Posted by Matt S. on February 14, 2003 at 18:23:24:
In Reply to: Re: Tuba players and weight posted by Tony Z. on February 14, 2003 at 17:51:09:
I once saw an interview with Aretha Franklin, and although it has nothing to do with the tuba, I thought it relate to this conversation. She was convinced that the slimmer she was, the worse she sang, stating, "I have my singing weight, and the weight were I look good." I've been under the impression for years that the heavier you are, the less you have to work to get the air to come out because of the constant pressure on your diaphragm, although this leads to other problems like compressed lungs, not to mention the obvious health issues. I've also been told that working out will give you more wind capacity and endurance, because most of the excersizes people do are aerobic. Also, sit-ups are supposed to help your low range, but it's hard to tell whether the difference comes from playing low etudes everyday, or from the sit-ups. Just my thoughts.
Matt