Starting over

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The Big Ben
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Re: Starting over

Post by The Big Ben »

BigRedTuba wrote:1) Is five days enough to get used to not having braces? 2) How should I get my skill level back to the way it was when I had braces?
1.) Pick 'er up and give 'er a toot. Ya never know.

2.) Have yer teacher check yer chops to make sure you aren't doin' anything funny to compensate and then practice, brother, practice.
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averagejoe
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Post by averagejoe »

Focus on your sound and your air. The more you think about your embechure and how it feels the farther you will be away from the sound you want. I would reccomend not overdoing it in the next week with your practices. I was in a similar situation and I spent lots of time buzzing to try to fix my embechure, that was a bad idea. I didn't know that you need to rest a lot when buzzing. By the time I got to my audition my lips were shot so I didn't have good control or range. I hope my longwinded response helps, and remember that your parents won't be able to tell the difference from the audience.
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tubatom91
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Post by tubatom91 »

I personally didn't have much of a problem when I got mine off in 8th grade. It helps to practice :shock:
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iiipopes
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Post by iiipopes »

I dealt with braces. I dealt with having bloody hamburger for chops. After I got them off I worked twice as hard to make top section, including both marching and concert, and jazz band co-lead and camper of the year in the regional bandcamp at the nearest NCAA I university, as well as state I ratings in band and ensembles at contest.

It can be done. Just do it.
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starting over

Post by TubaRay »

BigRedTuba wrote:its kinda hard not bein worried. we won state last year so im a little worried that i wont be ready
I'm impressed that you are worried. It shows that you care, and that is a very good thing in my opinion. Now I believe you need to take that to the next step, try your best not to worry so much about things you cannot change. I consider that a waste of time and energy. For things you can change, turn worry into intelligent effort. Your attitude will help you with this. For those things you cannot change(in this case the facts concerning your braces), try to funnel that energy into the things you can change(in this case that would be trying to get accustomed to playing with a "new" embouchure. Proceed with a positive attitude, expecting results, but not worrying about them.

The short version of all this is quite simple: Do all that you can do and try not to worry about the rest.
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sffz
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Post by sffz »

As a Band Director I have had many students with your same situation. The solutions stated are all good. Play by sound etc...

One of the biggest mistakes that my students have made is they practice past the point of fatigue and do more harm than good. Your endurance may be a bit low. Respect what your body is telling you and don't 'over practice'. You will be in better shape for the gig. You don't want your chops so exhausted that you can't contribute your sound.

Do your best and enjoy!

Randy
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