Flutes and Band?

[planobander]

Recently, I've noticed that the embouchure plays a key part in tone production in all registers. I've also come to notice that most (except first chair) hold their flutes at an angle while their faces are straight (for the purpose of looking at the sheet music), which degrades the tone quality and thus degrades the player's self-esteem.

Have any of you ever seen some band-related tendencies like this?

[fluteguy18]

holding your flute at an angle is perfectly fine. As long as you are maintaining a good embouchure, it should be okay if the angle isnt very severe. In actuality, holding a flute parallel to the floor can indeed be harmful physically [arm, shoulder and back related injuries], and could quite possibly be detrimental to tone.

So, I wouldnt make a big deal of it. Almost 100% of players hold their flutes at an angle [ some are more angled than others, but very few players hold thier instrument parallel to the ground].

But, if the angle is too severe to allow a good tone, then you do indeed have a good point. However, most of the time, this is not much of an issue because a flute shouldnt be parallel to the ground. [and if you notice, all of their heads are at a very slight angle anyways, but vertical for the most part].

[fluttiegurl]

I think what planobander was saying (correct me if I am wrong) is that these players keep the flute at an angle without tilting their heads to compensate for this angle. This causes players to have a poorer tone quality because the air stream is not directed correctly.

To answer your question, I have had many students who came to me after starting band under a band director who specializes in brass. They often come to me with a number of problems such as this one, incorrect fingerings for notes, harch finger pressure and many other issues. My solution is to try to educate the band director as well as the students. Instead of just telling a students to do something different from what he/she has been told, I explain why so that he/she can explain to the director and other players as well. I have seen a great increase in the abilities of the players in the flute sections at these schools since I have been in the area, and I give much credit to the fact that the directors are willing to learn with their students.

[remnantpark]

Adding to this question, I'm starting up marching band again and for the past several months, I am currently working a lot to improve my tone production to a higher level. So I just recently found even a better embochure to make the sound broader and sweeter but I'm really struggling with maintaing a good embochure during marching band. All the flutes must stand completely straight and hold the flute exactly parallel to the ground and I am really having trouble with that. I feel like my lips are going to get pinched and the sound seems to slightly spread and diffuse. Is it just a feeling when I'm holding up my flute or is this for real? It is actually occuring, how do i fix/prevent this from ruining my embochure?

Sorry, I'm just concerned with losing so many things I have obtained this year.

[planobander]

That all depends. Is this while you're moving? Either way, here's something I recommend (and used with my flutes during marching season):

First, you'll need to find out how to semi-comfortably hold your flute in horns up position while maintaining a proper embouchure. The reason I think tone suffers most of the time during marching practice is because there is less support for the flute, and thus it tends to sag in moments of non-awareness. Look at yourself in front of a mirror and make sure your flute is parallel (be very strict on this). Continue to refine your embouchure.

Second, we need to eliminate wobbling. I used to call my section the Wobblies because everything they took a breath, a step, or made any movement that was not standing still, their flute dips just a bit, but even that small change can affect your tone and intonation tons. I even did an experiment on this.

To work on the wobbling, have a friend (or drum major/section leader) place a penny on the end of your flute, being careful to balance it. Take a deep breath. BREATHING SHOULD NEVER BE COMPENSATED FOR WHILE MARCHING. >.> I always say that a lot. It never gets through though.

Once you can breath without wobbling, try playing without wobbling. Once you can without wobbling, try to march without wobbling. Each of these three things requires different techniques, and these techniques vary from person to person.

Be confident. The biggest reason you think your sound is spread out and weak is because you're outside. The acoustics are null, the trumpets won't shut up, and the drumline likes to run into you from behind. Just be confident, knock up all your dynamics by a notch (pp -> p), and practice the art of non-wobbling, or what I like to call Marching.

RIGHT. My two cents. To fluttiegurl, yeah, we aren't compensating for the angle. However, I can't talk to the band director because he's one of those "fun-loving" guys who won't take one of his students seriously. Tell my private lesson teacher to? Fine and dandy, but I don't have one. I remember my old one said, "Don't get banderitis."

I feel sick.

[fluteguy18]

I believe I did address the 'flute angled, but the head not tilted for compensation' thing at the very end of my post, but I guess I wasnt clear.

now that I read it.... my head made the point, but somehow the message got lost somewhere between my brain and the keyboard...... Thanks fluttiegurl for making the point clear that I somehow lost in transit.

oops

[planobander]

Meh, that's why we have music. =)