tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-53448982898909216322024-03-12T23:13:06.120-05:00Catherine's MusingsBreathing, music performance and pedagogy, creativity, the flute and flute-playing.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger122125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5344898289890921632.post-65341584926579959842013-06-28T18:51:00.000-05:002013-06-28T18:51:10.564-05:00From My Undergrad Archives: Expressive Note Shape Chart<br />
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<span style="font-size: 16px;">Greetings,</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16px;">While recently cleaning out my files, I came across this page in a practice notebook from my college days.</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mUT8a8w0LSI/Uc4dkjO2Z6I/AAAAAAAAAsk/-DAeavykYJs/s1241/DSC_5182+smaller.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mUT8a8w0LSI/Uc4dkjO2Z6I/AAAAAAAAAsk/-DAeavykYJs/s640/DSC_5182+smaller.jpg" width="514" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16px;">Scrawled freehand in pencil on erasable bond typing paper, it has become smeared and blurry over the years. I have referred to this piece of paper frequently during my many years of teaching as the beginning of my personal journey to musical expression on the flute. Those of you who have studied with me probably recall conversations about this page, and I thought you might enjoy seeing an image of the document.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16px;">While an undergrad student at Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music, I obediently practiced the excellent and plentiful tone and technical exercises assigned by my teacher Robert Cavally, but I desired to practice tone on a more microscopic level--how the shape of each individual note could serve a phrase.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16px;">This required considering that every note has a beginning, a middle, and an ending. One day in the practice room I drew out this chart of possible shapes for note beginnings and note endings. I dutifully practiced the shapes on the chart on every pitch over a period of months and noticed increased control over phrase direction and expression in my music making.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16px;">Here is a cleaned-up/legible version of the chart-- I invite you to try it out--or I encourage you to create your own chart!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: georgia, serif;"><em><span style="font-size: 16px;">--Catherine</span></em></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: georgia, serif;"><em><span style="font-size: 16px;"><img data-cke-saved-src="https://staticapp.icpsc.com/icp/loadimage.php/mogile/1025119/c4fa14dd8e98866fac0e808d11d6d15f/image/jpeg" data-icontact-width-flexible="800" height="640" src="https://staticapp.icpsc.com/icp/loadimage.php/mogile/1025119/c4fa14dd8e98866fac0e808d11d6d15f/image/jpeg" style="border: 0px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px;" width="485" /></span></em></span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5344898289890921632.post-73816553269246828082013-06-28T16:04:00.000-05:002013-06-28T16:04:03.916-05:00c. 38 Days to Mastery
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Greetings,<o:p></o:p></div>
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Throughout his 2008 book,
<u>The Outliers</u>, Malcom Gladwell repeatedly mentions the "10,000-Hour
Rule", claiming that the key to success is basically to practice a
specific task for about 10,000 hours. But here’s an approach that will foster
great improvement in tone and embouchure flexibility in just over a month!<o:p></o:p></div>
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How many different notes can you play on the flute? The
answer varies slightly depending on your specific playing range and whether on
not you have a low B key. Three octaves
of flute notes from low C to high C creates a total of 37 notes. If you can
play a low B and/or extended high range notes above high C your total number of
notes will be higher. If you are a beginner or intermediate student your total number
of notes will be lower.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dn1FaI0NH-k/Uc341odDNwI/AAAAAAAAAsU/Ls-ZqDSrJCA/s1600/moyse+interval.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="295" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dn1FaI0NH-k/Uc341odDNwI/AAAAAAAAAsU/Ls-ZqDSrJCA/s400/moyse+interval.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: -webkit-auto;">“Attack and Slurring of Notes” </span><span style="font-size: small; text-align: -webkit-auto;">from Moyse’s </span><u style="font-size: medium; text-align: -webkit-auto;">De la Sonorite</u></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Use as a model the section from Moyse’s <u>De la Sonorite</u> named
“Attack and Slurring of Notes.” </div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
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Begin the exercise on a different note each
day, practicing the expanding intervals in each direction to every other note
you can play on your flute. </div>
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<br /></div>
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If you master the tone and smooth transitions in
one expanding interval exercise each day, in just over a month you will have
perfected every possible interval on your flute! <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Of course, there is no such thing as “perfect” tone, but I
challenge you to see how much your tone and flexibility will improve!<o:p></o:p></div>
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Non-flutists, this study will also improve your playing! Give it a try!</div>
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Best,<o:p></o:p></div>
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Catherine<o:p></o:p></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5344898289890921632.post-80732049476236123262013-03-08T10:06:00.002-05:002013-03-08T10:06:55.429-05:00In Honor of C.P.E. Bach's Birthday! Sonata in A Minor for Flute Solo, Wq. 132 In honor of C.P.E. Bach's birthday today!<br />
He was born March 8, 1714--299 years young!<br />
--Catherine<br />
<iframe frameborder="no" height="450" scrolling="no" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fapi.soundcloud.com%2Fplaylists%2F4007392" width="100%"></iframe><br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5344898289890921632.post-61255505416422146432013-03-07T10:20:00.000-05:002013-03-07T10:20:02.144-05:00Study Head and Throat Muscles for Improved Tone while Playing and SingingGreetings,<br />
<br />
Here is a <a href="http://droualb.faculty.mjc.edu/Lecture%20Notes/Unit%203/muscles%20with%20figures.htm" target="_blank">great web page</a> from Dr. Robert Droual, Professor of Anatomy & Physiology at Modesto Junior College, listing muscles, locations of origin and insertion, and actions of the muscles.<br />
<a href="http://droualb.faculty.mjc.edu/Lecture%20Notes/Unit%203/muscles%20with%20figures.htm">http://droualb.faculty.mjc.edu/Lecture%20Notes/Unit%203/muscles%20with%20figures.htm</a><br />
<br />
I hope you find the my thoughts on these images helpful!<br />
<br />
Best,<br />
Catherine<br />
<br />
<b>Of particular interest to wind/brass players and vocalists:</b><br />
<br />
<b>Muscles at the Floor of the Mouth</b><br />These muscles elevate the
hyoid bone and move the tongue back during <u>swallowing</u> and are NOT used while
playing or singing. Check out these muscles which restrict tone production and breathing!<br /><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qfSqK8LMkgg/UTilM38B7SI/AAAAAAAAAqU/vjme3XTuePA/s1600/Muscles_of_the_floor_of_the_mouth.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qfSqK8LMkgg/UTilM38B7SI/AAAAAAAAAqU/vjme3XTuePA/s640/Muscles_of_the_floor_of_the_mouth.jpg" width="617" /></a></div>
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<br />
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<br />
<b>Muscles of Facial Expression</b>These muscles move skin rather
than a joint when they contract. They control minute movements affecting
embouchure and tonal control. Try experimenting with gentle contractions and releases of individual muscles and notice the effects on your tone.<br />
<ul>
<li>Flutists: experiment with simultaneous gentle contractions of Depressor labii inferioris, depressor and anguli oris, zygomatic major and minor, and levator labii superioris to free the tongue and lips. </li>
<li>This is what I often call a "square embouchure. <a href="http://catherinelegrand.blogspot.com/2007/07/flute-embouchure-rather-square-subject.html" target="_blank">See this post for more info.</a></li>
</ul>
<br />
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</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iPhxYphJKEk/UTil16cLWmI/AAAAAAAAAqk/1OGfFMguGS8/s1600/Muscles_of_mastication_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="596" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iPhxYphJKEk/UTil16cLWmI/AAAAAAAAAqk/1OGfFMguGS8/s640/Muscles_of_mastication_2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AW8XJThnFO8/UTileE-71-I/AAAAAAAAAqc/W9ZDnuSWTnI/s1600/Facial_muscles_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="435" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AW8XJThnFO8/UTileE-71-I/AAAAAAAAAqc/W9ZDnuSWTnI/s640/Facial_muscles_1.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<br /><br />
<b>Muscles of Mastication</b><br />Wind and brass players should take
particular care to avoid tensing the muscles of mastication while
playing. It is amazing how much simply visualizing these muscles and
focusing on relaxing them improves tone!<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zY0UETb92Uc/UTimJSMVprI/AAAAAAAAAqs/tfebpL1oFlM/s1600/Muscles_of_mastication_4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zY0UETb92Uc/UTimJSMVprI/AAAAAAAAAqs/tfebpL1oFlM/s400/Muscles_of_mastication_4.jpg" width="336" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--x7vnySqK6M/UTipZ-8ESqI/AAAAAAAAAq4/gBjoM40sXv0/s1600/Muscles+of+Mastication.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--x7vnySqK6M/UTipZ-8ESqI/AAAAAAAAAq4/gBjoM40sXv0/s400/Muscles+of+Mastication.jpg" width="337" /></a></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5344898289890921632.post-68198130907859521412013-02-13T22:26:00.003-05:002013-02-13T22:26:46.463-05:00Great New Tuning App!<a href="http://www5.wittenberg.edu/sites/default/files/media/music/intune-187-278.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="InTune iPhone app" border="0" src="http://www5.wittenberg.edu/sites/default/files/media/music/intune-187-278.jpg" style="margin-top: 0px;" /></a><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">Greetings!</span><br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;"><a href="http://www5.wittenberg.edu/academics/music/app-intune.html" target="_blank">I</a></span><a href="http://www5.wittenberg.edu/academics/music/app-intune.html" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;" target="_blank">nTune</a><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;"> is an app from Wittenburg University that helps musicians play in tune by improving their ability to hear. It is set up as a simple game. You hear 2 pitches and you must decide whether the 2nd pitch is higher or lower than the first. Pitch variance becomes increasingly small as the game progresses. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">The app is an outgrowth of twenty-five years of research and testing by cellist and professor </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">Daniel Kazez. In a university research study, Kazez discovered that students’ hearing improved the more often they played — at triple the rate of those who did not.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">I had a student who </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">improved his score this week from 14.9% to </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">2.39%. Huge improvement for one week!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">I suggested to my students to warm up their ears before rehearsals by playing the game. Looking forward to hearing the results!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">Check it out for yourself! </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">Best,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">Catherine</span><br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;"><br /></span>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5344898289890921632.post-19997666419827384182012-11-29T00:43:00.001-05:002012-11-29T00:43:45.966-05:00Jean-Pierre Rampal performs Mozart Flute Concerto in G Major, K 313Greetings,<br />
<br />
I hope you enjoy this performance of Mozart Concerto in G Major, K 313 performed by Jean-Pierre Rampal and The McGill Chamber Orchestra, Alexander Brott, conductor.<br />
<br />
Catherine<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="360" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/Q3ywjwsNT1w?rel=0" width="480"></iframe><br />
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5344898289890921632.post-38286424236999781762012-11-28T08:43:00.000-05:002012-11-28T08:43:18.404-05:00Free 2012 TX All-State Etude Practice Hints<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://myflutorials.com/?page_id=1123" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yWZUKZbao_8/ULYPAg6Y8FI/AAAAAAAAAos/Ik-nnMKqgTI/s400/myflutorials+TX+2012.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Greetings,<br />
<br />
I just posted free last minute <a href="http://myflutorials.com/?page_id=1123" target="_blank">2012 TX All-State Etude practice hints for all three etudes!</a><br />
<br />
I hope you find them useful!<br />
<br />
CatherineUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5344898289890921632.post-68959819045223306302012-11-28T08:33:00.000-05:002012-11-28T08:39:07.932-05:00Introducing MyFlutorials!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://myflutorials.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="222" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GUpSu3KZShM/ULYQQcv6JjI/AAAAAAAAAo0/7QTTebpZEuk/s320/myflutorialsabout+bio.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Greetings,<br />
<br />
<a href="http://myflutorials.com/" target="_blank">MyFlutorials</a> is now live!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://myflutorials.com/" target="_blank">MyFlutorials</a> is a growing library of flute teaching videos based on my 30 years of experience teaching flutists of all ages and levels. Whether you are a beginner seeking guidance, a student seeking help for an audition or a contest, a teacher seeking inspiration and solutions, or you just don’t have time to take private lessons, <a href="http://myflutorials.com/" target="_blank">MyFlutorials</a> provides affordable, immediately available video lessons for you!<br />
<br />
New Flutorials are created frequently and can be based on your requests. Please make your requests by email or on the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/MyFlutorials" target="_blank">MyFlutorials Facebook page</a>. These are YOUR Flutorials!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://myflutorials.com/?page_id=380" target="_blank">Flutorials can be purchased separately</a> for only $1.99 each or in themed bundles for $4.99. For example, the “From the Start” Video series priced at $4.99 has been used with great success in Woodwinds Methods Courses and by aspiring beginning flutists around the world.<br />
<br />
For those of you who want more, <a href="http://myflutorials.com/?page_id=292" target="_blank">memberships</a> are available at Silver, Gold, and Platinum levels.<br />
All membership levels include access to all videos plus the <a href="http://myflutorials.com/?page_id=289" target="_blank">bonus members-only blog</a>, with hundreds of posts on flute related topics.<br />
<br />
Check out the Free Sample Menu. See you soon!<br />
–Catherine Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5344898289890921632.post-21884634904840911692012-09-28T15:31:00.000-05:002012-09-28T15:35:45.499-05:00"Horsing Around" with Trills<style>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dN2skSg0Zz4/UGYIQJHtcgI/AAAAAAAAAnc/exg1UmsmAmA/s1600/lipizzaner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dN2skSg0Zz4/UGYIQJHtcgI/AAAAAAAAAnc/exg1UmsmAmA/s320/lipizzaner.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Greetings,</div>
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This week a young student was playing an etude in her lesson
which had lots of trills and nachschläge. She was having the usual difficulty
with placing the nachschlag in graceful relationship to the resolution. </div>
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This student is a visual learner, and an image popped into
my mind! I went to the computer and found a video to show her what I had
thought of—a video of the famous Lipizzaner Stallions performing. </div>
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The ease of predicting when the hoof will reach the ground
while the horse is in motion provided the perfect model for this student
to understand the graceful placement of the nachschlag while her breath
sustained the ending of the trill. Check out the clip at 3:00-3:07 and 4:52-4:54. Simply beautiful.<iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="360" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/so_Y--gGAQc?rel=0" width="640"></iframe></div>
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The results: natural, elegant musical gesture,
delighted student, and joyful teacher. Smiles all around.</div>
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Hope you find this analogy helpful!</div>
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Best,</div>
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Catherine</div>
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<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5344898289890921632.post-50241351480553661532012-08-19T08:39:00.003-05:002012-08-20T08:08:12.457-05:00How Quantz Articulated!<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XbSUZba67_E/UDDqsrCBDtI/AAAAAAAAAmU/2GcefSxqwiY/s1600/Qunatzsolfeggi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XbSUZba67_E/UDDqsrCBDtI/AAAAAAAAAmU/2GcefSxqwiY/s320/Qunatzsolfeggi.jpg" width="225" /></a>Greetings,<br />
<br />
In his 8.11.2012 Masterclass on Articulation, master teacher Keith Underwood mentioned Quantz's <i>Solfeggi for Flute</i>, a flute primer filled with musical excerpts annotated by Quantz himself!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://conquest.imslp.info/files/imglnks/usimg/e/e4/IMSLP99338-PMLP204030-quantz_solfejo_para_traverso.pdf" target="_blank">This public domain document is available free online.</a> <br />
<br />
I am very inspried seeing Quantz's own hand and trying out his suggested articulations! Hope it inspires you, too!<br />
<br />
It is fabulous this is available online. Share this info with everyone!<br />
<br />
Best,<br />
CatherineUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5344898289890921632.post-9512190257387462042012-07-30T11:27:00.000-05:002012-07-30T11:27:20.146-05:00ALIVE INSIDE: A Story of Music & Memory<iframe frameborder="0" height="360" src="http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1406732546/alive-inside-a-story-of-music-and-memory/widget/video.html" width="480"> </iframe><br />
Greetings,<br />
<br />
I am so so excited about this film!<br />
<br />
In the 1990's I was involved in grant work to bring live music to Alzheimer's patients in TX. I saw first hand the power music can have on the mind. We heard from the daughter of one patient who attended one of our concerts with her mother that after the concert she had the first meaningful conversation with her mother in over 3 years.<br />
<br />
I was shocked and delighted when I discovered the film is being made by Michael Rossato-Bennett, an old friend from the 80's!<br />
<br />
Be on the lookout for this film's release.<br />
<br />
Meanwhile, if you know someone with Alzheimers or some form of dementia, I encourage you to load an iPod with music meaningful to that person and to deliver the iPod and some headphones to them. I'm going to do this!<br />
<br />
Best,<br />
Catherine<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5344898289890921632.post-90686157428627922482012-07-09T10:00:00.003-05:002012-07-09T10:04:56.037-05:00Innate vs. developed musicality<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/Ak2jxmhCH1M?rel=0" width="420"></iframe><br />
Greetings,<br />
<br />
In this fascinating <a href="http://www.cbsnews.com/video/watch/?id=6734911n" target="_blank">CBS 60 Minutes report</a> Lesley Stahl reported on Derek Paravicini, musical savant with an amazing musical memory plus the ability to play any piece in any key and any style on demand! Derek was born extremely prematurely, at 25 weeks, suggesting that innate musicality is developed quite early or is even, perhaps, genetic.<br />
<br />
All very interesting to consider, but what about most people--those not born as musical geniuses? How can we foster musicality and musical development in our students and in our children?<br />
<br />
Check out this great blog post by Maya Liberman, <a href="http://www.mymusicaltalent.com/six-ways-to-develop-musical-awareness-in-your-child/" target="_blank">Six Ways to Develop Musical Awareness in Your Child.</a> In the post, she encourages parents to surround their children with quality music: car stereo, Internet radio channels, YouTube, and live performances. She also suggests engaging your children by discussing with the music with them:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
What instruments do you hear?<br />
How does the music makes you feel?</blockquote>
More suggestions by Maya to develop deeper connections to the music:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Listening to pieces with narration <br />
Singing the familiar tunes<br />
Looking up composers on the Internet<br />
Listening to multiple performances of the same piece </blockquote>
When my students are learning new pieces, I first have them learn the pieces without listening to any recordings. Once they have mastered the notes and rhythms, I have them listen to multiple recordings of the works, comparing the performances to develop their aesthetic senses. I often suggest specific recordings for students to listen to for phrasing ideas--often performances by great singers of the past. Students are also encouraged to improvise, connecting their imaginations and emotions to their instruments. <br />
<br />
How do you encourage the development of musicality?<br />
CatherineUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5344898289890921632.post-51634777841515511792012-06-24T19:44:00.000-05:002012-06-24T19:45:10.983-05:00"Beginner's Mind"<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-O0DV43jAxi4/T-eyuMUGlfI/AAAAAAAAAi0/kkmTzCQaNY4/s1600/Beginnersmind.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-O0DV43jAxi4/T-eyuMUGlfI/AAAAAAAAAi0/kkmTzCQaNY4/s400/Beginnersmind.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>
Greetings,<br />
<br />
I always look forward to summer as a time to “reinvent” my flute playing. After taking some time away from regular practice, I approach playing with “beginner’s mind,” discovering new routes to improved flute playing and joyous music making.<br />
<br />
Those of you know me personally know that I have many ways to work on things--that difficult passage or life’s problems--and, also, that I find great joy in new insights and discoveries. <br />
<br />
Exploration is the precursor to discovery. "Play" is the creative path. New ideas and inspirations come when we refresh our perspectives on life and work.<br />
<br />
When I learn something new, try a new way of doing something, or immerse myself in a new context or challenge--whether it be cultural (travel to a new place), work-related (new repertoire, inspiring reading or research), or domestic (new recipes, or even rearranging the furniture)--I learn new things about myself: what motivates me, what fulfills me, and how I might best inspire others to discover their best selves, both as individuals and as artists. <br />
<br />
I encourage you to try something new this summer, in your music-making and in your life. I invite you to check out the <a href="http://www.catherinelegrand.com/library.htm" target="_blank">Library page at my website</a> or my blogs, for some inspiring resources, or visit the <a href="http://www.catherinelegrand.com/playground.htm" target="_blank">Playground at my website</a> for fun, creative play to open up new paths of thought.<br />
<br />
Happy exploration! I look forward to hearing about your adventures and discoveries.<br />
<br />
Best,<br />
CatherineUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5344898289890921632.post-40854459681536859952012-05-22T21:54:00.000-05:002012-05-22T21:59:29.934-05:00Flutorial: Blow it Out! Exhaling fully to create bigger breaths.Greetings,<br />
<br />
This video demonstrates exercises to help you take bigger, more efficient breaths using excerpts from Faure's Sicilienne.<br />
<br />
Best,<br />
Catherine<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qY0iNxh8HUI/T60euiEJTOI/AAAAAAAAAiY/0_0LFeWxEWA/s1600/moshearonepstein.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qY0iNxh8HUI/T60euiEJTOI/AAAAAAAAAiY/0_0LFeWxEWA/s320/moshearonepstein.jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Moshe Aron Epstein</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="background-color: white; color: black;">
Greetings,</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: black;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: black;">
I just read an impressive interview with Miyazawa artist Moshe Aron Epstein: soloist, chamber musician, and Professor of Flute at the Hochschule (Academy) of Music and Theater in Hamburg.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: black;">
<span style="font-family: helvetica,arial,sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><span style="font-family: helvetica,arial,sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><span style="font-family: helvetica,arial,sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"></span></span></span></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: black;">My favorite quotes from the article:</span><span style="background-color: white; color: black;"></span><br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
The
most valuable lesson I learned from the flute is listening. Listening
not just with the ears – listening with all senses – sight, smell, taste
and touch, listening with the soul, listening through feeling myself
and others, listening to the world, listening. Listening made me observe
tone quality, intonation, dynamics, rhythm, style. It brought me to
understand how others are playing and being able to imitate at least
parts of their qualities. But moreover: listening in its widest meaning
makes it all meaningful, worthwhile… </blockquote>
<blockquote>
Excellence requires an inner need to always find more about yourself,
the composer and his piece, a need for a continuous development and to
purify the means of performance. It often demands to forget yourself and
let the playing just stream through you. Excellence is achieved in the
rare moments, when the triangle: player-composer-piece makes a new
entity summing all three parts up. The result is very personal, even
intimate, often mysterious.<br />
<br />
Playing a musical instrument, the flute included, is a rare discipline
that combines technique, spirit, body and soul. I have been teaching
flute for almost 42 years (a frightening figure, isn’t it?!), from
beginners through professionals. I spend endless time and effort on the
physical side of playing: from posture to breathing, from intonation to
finger technique, dynamics to sound quality and of course to shape,
style, and musical phrasing etc. But above all I look for the special
encounter between the player and the composer and the message to be
delivered through musical means. I put an emphasis on the fact that we
should serve the music - be like a vessel through which the great music
is flowing. The better the technique, the more subtle it should become.<br />
<br />
Keep a good, healthy and true balance between the outer demands of the
modern world and your own inner voice, soul and spirit. In a humorous
way, with some Yiddish flavor it would be: In spite of the fact that you
are, or want to become a flutist, be a MENSCH! </blockquote>
<br />
<a href="http://www.miyazawa.com/community-news/feed/mays-featured-artist/" target="_blank">Read the entire interview here.</a> Thanks to Miyazawa for this enlightening post!<br />
<br />
You can find Professor Moshe Aron Epstein on Facebook:<br />
<a href="http://www.facebook.com/mosheflute">http://www.facebook.com/mosheflute</a>.<br />
<br />
Enjoy,<br />
CatherineUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5344898289890921632.post-64244011233195025272012-05-09T11:12:00.000-05:002012-05-09T12:38:46.560-05:00Duke Voice Care Center "Care of the Singing Voice Workshop: How to Make Your Voice Last a Lifetime"<style>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
Greetings, </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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This post is intended to supplement the linked PDF of the
Powerpoint presentation used at the “Care of the Singing Voice” Workshop
presented by Duke Voice Care Center at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of
Raleigh on 4.14.12. </div>
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<br /></div>
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The <a href="http://www.catherinelegrand.com/PDF/careofsingingvoice.pdf" target="_blank">pdf of the presentation</a> was provided to me to share with you by Leda
Scearce, MM, MS, CCC-SLP, at the Duke Voice Care Center. It is full of great
information on this topic! </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I bolded pages to major topics to serve as an index and
included highlights, referenced videos which won’t appear on the PDF, and
some additional notes and comments [in brackets].</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Thanks, Leda! It was a great workshop! Thanks, also, to Yuri Yamamoto for organizing the event. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I hope you find this useful! Please let me know!</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Best always,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Catherine</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b>Highlights, Additional Notes, Comments and Referenced videos
</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b>from </b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b>“Care of the Singing Voice” Workshop presented by Duke Voice
Care Center at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Raleigh on 4.14.12</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Page 9-17: Normal Voice Production</b></div>
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In human voice production, lungs are the actuators of the
power supply.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Page 12</div>
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Excess, prolonged pressure on the vocal folds causes damage
to the vocal folds.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Page 15</div>
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The consistency of healthy vocal folds is like Jello.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Video of healthy vocal folds:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gv4evDGLgjQ">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gv4evDGLgjQ</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #262626;">Page 17</span></div>
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<span style="color: #262626;">Stroboscopy:</span> video of
female vocal cords at high and low pitch:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UpOXecWC5Dw">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UpOXecWC5Dw</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Page 18-30: What Happens When Things Goes Wrong?</b></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Page 21</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Caffeine, alcohol, smoking and second hand smoke are all
harmful to the singing voice. Drink LOTS of water all day! At least eight 8 oz.
glasses of water each day!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Page 31-55:
Management (Behavioral, Medical, Surgical)</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Page 33</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Vocal Hygiene: The things we do to keep the voice healthy </div>
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<span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span>Taking
care of the body </div>
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<span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span>Using
the voice well </div>
<div class="Default" style="margin-left: .25in;">
<br /></div>
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<b>Page 56- 68: Vocal Pacing</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Page 57</div>
<div class="Default">
Vocal Pacing Golden Rule! </div>
<div class="Default">
Warm up your voice before singing, cool down your voice after
singing.</div>
<div class="Default" style="color: #38761d;">
<br /></div>
<div class="Default" style="color: #38761d; margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.5in;">
<b>Page 67</b></div>
<div class="Default" style="color: #38761d; margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.5in;">
<b>Special
Considerations for Music Directors/Choral Conductors </b></div>
<div class="Default" style="color: #38761d;">
<br /></div>
<div class="Default" style="color: #38761d;">
<b>•Warm up your voice before rehearsal </b></div>
<div class="Default" style="color: #38761d;">
<br /></div>
<div class="Default" style="color: #38761d;">
<b>•Use amplification for your voice during rehearsal </b></div>
<div class="Default" style="color: #38761d;">
<br /></div>
<div class="Default" style="color: #38761d;">
<b>•Use printed signs or hand signals to communicate messages
that you say over and over </b></div>
<div class="Default" style="color: #38761d;">
<br /></div>
<div class="Default" style="color: #38761d;">
<b>•Minimize using your voice to teach the music </b></div>
<div class="Default" style="color: #38761d;">
<br /></div>
<div class="Default" style="color: #38761d;">
<b>Recommended use of:</b></div>
<div class="Default" style="color: #38761d;">
<b>Spokeman Personal Voice Amplifier</b></div>
<div class="Default" style="color: #38761d;">
<b><a href="http://www.soundbytes.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=608100&Store_Code=SB&Category_Code=portable-voice-amplifiers" target="_blank">Can be purchased here.</a> </b></div>
<div class="Default">
<br /></div>
<div class="Default">
<b>Page 69: How will I know if I Have a Voice Injury?</b></div>
<div class="Default">
<br /></div>
<div class="Default">
<b>Page 72-81: Singing Styles and Techniques</b></div>
<div class="Default" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span><b>Mechanics
of Singing (General, Classical,
and Belting)</b></div>
<div class="Default">
<br /></div>
<div class="Default">
<b>Page 82-89: Acoustics of Singing/ Physics of Sound</b></div>
<div class="Default">
<br /></div>
<div class="Default">
Page 91:
Speaking and Singing Voice Exercise</div>
<div class="Default">
Emphasis of proper skeletal alignment and good body use. [I
recommend study of the Alexander Technique and/or Feldenkrais to improve ease
and quality of singing and playing!]</div>
<div class="Default">
<br /></div>
<div class="Default">
Page 86</div>
<div class="Default">
Referenced video: Joseph Callejo: Nessun Dorma</div>
<div class="Default">
<br /></div>
<div class="Default">
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nn16xQxo0vc">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nn16xQxo0vc</a></div>
<h1>
<span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;"><u>[I prefer this
perfermance: Jussi
Bjorling</u></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> "Nessun dorma"
Live 1958]</span></h1>
<div class="Default">
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tdL483b4kao&feature=fvwrel">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tdL483b4kao&feature=fvwrel</a></div>
<div class="Default">
<br /></div>
<div class="Default">
Page 87</div>
<div class="Default">
Referenced video: Adele: Rolling in the Deep </div>
<div class="Default">
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0ckIulg1DfQ&feature=related">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0ckIulg1DfQ&feature=related</a></div>
<div class="Default">
<br /></div>
<div class="Default">
<b>Page 90-111: Vocal Exercise for Singing</b></div>
<div class="Default">
<b>[Lots of great suggestions. We spent 30 minutes in the
workshop practicing these.]</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5344898289890921632.post-75650509545479252892012-04-27T09:44:00.003-05:002012-04-27T09:44:51.533-05:00Early flute recordings on Robert Bigio's website<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DkQYRSiKJXw/T5qtK19P15I/AAAAAAAAAgk/tyGCFxt2Xis/s1600/breiden.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DkQYRSiKJXw/T5qtK19P15I/AAAAAAAAAgk/tyGCFxt2Xis/s1600/breiden.jpg" /></a></div>
Greetings,<br />
<br />
I am grateful to Robert Bigio for posting on his website <a href="http://www.robertbigio.com/recordings.htm">early recordings from Christopher Steward's collection</a>.<br />
<br />
These recordings are truly inspiring-- a reminder of a time when tone and technique were synonymous--a time when and elegance and beauty reigned. I've bookmarked this page and enjoy listening to at least one recording before I practice each day.<br />
<br />
While typing this post, I listened to a recent addition to the webpage: Simonetti: <i>Madrigal</i>. Heinz Breiden, flute; Siegfried Borries, violin; and Max Saal, harp. So lovely! The recording was made in 1937 0r 1938. Breiden was a flutist in the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra from 1921 until his death. <br />
<br />
Recent additions to this page include recordings by Frances Blaisdell and Gaston Crunelle. There is also a recording of Georges Barrère playing Alfredo d'Ambrosio's Canzonetta, Op. 6. Such artistry...<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.robertbigio.com/">Robert Bigio's website</a> is a also great resource for historical information on flutes, flutists and flute-playing. Thanks, Robert!<br />
<br />
Best,<br />
Catherine <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5344898289890921632.post-72805540251149949962012-04-26T09:29:00.001-05:002012-04-26T09:29:17.417-05:00More on "Constructive Rest"<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Z5JKl1GIN84/T5lZwxjDPRI/AAAAAAAAAgY/tP69hbZmdEQ/s1600/1.29.12alexander.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Z5JKl1GIN84/T5lZwxjDPRI/AAAAAAAAAgY/tP69hbZmdEQ/s400/1.29.12alexander.jpg" width="267" /></a></div>
Greetings,<br />
<br />
I posted <a href="http://catherinelegrand.blogspot.com/2011/09/constructive-rest.html">this article</a> a few months ago after attending an Alexander Technique Workshop presented by Rachel Niketopoulos and Pam Nelson for the Raleigh Area Flute Association.<br />
<br />
Since then, I have held several workshops with my students at Rachel's Raleigh studio. I have seen great improvements in each student who participated in at least one of these workshops.<br />
<br />
We begin each workshop with 20 minutes of Constructive Rest to allow adequate time for our vertebrae to realign and our discs (which act as shock absorbers) to rehydrate.<br />
<br />
I am a longtime Alexander Technique student myself, but only recently I have come to acknowledge that "Constructive Rest" is possibly the most helpful practice technique for wind players to improve their tone and breathing. I learned this from watching my students improve!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://alexandertechnique.com/constructiverest/"> Check out this Guide to Constructive Rest</a> on <a href="http://alexandertechnique.com/">http://alexandertechnique.com</a>.<br />
<br />
Soprano <a href="http://www.andreamatthews.com/6.html">Andrea Matthews</a> has prepared a <a href="http://alexandertechnique.com/constructiverest/constructiverest.pdf">teaching handout on Constructive Rest.</a><br />
<br />
I recently discovered another great Alexander Technique resource: Sarah Chatwin's Alexander Technique <a href="http://sarahchatwin.com/">website</a> and <a href="http://sarahchatwin.com/blog/">blog</a>. Sarah offers a free e-course if you sign up for her email newsletter. I now look forward to my email reminders about all things "Alexander!"<br />
<br />
Best,<br />
CatherineUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5344898289890921632.post-85676797708428595642012-04-13T07:59:00.001-05:002012-04-13T08:05:42.013-05:00Frederick Fennell: A Life of Joyful DiscoveryGreetings,<br />
<br />
Inspiring four minute trailer for <i>A Life of Joyful Discovery</i>, a documentary about the icon of wind ensemble music, Frederick Fennell. <br />
<br />
Here are my favorite quotes from Fennell in the trailer:<br />
<br />
• “Your business is to make music with the people in front of you. It doesn’t matter who they are.”<br />
• “…feel their contact with each other…their reaching out beyond themselves to other people.”<br />
• “They were not just players, they were listeners, and that’s were they were the kind of players they were., because they were the kind of listeners they were.”<br />
<br />
Enjoy!<br />
Catherine<br />
<object width="420" height="315"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube-nocookie.com/v/eWf1fHlW5Gk?version=3&hl=en_US&rel=0"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube-nocookie.com/v/eWf1fHlW5Gk?version=3&hl=en_US&rel=0" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="420" height="315" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5344898289890921632.post-34553293379469285132012-03-16T06:20:00.000-05:002012-03-16T06:20:04.273-05:00"Bare Necessities" of BreathingGreetings,<br />
<br />
This week I have been rereading Lea Pearson's excellent book <i><a href="http://web.mac.com/flutibia/FLUTIBIA/The_Book.html">Body Mapping for Flutists</a></i>. <br />
<br />
On p. 87, Lea suggests learning to release the gluteal muscles for better breathing by thinking of Baloo from Disney's <i>The Jungle Book</i> animated movie. <br />
<br />
I hope you enjoy this infectiously happy clip from <i>The Jungle Book</i>. While you watch, be aware of the back side of your body and, as Lea says, "shake your booty!"<br />
<br />
Best,<br />
Catherine <br />
<object width="420" height="315"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube-nocookie.com/v/BytXcDYTVU8?version=3&hl=en_US&rel=0"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube-nocookie.com/v/BytXcDYTVU8?version=3&hl=en_US&rel=0" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="420" height="315" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5344898289890921632.post-39276296972570207612012-03-15T21:59:00.000-05:002012-03-15T21:59:47.972-05:00The Pez Dispenser vs. The Nutcracker<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--fsR0M0FT-M/T2Kr3bRl9VI/AAAAAAAAAfo/BQGl-4dROBQ/s1600/th_pez.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="159" width="57" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--fsR0M0FT-M/T2Kr3bRl9VI/AAAAAAAAAfo/BQGl-4dROBQ/s200/th_pez.jpg" /></a></div>Greetings,<br />
<br />
The images represent 2 distinct "mappings" of the jaw. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1LT2AInUPm8/T2KsZDytm8I/AAAAAAAAAf0/EM2LCVM2Pxo/s1600/th_pez-2%2B%2528dragged%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="159" width="57" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1LT2AInUPm8/T2KsZDytm8I/AAAAAAAAAf0/EM2LCVM2Pxo/s200/th_pez-2%2B%2528dragged%2529.jpg" /></a></div><br />
"Pez" throws his head back using his neck muscles to open his mouth. This puts extreme stress on his vocal cords, throat, and upper back. "Nutcracker" drops his jaw open from it's natural hinge. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6NJb5LutZxk/T2KpzXbMQUI/AAAAAAAAAfQ/lZhaBHCcOrg/s1600/nutcracker-mouth-ag.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="196" width="113" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6NJb5LutZxk/T2KpzXbMQUI/AAAAAAAAAfQ/lZhaBHCcOrg/s320/nutcracker-mouth-ag.gif" /></a></div>So...breathe more like Mr. Nutcracker, avoiding the "flip-top head" syndrome demonstrated by Mr. Pez. Even better is to breathe most of the time from the sides of your mouth, leaving your jaw in a neutral,natural position.<br />
<br />
Happy Breathing!<br />
CatherineUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5344898289890921632.post-65691884851424460732012-02-25T10:17:00.000-05:002012-02-25T10:17:40.434-05:00Fluteachniques™: "Up for the Count": New Use for Your Instrument Peg<object width="420" height="315"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube-nocookie.com/v/cQ0Pe2oje6w?version=3&hl=en_US&rel=0"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube-nocookie.com/v/cQ0Pe2oje6w?version=3&hl=en_US&rel=0" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="420" height="315" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object><br />
Greetings,<br />
<br />
I hope you find this tip useful, or, at least, amusing! <br />
<br />
All the best,<br />
CatherineUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5344898289890921632.post-24272920992795845092012-02-19T15:39:00.000-05:002012-02-19T15:39:53.129-05:00One-of-a-Kind, One-Handed Saxophone<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Vpar6MZI0zc/Tz3qPJ5-MlI/AAAAAAAAAdM/7aY_8KCe57U/s1600/Danny%2BStover009_1661966120_2595011_143056307_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="320" width="214" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Vpar6MZI0zc/Tz3qPJ5-MlI/AAAAAAAAAdM/7aY_8KCe57U/s320/Danny%2BStover009_1661966120_2595011_143056307_n.jpg" /></a></div>Greetings,<br />
<br />
My former student Daniel Stover suffered a stroke in 2008, losing movement in his left arm together with the ability to play his clarinet and saxophone.<br />
<br />
Thanks to <a href="http://onehandwinds.unk.edu/">University of Nebraska at Kearneys's One-Handed Woodwinds Program</a>, Daniel can now return to playing and teaching music. Daniel recently traveled to Kearney, Nebraska to pick up his one-of-a-kind, one-handed saxophone.<br />
<br />
Pictured is Daniel Stover with his Selmer Mark VI saxophone recently converted to a right handed toggle mechanism by Jeff Stelling of Kearney, Nebraska. Photo by April Dawn Refior. Engraving by Jason Dumars.<br />
<br />
David Nabb, founder of the <a href="http://onehandwinds.unk.edu/">One-Handed Woodwinds Program</a>, is Professor of Music at the University of Nebraska at Kearney. Since surviving a stroke in 2000, Nabb has worked with woodwind craftsman Jeff Stelling to develop a saxophone that can be played with the right hand only. Their combined efforts garnered a Kennedy Center VSA (Very Special Arts) award last year.<br />
<br />
Stelling comments on his efforts: " …although I can't know exactly what these people have gone through with disabilities, I can just imagine getting my life back, being able to do what was my passion in life again. And so it's really great to give them an opportunity to have that back." <br />
<br />
The following video is a television interview after Daniel received his converted saxophone.<br />
<object width="420" height="315"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube-nocookie.com/v/C7a-DfPnWT0?version=3&hl=en_US&rel=0"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube-nocookie.com/v/C7a-DfPnWT0?version=3&hl=en_US&rel=0" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="420" height="315" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object><br />
<br />
For close-ups of the one-handed mechanism in action, check out this performance video: David Nabb (saxophone) and Nathan Buckner (piano) play Diversion by Bernhard Heiden with this one-handed Yamaha Custom saxophone adapted by Stelling Brass & Winds. <object width="420" height="315"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube-nocookie.com/v/Fr24tgn_OrU?version=3&hl=en_US&rel=0"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube-nocookie.com/v/Fr24tgn_OrU?version=3&hl=en_US&rel=0" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="420" height="315" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object><br />
<br />
Kudos to all involved for their ingenuity, resilience, and perseverance. I am looking forward to hearing Daniel on his prized new instrument when I am in Texas in March!<br />
<br />
Best,<br />
CatherineUnknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5344898289890921632.post-73206407547516306142012-02-16T12:16:00.000-05:002012-02-16T12:16:11.564-05:00The Art of Jean-Pierre Rampal - Radio-Canada Telecasts 1956-1966.Greetings,<br />
<br />
Almost 2 hours of Rampal in his prime! So wonderful!<br />
Enjoy!<br />
<br />
Catherine<br />
<object width="420" height="315"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube-nocookie.com/v/chwS3vHdUlo?version=3&hl=en_US&rel=0"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube-nocookie.com/v/chwS3vHdUlo?version=3&hl=en_US&rel=0" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="420" height="315" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5344898289890921632.post-89393020884498800202012-02-16T11:31:00.000-05:002012-02-16T11:31:50.716-05:00Your Brain on ImprovGreetings,<br />
<br />
Fascinating explanation of the neurological creative process by surgeon Charles Limb.<br />
<br />
Enjoy!<br />
Catherine<object width="526" height="374">
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</object>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0