The Poo Attack
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I am into my 5th year as a comeback player. The first three years were a struggle, and most of the struggle was embouchure related, although I didn't realize that until approximately 2+ years ago.
I always liked to watch videos of Chris Martin, Principal Trumpet with the New York Philharmonic Orchestra. I loved how he sounded and how he seemed to make playing the trumpet look so easy. Amongst the videos of Chris I came upon one of him being interviewed on Sarah's Horn Hangouts. Near the end of the interview he discussed the poo attack. I was intrigued by what he was saying and watched him demonstrate it. That was the beginning of me and the poo attack .
Although I don't recall having any problems when I played in the 50s and 60s, since my comeback my attack, and articulation in general, had always been inconsistent, and mostly on the messy side. Well that all changed after I mastered the poo attack and I haven't looked back since.I know everyone is different. What works for one person won't necessarily work for another. So I am not advocating a change to anyone, but if you are interested in the poo attack you can do a Google search of Sarah's Horn Hangouts videos and you'll find the one I came across of her interviewing Chris. I believe the part where he discusses the poo attack is somewhere near the last 10 minutes. But the entire interview is really interesting.
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The Poo will result in a soft phrasing. Would work very well in coloring ballads and soft classical runs.
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@Dr-GO
You are so correct, Doc. For me it really improved on my interpretation of ballads. The poo tonguing can be very soft and some love ballads need that softness. -
It’s also a useful technique to use when you have to come in on a pp note, especially after a significant number of rest measures.
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I would also offer the Poo attack is on the beat and sounds more responsive. I use the Phwooooooooooo attack which is a bit softer and sounds as if just behind the beat.
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Hardenberger talks about this too. I can't remember where, however.
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It's probably that forward movement of the chops, but using the poo attack just seems to bring every thing together for me. Whether it is pure breath POO or a soft tongued TOO, the poo sets me up properly.
