| Mat...I think we're pretty much saying the same thing now. The issue was whether or not the vibration of the lips is necessary to sustain the sound (vibration is simply repetitive "impulses" characterised by alternating compression/tension) and the effect of the horn (both the metal and the air column within) on that vibration.
I do have one question left in my mind before we "30" this one... do you not think that the player adjusts the tension (or compression) in their embouchure as they increase the air speed for higher range? Personally I believe that they do... even if it is "involuntary" (actually, I think it's a learned, "rote" response). Reading your previous message I can't tell if you agree with that (varying tension) or not. I think of a blade of grass when you hold it between your thumbs and blow across it.... the tighter the blade of grass is held AND the harder you blow, the higher the note you will get. If you blow hard on a blade that is held loosely, it simply flops off to one side and no sound is produced.
In the case of our chops, yes...we blow harder for higher notes. But unless we can also provide more tension (or compression), the higher air speed will simply blow our chops "open" and we lose the vibration. Or am I misunderstanding something in what you wrote? |