Is anyone going to Benslow in 2012? Options

[smd]

Does everyone on these courses choose the residential option or are there some people (not necessarily forumites) who go home every evening?

There is the option for nom-residential yes (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

I saw the option but wondered if anyone ever used it. On the other courses I have been on rather a lot seemed to happen after the evening meal (despite it not always being officially on the programme) plus that seemed to be when people got to know each other so I wondered if those who are non-residential miss out on a lot.

Most of the courses I've been on have had things timetabled in for after the evening meal (which is included even if you are non-residential)

I did the Hindhead Clarinet course last year and was non-residential.
Basically I didn't leave until around 10 - 10:30pm so don't think I really missed anything.

there was 1 non residential person the last time I went to Benslow, again from what I remember they left quite late.

It does make for a long day but it saves packing! (and give you a chance to bring anything you forget on subsequent days)

[dorfmouse]

On both Janet Myatt and Zoe's courses that I've been on they had after dinner sessions.
(Learnt to go easy at the bar for co-ordination sake!!)

[louise1712]

sounds like very long days but lots of fun (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif) I can't wait now (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

[balu114]

Although that sounds like fun, I am worried about my embouchure and right hand.

I don't think my embouchure would hold for that many sessions! And my right hand is even worse.

I guess I have to pack my wrist bands, power ball and pain killers!!

[louise1712]

Although that sounds like I am worried about my embouchure and right hand.

I don't think my embouchure would hold for that many sessions! And my right hand is even worse.

I guess I have to pack my wrist bands, power ball and pain killers!!

I don't think you'll be the only one (IMG:style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif)

[sbhoa]

Although that sounds like I am worried about my embouchure and right hand.

I don't think my embouchure would hold for that many sessions! And my right hand is even worse.

I guess I have to pack my wrist bands, power ball and pain killers!!

Has your teacher checked how you are holding the clarinet?
I always ask if I think that something I'm doing is causing a problem.
I sometimes get problems with my right hand but I know it's when I'm doing something wrong.
Gripping when stressed and not getting the posture quite right when sharing a stand at orchestra tend to be the main culprits.

[balu114]

He has! I have asked many times and he always said that I am holding it fine.... He says it's takes time to build muscles. Using mouse all day doesn't help.

And my physiotherapist agrees. As adults it is difficult to adapt to new functions. He said children suffer microdamages too but as they are still growing their bodies quickly recover.

I have now been playing for 18 months and I have slowly improved my right arm resistance to an hour non-stop.

With a regime of exercises, support and rest, I am keeping it at a manageable level.

[louise1712]

He has! I have asked many times and he always said that I am holding it fine.... He says it's takes time to build muscles. Using mouse all day doesn't help.

And my physiotherapist agrees. As adults it is difficult to adapt to new functions. He said children suffer microdamages too but as they are still growing their bodies quickly recover.

I have now been playing for 18 months and I have slowly improved my right arm resistance to an hour non-stop.

With a regime of exercises, support and rest, I am keeping it at a manageable level.

Out of curiosity, do you have a plastic or wooden clari? It's taken me a while to get used to the heavier wooden one and still occasionally get a pain in my right wrist, though it is usually, as sbhoa has already said, after sharing a stand or gripping too hard.

[balu114]

I have a plastic Jupiter clarinet.

Weighs about 900 or 950g.

But thinking about it, I guess, I do grasp harder. Must work on it.

[sbhoa]

I have a plastic Jupiter clarinet.

Weighs about 900 or 950g.

But thinking about it, I guess, I do grasp harder. Must work on it.

barry-clari would tell you it's not a tube of toothpaste. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/tongue.gif)

[barry-clari]

I have a plastic Jupiter clarinet.

Weighs about 900 or 950g.

But thinking about it, I guess, I do grasp harder. Must work on it.

barry-clari would tell you it's not a tube of toothpaste. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/tongue.gif)

Yeah, he would (IMG:style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif)

Have a look at your fingers after playing. If you can see significant ring shaped indentations on the pads of them, you're squeezing, and it won't be doing you any good.

[sbhoa]

I have a plastic Jupiter clarinet.

Weighs about 900 or 950g.

But thinking about it, I guess, I do grasp harder. Must work on it.

barry-clari would tell you it's not a tube of toothpaste. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/tongue.gif)

Yeah, he would (IMG:style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif)

Have a look at your fingers after playing. If you can see significant ring shaped indentations on the pads of them, you're squeezing, and it won't be doing you any good.

I don't get that particularly when I'm gripping. My hand seizes up.

[barry-clari]

I have a plastic Jupiter clarinet.

Weighs about 900 or 950g.

But thinking about it, I guess, I do grasp harder. Must work on it.

barry-clari would tell you it's not a tube of toothpaste. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/tongue.gif)

Yeah, he would (IMG:style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif)

Have a look at your fingers after playing. If you can see significant ring shaped indentations on the pads of them, you're squeezing, and it won't be doing you any good.

I don't get that particularly when I'm gripping. My hand seizes up.

Which is equally bad : and can still be spotted by other means. Significant patches of your skin on your fingers going yellow when pressing keys down is a good way of spotting that...

[sbhoa]

I don't get that particularly when I'm gripping. My hand seizes up.

Which is equally bad : and can still be spotted by other means. Significant patches of your skin on your fingers going yellow when pressing keys down is a good way of spotting that...

Oh well, if I do it in a lesson I'm sure it will be spotted.

[Dulcet]

I don't get that particularly when I'm gripping. My hand seizes up.

Which is equally bad : and can still be spotted by other means. Significant patches of your skin on your fingers going yellow when pressing keys down is a good way of spotting that...

Oh well, if I do it in a lesson I'm sure it will be spotted.

My problem has always been right thumb tendon. Now I've had some Alexander sessions I might be able to sort it myself - my teacher said it doesn't take your whole arm from neck to fingertips to hold a telephone, and I suppose the same applies to a clarinet!