Thursday, February 26, 2009

High Speed Film of Embouchures (don't eat while watching)

I've heard about these movies for years but had never seen them. Interesting...and a little disgusting.

Basically, the films show high speed images of the lips vibrating as seen through a clear mouthpiece. Some big name players including Bill Watrous, Stuart Dempster, Larry Wiehe and George Roberts.

Thanks for David Wilken for getting this up onto YouTube.

Part 1: downstream embouchures



Part 2: upstream embouchures



Part 3: multiphonics

Wednesday, February 11, 2009

Trombones de Costa Rica - Feb. 18th












Just to let you know...
Trombones de Costa will be visiting the University of South Carolina for a concert on Wed. Feb. 18th at 7:30pm in our recital hall.
The concert is free and open to the public.

Here's a link to their website.

Friday, February 06, 2009

Gliss Finding

Hello Everyone
Sorry I haven't blogged in a while. I just got busy with other things.

So, here's an idea that I've been using with some of my students. I've started calling it "gliss finding"

The Problem: trying to lip the notes into tune instead of finding the pitch with the slide. I believe this can cause a loss of centering and resonance.

The Solution: by glissing around the note while listening carefully for a resonant full tone, then stopping in the position, you can find the right pitch while your center of resonance stays "in the pocket."