Improve high register

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gwwilk
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Re: Improve high register

Post by gwwilk »

MaryAnn wrote:
Roger Lewis wrote:Take a look at my post here:

viewtopic.php?f=2&t=4051&hilit=High+range" target="_blank" target="_blank" target="_blank


I think it will help you.
Roger Lewis
Isn't there some way this can be required reading for all newbies?
+1K :)
Jerry Wilkins
gwwilk@gmail.com
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PaulMaybery
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Re: Improve high register

Post by PaulMaybery »

Maybe this is a little heady for most to wrap their minds around, but here goes:
Playing in the high register presumes all factors are a go:
Continuous air flow
Firm corners
Open oral cavity, the tongue not crushing the air way.
And of course chops that can actually buzz the desired pitch
Things such as cup dimensions figure into the equation.

BUT - there is one small factor that is very often overlooked and rarely ever mentioned.
That is differentiating between the lip tension of the corners that are outside the MP
and the lip tissue that is buzzing inside the MP.
Ideally, if the inside-the-cup lip tissue can stay relatively soft and learn to buzz, those high pitches independently, you will be surprised at how easy it is to play up high. This softness applies to both the upper and lower lips. When they are tightened too far the tone becomes strident and looses both warmth of sound and flexibility. It will also stop buzzing altogether at a certain point. If you look at the inner tissue through a clear MP you can see the difference from when it is over tightened to when it is still comfortably soft. You can hear the difference as well when you make the adjustment. The corners outside the MP certainly do need to be firm for support but that vice grip needs to stop at the rim.
At least one person on the TNFJ has suggested starting the note by blowing the air and then introducing the lip vibrations. This assures that the air column is in effect in a free and continuous motion.
It should actually be easy to play in the high register. If it is not, then certain things are standing in the way. If you care to see a good example of this, there is a youtube of Allessandro Fossi performing "Bydlo" on the F Tuba. So relaxed and sweet without any visible strain.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rx6Eo6liyCg" target="_blank" target="_blank
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