josephus07

Hi Ed,

This semester I've been playing a ton in ensembles. I've been paying principal on nearly everything in Symphonic Band and Orchestra, plus I'm playing in the graduate quintet, 2nd book in the jazz ensemble, and I'm playing in the brass choir. At the end of the day, my chops have gotten quite a work out.

I've been pretty much just doing my fundamentals in the morning and then playing in ensembles and performances. I guess when I type it out it looks like I've been neglecting the aspect of which I'm about to ask.

I've been having trouble playing delicately lyrically. All of the lyrical solos I've had in ensembles haven't been very soft or terribly delicate and today I was thinking that I really need to keep this aspect of my playing up.

So, I pulled out my Concone and didn't like what came out of my bell.

In terms of feel, it feels like I'm having a hard time balancing the horn (I've been playing on a really large orchestral mouthpiece for everything since the start of the semester (except for jazz ensemble) and I suppose it is possible that I just haven't yet learned how to balance my horn with this setup).

Lyrical playing used to be one of my strengths and now it is one of my weaknesses.

I know the answer lies in just doing it, but do you have any advice/guidance on ways to approach lyrical playing?

Thanks for your time, as always!