You\u2019re four weeks away. Still breathing? Good \u2013 keep it up \u2013 but only where you plan it!<\/p>\n
Now\u2019s the time to make sure that ANYWHERE you think you might need a breath is marked in. Now Bach has a reputation regarding breathing among flutists. Make no mistake \u2013 Bach (and other composers represented in New England, All State, and District Festival audition repertoire) knew what he was doing regarding breathing. Only thing is, he was probably writing for a top performer with extremely well-developed breath control (he was believed to have been writing the sonatas for one specific flutist). So yes \u2013 there are good places to breathe, and acceptable places to breathe – and there are very bad places to breathe. Your first job is to mark all the good places to breathe and find enough additional places to ensure that you absolutely will not: 1) collapse on the floor; 2) breathe in an unplanned spot; 3) sacrifice tone or intonation<\/a>; (especially note phrase endings or octave leaps – i.e. make sure you have enough air to keep from going flat) or 4) sacrifice the continuity of phrasing any more than necessary to avoid the above 3. Your second job regarding breathing is to practice enough to ensure that you will follow through on all of the above – i.e. remain upright; breathe only where marked; play with fully in control tone and articulation; and keep phrases flowing beautifully as planned.<\/p>\n First \u2013 DO breathe often enough to be in full control of your tone and pitch. Take full breaths at every opportunity, filling your lungs like a glass \u2013 from the bottom up. The two main things to keep in mind, in terms of mechanics, are: 1) taking full breaths and 2) using your air efficiently. Yes, I know, that’s pretty basic, but it’s amazing how often that’s forgotten! Ideally, by now you are basically comfortable with the mechanics, but if not, there are some great articles online regarding breathing \u2013 click here (http:\/\/www.jennifercluff.com\/breathe.htm<\/a>) \u00a0for some very helpful thoughts from Jennifer Cluff about the mechanics involved in improving breathing.<\/p>\n At this point, it\u2019s time to make sure you consistently apply<\/span> those strategies in the places you want. It\u2019s also important to recognize that you can make an improvement in the capacity of your lungs and related muscle development in 4 weeks\u2019 time \u2013 by stretching the limits of your capacity and exercising those muscles. Running or other aerobic activity plus crunches and other abdominal exercise can also help \u2013 ideally as a year round venture.<\/p>\n Bottom line:<\/p>\n Next week: Learn a bit about the composer (links below)<\/p>\n\n