Playing like a girl?

Clara,

You are correct to shun "blasty and ugly". In most cases that's not what you want. Instead, in your practicing, find some time to practice the upper end of your dynamic range. Playing a short passage repeatedly and gradually push the limit of how loudly you can play it.

Remember that when people ask for louder horns, what they want is more sound. You can do this by making a louder version of the sound you already make, or finding a way to make a richer, clearer sound. Both will have the effect of getting you heard better.

Also make sure that you're not playing into your body as that blocks sound, and make sure that you're not blocking the bell with your hand too much.

Horns can and should play loudly at times; these can be really exciting moments in the music!

Oh, and being told that you play like a girl is as good as a compliment... some of the finest players are female.

-----
Visit me at RobsHouse.net

Carla,

I am of the firm belief that, yes, for the most part, must play a dynamic level higher than the rest of the orchestra. I always tell my students, that in order to be able to play loud, they must be able to play very reserved. I find that with opening my throat more, and just letting as much air pass through as you can. This can be done and practiced without the horn. Doing breathing excersises help alot. Taking in a deep breath for four counts, then exhale for twelve count, making sure you fully expel all the breath. Then work that up by inhale for four, then decrease the counts on the exhale, while expelling all the air.

I also recommend to really work on the lower end of the dynamic specturm. Practice all your parts down one or two dynamics from the sheet. Even though you are playing quietly, a firm stomach, and open throat are extreamly important.

Working on dynamics are much like working on the upper register. If you dont have a good foundation
(lower register) One will never have a stable upper range. So with that, Dynamics are the same. If you want to play loud, work on your triple p's.

Jacob

http://home.columbus.rr.com/juliarose/interview.html

EJ: Have you ever had someone say to you, “You’re playing that like a girl.”

JR: Yes I have.

EJ: What did it mean to you?

JR: It kind of meant that I was just not giving it a hundred percent, that I was just kind of la-di-da, doing whatever I wanted, and not committing. And maybe playing too soft.

EJ: What was your reaction to it?

JR: I learned to play really loud! I tried to learn to play in such a way that no one would ever say that again. And what’s so bad about saying that you play like a girl? I am a girl. But for some reason it’s an insult… I’ve got to say that I’ve only been told that by people who wanted it to be an insult, so I think that had a lot to do with it. I mean my teachers have never said that, conductors have never said that.

-----
Visit me at RobsHouse.net