Hoss, This problem is something a teacher really needs to see in person. However...........
Most endurance problems I have seen have to do with using the emboucher incorrectly. Those players tended to stretch out the lips as they played higher and higher. The trick is that the lips should be pushed into the mouthpiece as one gets higher, making the hole in your lips that the air comes out of smaller and smaller the higher one get. It also forces more and more muscle into the mouthpiece not only giving you more strength where it's needed, but also giving you more of a cushion against possible pressure. Your tone will improve dramatically once you learn to do this. In addition, at least according the the Farkas book, the air stream must change direction, moving downwards, as one gets higher. This air stream movement has always worked for me and my students. Always! (Sorry Hans) Find a good teacher, pay them the sixty bucks, or whatever, and find out what's causing the problem. Then, even if you can't continue lessons, you'll know what's wrong and should be given some ideas as to how to correct the problem yourself, with a mirror in front of your face while you practice. Han's idea about using a very thin rim does have merit, in my opinion. It allows the lips to move easier, and will cause pain if you are using too much pressure. The pain will, hopefully, train you to use less and less pressure. People I run into have great trouble believing how thin my rim is, and has been ever since I started playing in 1965. Wilbert in SC Off to Rehearsal -- again Playing first in two orchestras this year. Am I crazy, or what? Coming up on birthday number 57. I probably should get out of this racket, but low playing isn't in my blood. The notes are there, but the sound and accuracy isn't. _______________________________________________ post: [EMAIL PROTECTED] set your options at http://music.memphis.edu/mailman/options/horn/archive%40jab.org
