One-of-a-Kind, One-Handed Saxophone

Greetings,

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.

Thanks to University of Nebraska at Kearneys's One-Handed Woodwinds Program, 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.

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.

David Nabb, founder of the One-Handed Woodwinds Program, 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.

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."

The following video is a television interview after Daniel received his converted saxophone.


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.

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!

Best,
Catherine

The Art of Jean-Pierre Rampal - Radio-Canada Telecasts 1956-1966.

Greetings,

Almost 2 hours of Rampal in his prime! So wonderful!
Enjoy!

Catherine

Your Brain on Improv

Greetings,

Fascinating explanation of the neurological creative process by surgeon Charles Limb.

Enjoy!
Catherine

Introducing Fluteachniques™: Harmonics+2 Note Slur Tone Study

Greetings,

I recently started having students combine two favorite tone studies for a great warm up. The results have been improved evenness throughout the range of the flute and richer tone in the high register.

I will be sharing more teaching tips in the future. Look for Fluteachniques™in the LeGrand Virtual Studio in coming months!

Best,
Catherine

"Classic" Breath Builder

Greetings,
This video and article from the early days of my website (2006) has tried and true information. The Breath Builder still rules!
Best,
Catherine

The Breath Builder is a self-teaching device. Its primary lesson is the effortless, complete exchange of air at either end of the breath, without any holding or physical tension. It is a visual aid for learning the concept of breath support and also aids improvement of breathing efficiency and of lung capacity.

Developed by the late bassoonist Harold Hansen of Las Vegas, Nevada, the Breath Builder is a translucent plastic cylinder closed on the bottom with 3 holes on top and a ping pong ball inside. The 3 holes and the 2 accompanying plastic tubes with different diameters can be used to control resistance to your air movement. The object is to keep the ping pong ball at the top of the cylinder while blowing into the Breath Builder and also while sucking the breath back through the device. The air is always moving in or out, never stopping. Very simply, if the blowing is steady and the breath exchanges well, the ping pong ball stays at the top of the plastic cylinder.

Tips for Use of the Breath Builder:

I suggest using the larger tube. The smaller one tends to increase physical tension. Begin by blowing into the tube to raise the ping pong ball to the top of the plastic cylinder. Once you have mastered this, while the ping pong ball is at the top, try sucking the air back through the tube without letting the ball drop.

Blow from the front of your mouth. Try to release the air from your lips. Careful not to overdo. Begin with one or two exchanges of air.

Try sucking the air back from the tube and then performing a task; play or sing a phrase or execute some other physical action while you release the breath you just sucked throughout the tube.

Be sure the sternum does not compress as you blow into the machine. This causes unnecessary tension and inefficient release of the breath. Allow your spine to lengthen as you release each breath.
Buy Now!

Caution: Avoid repeating this process until becoming dizzy! Stop immediately if you feel dizzy and rest until the feeling passes. While learning to use the breath builder, please sit down.

René Le Roy playing Danse de la Chevre

Greetings,
This piece was dedicated to René Le Roy by the composer. This recording was made in 1929. Excellent fidelity! So many colors!
Catherine

The Importance of Play

Greetings,
This short documentary expresses the importance of play for better, more creative work and happier lives. Highly recommended!
Catherine

Trailer - SERIOUSLY! The Future depends on play from Gwen Gordon on Vimeo.