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Interestingly enough, 36 years after getting them out I still have "nightmares" (more amusing than frightening) of being in the middle of an important orchestra passage or solo and having my "retainer" pop loose. I played for a couple of years with braces (started playing with them, if I recall properly) and never realized that it might be easier to play without them until I got them removed. What a difference! I was under the impression that newer technology allowed for much more "brass player friendly" braces to be used today. I have seen braces where the "hardware" is mainly behind the teeth, allowing for a smoother contact surface, or a system of graduated plastic (mouthguard like) moldings that can be removed while playing. My braces were pretty clunky and obnoxious. If yours are like mine, you can look forward to the day when they're removed - everything embrouchure-wise will become magically easier overnight. For now, you can veiw the situation as a three-bat warmup swing; there is still plenty of room for practice and improvement WITH the braces. Good luck, just a part of growing up. Regards, Paul Haugan

I was playing "Scene de Concert" in 8th grade for State Solo and Ensemble competition. The end of the piece has a Bb above the staff that lasts for about 10 seconds. In 8th grade, that was the highest note ever. So, I did what any 8th grader would do when approaching a "high" note, I shoved my face into my Conn Helleburg as much as possible. Needless to say, I was bleeding all over the judges table as he's telling my to relax while I play.

Not really advice, just a funny story.

After having braces for 2 1/2 years and getting them off about 3 years ago, I haven't really noticed a change in my playing. The only reason I have gotten any better is through persistant practice.

On the other hand, braces are a main reason I now play tuba and sousaphone as my primary instruments rather than trumpet or cornet. Oh, did they hurt at the time! Then to add insult to injury, my wisdom teeth impacted, basically destroying most of the good the braces did. So now I have a Kelly 18 for my sousaphone and a Wick 1 for my Besson.