Playing in the cold.
Craig Fisher had a question for me that I thought would be good for everyone:
I played a service yesterday. It was 15 degrees and snowy/windy. I thought my lip was ok until I put the mouthpiece (plastic, so it wasntMy response:
too cold) to my lips. I knew something wasnt right and this wasnt going to be easy. I got through it pretty ok-give myself a B+. maybe I was putting too much faith in the Kelly mouthpiece. How much does a really strong lip help?( I know ,it always helps). My cold weather playing has been pretty good up till yesterday. But 15 degrees is cold! Your thoughts?
yikes. 15 degrees sucks. A strong lip is always a help, since you can "force the issue" no matter the conditions. Generally speaking, though, keeping your lip as loose as possible is the best idea. Get in as good a warm-up as you can, given the situation, and keep buzzing them while you're waiting during the service.Any other thoughts on the matter?
The plastic mouthpiece is good for those kinds of conditions, where just getting Taps out is an issue. When I was a kid and played out in that kind of weather frequently I used to use my regular mouthpiece with the rim coated in clear nail polish. Still as cold as can be, though. Plastic kept in your pocket may be better.
posted by RichieD at 5:09 PM
1 Comments:
I have not played in 15 degrees yet, but in the upper 20s. This is what I have done so far and it has worked for me. Maybe it will help someone. I get there early and do a good warmup. A light coat of chapstick protects my lips while waiting, that i wipe off when it is close to time. While standing at attention, both hands supporting the horn, waiting for my queue, i hold the mouthpiece hidden in my right hand. This keeps it warm. Also i think staying in good playing shape helps a lot because the air support will be there, which i believe is a major thing under adverse conditions. This means a reasonable practice schedule. As we know, Taps is not to be underestimated, especially when giving it what it deserves: a clean, solid, strengthful, and musically tasteful performance. So i think practicing at a level beyond this will ensure that sounding Taps will be straightforward. Just my 2 cents. Best regards to all and Happy New Year
- David Burkhardt, BAA Colorado (Broomfield)
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