POSTUREALWAYS BRING THE HORN TO YOU
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HORN OFF-LEGThe horn raised above the leg or "off-leg" is the preferred method for playing. It creates maximum resonance, which means that the vibration occurs more freely, and vibration equals sound. Always bring to horn to you. The left hand remains in the grip, while the right hand stays in the bell. During rest position, you may relax the horn on your leg. In playing position, it is raised as high as needed to facilitate a good embouchure, usually with a downward angle of around 30 degrees with the lead pipe in line with your button on a button down shirt. Only the arms move when the horn goes up.
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HORN ON-LEGThe horn resting on the leg is an alternative way to play the horn. This method dampens the vibration creating a little darker and quieter tone. Because the bell is already facing away, the horn needs all the sound it can get. Often students will bring their body down to the horn or contort it in some way in order to keep the bell on the leg. Your torso height plays a large factor.
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Whether you are playing standing or sitting, it is important to remember your body posture will change your ability to play at your full potential.
When seated, make sure your body is straight, but not rigid and that you are sitting on your sitz bones. There should be no muscles working to keep you there, just your skeleton, and it should be very comfortable.
When seated, make sure your body is straight, but not rigid and that you are sitting on your sitz bones. There should be no muscles working to keep you there, just your skeleton, and it should be very comfortable.
PLAYING WHILE STANDING
When horn players solo, they stand. In order to stand you must be comfortable playing off the leg. Practice often while standing. Some players find that this feels more comfortable and that the air flows freely.
When horn players solo, they stand. In order to stand you must be comfortable playing off the leg. Practice often while standing. Some players find that this feels more comfortable and that the air flows freely.
IMPROPER BODY POSITION
Even though the horn looks comfortable, she will have to contort her body in order to bring her mouth to the horn. Her air will be unsupported, her embouchure off, and her sound will be less than its potential.
Even though the horn looks comfortable, she will have to contort her body in order to bring her mouth to the horn. Her air will be unsupported, her embouchure off, and her sound will be less than its potential.