| I don't understand that 'pivot' thing either. For me, I'm either level or slightly down when playing low and pivot up (just a bit) for playing high.
I also have never understood the tongue thing. According to conventional wisdom, you have to have an arched tongue to make the note. O.K.---so if tongue arch is required to make the note----how the heck do you tongue a high note with your tongue committed to an arch just to maintain the note?
For me, I do stretch out my lips. I stretch out more (too much, actually) for the really high notes I'm just working on reaching. But, with time/practice and working on reaching the resonant center of the note the lips have to stretch less and less. Which means the note comes into focus and into tune. I use a combination of chops and sir compression to get there.
What I've found interesting is how little air is required to play up high. I have to be careful not to pump too much air through the horn. If I do, as Nick pointed out, you 'blow out' the note and the sound stops.
What's my range? About an 'E' or 'F' over high C....
__________________
Gabriel is NOT a woodwind player! |