Posted by Jay Bertolet on June 26, 2003 at 07:47:33:
In Reply to: Re: Re: confidence in high register posted by dave on June 25, 2003 at 23:36:01:
Exactly! This is the foundation to my own approach to embouchure. By using a three variable equation:
X + Y + Z = 1
I conceptualize that there are 3 variables to the embouchure and mouthpiece interface. Mouthpiece pressure, embouchure pressure (clenching), and air pressure. These, in whatever combination, add up to 1 sound. In my thinking, I do everything I can to minimize the first two variables (mouthpiece pressure and embouchure pressure) so that the vast majority of the "pressure" being used to play is air pressure (Z). What I found by taking this approach is that I almost never tire. My chest and lungs get tired before my chops. Besides, muscles get tired but air does not. Why not use the free, completely inexhaustible resource that we all have access to? Herbert L. Clarke was right!
My opinion for what it's worth...