| If I have overdone it a bit, a warm down might be in order. My version is ppp tonguing to get the embouchure back into focus and a little response happening at soft volume before I put it away. If I have really overdone it, I will ice my face. Also, alternating a few rounds with extreme heat (don't burn your lips) with a really warm washcloth for a minute then ice for a minute, warm cloth for a minute, ice again for a minute. Do this for several rounds, then put worries to rest and get some sleep. This method really gets blood flowing in the lips and just feels good.
In agreement with Nick, during playing, getting the mouthpiece off the chops as much as you can helps too. I have literally practiced with a metronome, 1, 2 (horn in lap), 3 horn up, 4 breath, 1 play. Getting comfortable with a quick set up can do wonders when needing tiny breaks. Also, find ways to use the music to keep you comfortable. If the rep is mostly in the upper tessatura, make sure to take advantage of the lows. If it is mostly legato, take advantage of the tonguing passages, etc. This way, the mind stays on the music and prevents the player from becoming too compressed physically. |