Part Five: "Developing High
Range"
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Remember these important concepts while
playing up high:
- You are simply using enough air
to set the embouchure in motion. You want the embouchure to vibrate
at the desired frequency. The volume of air you'll be using
will be almost negligible, but the speed of that air must be
considerable.
- Airflow....not Air Pressure
- The little bit of air that you will
be using must FLOW freely through a relaxed throat. The tongue
can rise into the "EE" position. This will speed the
air through the aperture.
- HEAR a beautiful,resonant,
shimmering note in your head........then swell up with an easy
breath and match that sound through the horn. The pitch is on
your breath. Try matching the sound of your favorite trumpet player,
or soprano, or cellist, or flutist. Use your imagination! In fact,
the next time you play the beautiful "Rhenish"
(Symphony No.3 by Robert Schumann), imagine you're playing
it on an a French horn, or better yet: a Bb slide trumpet. And
when you perform the "Bolero"
of Maurice Ravel, hear the gorgeous, singing, legato phrasing
of Tommy Dorsey in your head.
Don't ever underestimate the power
of imagination. It is your tool for making music come to life.
Here's
a great exercise to improve your confidence and consistency in
the higher ranges of the horn.
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©TSG Music, 2001