Pleased with my progress using Balanced Embouchure
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I posted this over at TH but thought I'd share it here too:
I'm really happy with the progress I've made using BE. In addition to my BE routine and other stuff I've added playing real book melodies up an octave. I have been able to play tunes up to the G above high C. I don't claim to own that note. It is thin and ugly, but it is there. During my BE routine I can play exercises above the G, some days up to double C. But again they are not really usable yet. But they are there. My endurance is also way up.
I am very anxious to have a gig. I haven't played a gig since March. I hope what I have worked on in practice will translate to the job. The proof is in the pudding where the rubber meets the road.
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Congratulations!
I have found that range becomes useful when we can integrate it into our "style". We need to know when the leading edge of "higher notes" must be round and fluffy or razor sharp. In the non rehearsal times, play along with any recordings that you have. An acid test would be to use headphones to hear the band and record JUST your playing. Afterwards the warts become very obvious when the band sound does not mask.
Have fun, stay healthy!
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@rowuk Thanks for the input. I just got a new computer and it has no sound input built in. I am waiting on a Focusrite 2i2. When it gets here I'll do some recording. Listening to yourself is for sure a good way to judge progress and plot ways to improve. I am also anxious to listen to my improv. I've been working on it and I think maybe I don't totally suck anymore.
I play in a couple of big bands, a couple of small jazz quintets, and a couple of horn band rock groups. It sounds like a lot more than it really is. With all that combined I'm actually working one or two gigs a month when we aren't in the pandemic. The Balanced Embouchure workout has made C up to Eb feel like middle range. When I get the Focusrite in I'll record some of the horn band stuff and see what the high notes sound like. I am hopeful.
