| Related to this topic is the full expulsion of air. I feel this is a neglected part of the "tanking up" practice - with which I am in agreement. I think it is very important to learn to play fully, without decay in intensity, to the near end of the air supply rather than "conserve", leaving stale air within. When you empty the tank almost completely, your intake is quick, unrestricted and full. You shouldn't gasp, but if you realize how fast you can fill up when you really need air, it makes sense to play in this manner. There is no time to tense up and get in your own way.
The only time I don't fill to capacity is when I play piccolo. My method of breathing does not change, but my expulsion of air is focused much differently. (This is too difficult to explain without physical demonstration). It is almost like the difference between your "head voice" and your "chest voice". When playing piccolo, I focus the airstream to be more compact so it spins and resonates out of my "head voice". It is faster, but gentler. Almost with a "hee" oral cavity throughout. In this situation, the rate of air leaving my lungs is so much slower than the big horns that tanking up causes more harm than good for me. |