce pressure and improve a lot my embouchure.... but the routine has been tailored by miss Frink... she is the secret...
I'm afraid that a general routine does not exist.
Regards
Gennaro |
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LAF Regular Member
Joined: 18 May 2007 Posts: 17 Location: NYC
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Posted: Wed Dec 09, 2009 4:59 am Post subject: FLEXUS |
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The exercises in Flexus are designed to be a supplement(rather than a replacement) to your daily practice and should be introduced into your routine gradually. When considering any type of "muscular" practice, factors that need to be considered are: the overall health of your embouchure and the ease with which it functions, your existing playing commitments ( i.e. school/ work), how much time you have to practice, and what your current routine already contains. As with any approach to practice, the exercises in Flexus are "prescriptive" in nature and are to be amended to suit your individual needs based on your strengths, weaknesses, level of development, and most importantly on 'how your embouchure responds' to the studies. Play only what is COMFORTABLE and know that this could vary greatly from day to day as the embouchure evolves and discovers better balance. The goal is an embouchure that is focused, responsive, moves freely and easily throughout the entire range, and maintains a consistent sound in every register.
Happy Practicing!
Laurie Frink |
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PH Bill Adam/Carmine Caruso Forum Moderator
Joined: 26 Nov 2001 Posts: 5865 Location: New Albany, Indiana
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Posted: Wed Dec 09, 2009 5:27 am Post subject: |
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Thanks, Laurie! _________________ Bach trumpet artist-clinician
Clinical Professor of Jazz Trumpet, University of Illinois
Professor Emeritus of Jazz Studies, Indiana University Jacobs School of Music
Faculty Jamey Aebersold Jazz Workshops 1976-2019
JazzRetreats.com |
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LAF Regular Member
Joined: 18 May 2007 Posts: 17 Location: NYC
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Posted: Fri Dec 11, 2009 4:37 am Post subject: |
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Wcobb32
If you'd like to make a list of exactly what you are practicing from Flexus and any other exercises in your daily routine, I'd be happy to make some suggestions.
Laurie Frink |
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swing95 Veteran Member
Joined: 16 Feb 2005 Posts: 167 Location: Portugal, Amadora
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Posted: Fri Dec 11, 2009 5:59 am Post subject: |
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Hi,
I use to do one exercise per day from each chapter of Flexus during 20 t0 25 minutes. I feel great after that. The great thing of Flexus is that I am free to choose what I need most, because there are so many great exercises and well documented.
Have a great day
Francisco |
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maynard-46 Heavyweight Member
Joined: 25 Oct 2002 Posts: 1846 Location: GEORGIA
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Posted: Fri Dec 11, 2009 8:02 am Post subject: John McNeil's Flexus |
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Quote: | I find this book to be fabulous and a great extension of Carmine's concepts. It has a daily place on my music stand and in my routine. I find it to be a great balance to the drills in MCFB, with a greater emphasis on flexibility and finesse | .
Amen, Pat...this is exactly the approach I have taken with this book!
Butch _________________ TRUMPE: YAMAHA Lacq. "Shew Gen II" / Legends .585 "CatMaster" Top / KT "RT#1" BB / Reeves #4.75 Sleeve.
FLUGELHORN: ADAMS Custom "F1" / Legends .585 "CatMaster" FL. |
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CRJAZZMAN Veteran Member
Joined: 29 Nov 2001 Posts: 340 Location: Cedar Rapids, IA
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Posted: Thu Apr 01, 2010 7:12 pm Post subject: |
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I've LOVED Flexus since the day I got it about 4 years ago.
I must admit, having read Laurie's comments, that I tend to over use it.
Having said that, it is a great tool to get an embouchure on the right track when you're having trouble.
Every once in a while I go off on a tangent and try a different embouchure set up. After screwing myself up, Flexus pulls my but out of the fire every time! _________________ Matt Canfield
Can email me at crjazzman@yahoo.com
I do not check the email address listed in my profile.
King Legend .462 in silver
Bobby Shew Lead and Flugel mpcs |
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tpsiebs Regular Member
Joined: 19 Feb 2010 Posts: 38 Location: New Jersey
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Posted: Wed Apr 21, 2010 11:35 am Post subject: |
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Hey there,
As with the "Musical Calesthenics" it is not WHAT you're practicing but HOW you're practicing it that matters.
Tom |
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jazzmanwv Veteran Member
Joined: 06 Jul 2006 Posts: 152 Location: West Virginia
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Posted: Fri May 21, 2010 10:33 am Post subject: |
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So glad that Ms. Frink is on this forum to add her valuable insight! What a great contribution Flexus is to our "struggle." Kudos to her and John - thanks so much!
James _________________ ...tryin' to find some swing |
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jcsmusic New Member
Joined: 08 Jul 2010 Posts: 7
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Posted: Fri Jul 09, 2010 8:18 am Post subject: |
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great book! |
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Jon Arnold Heavyweight Member
Joined: 07 Jan 2002 Posts: 2030
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Posted: Sun Jan 02, 2011 11:24 am Post subject: |
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I bought this book a while back and started using it recently. I can say it is a great book to add to any trumpet players library. Thanks. |
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tonytromba New Member
Joined: 14 Sep 2004 Posts: 9
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Posted: Mon Jan 10, 2011 7:08 am Post subject: Flexus |
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Flexus is absoluetely the best modern day book to help with chops! Hnads Down! Everyone should buy this book. Even better to take a lesson with Laurie Frink who wrote the book! |
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RandyTX Heavyweight Member
Joined: 25 Mar 2010 Posts: 5304 Location: Central Texas
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Posted: Mon Jan 10, 2011 1:40 pm Post subject: |
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I wasn't aware of this book, but I just ordered a copy. I'll try to follow the above advice on not over-using it when it arrives. _________________ "Music is like candy, you throw the (w)rappers away." |
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