Some thoughts from my little niche as a trombone teacher at Arizona State University
Saturday, April 25, 2009
Berlin in the Arm
Good ol' 5th position.
Sooo many pitch problems to be found.
Here's what I find interesting: even when someone KNOWS that they aren't reaching out far enough, their arm just seems strangely reluctant to reach
all.....the......way.....out....into.....the
.....swamps....of.....fifth.....position
Consider this analogy: when Germany reunified, I seem to recall some trouble bringing those East German factories (and factory workers) up to speed with with Western standards.
Brain = new standards (Western manufacturing)
Muscles = old attitudes (Soviet style manufacturing)
The brain keeps saying, "Get out to 5th position, you're sharp" The factory workers keep replying , "Nope, 5th position isn't out there. It's only out to here!"
Somehow, the memos from management don't always get through.