3
DALLAS BRASS
SECTION 1: Introduction
Music is not a sport, but it
is
athletic. We depend on our bodies to
help us produce a desired result. For a pitcher, the focal point is
the arm; for a punter, it’s the leg and foot; for wind players and
singers, it’s our
respiratory system
– and our ability to generate a
full, steady air stream. Like any other athlete, we must train and
condition.
The
WindMaster
is a simple exercise device that transforms the
breath into a
visual experience –
where one can see and track the
results. It will help young wind players and singers to become more
breath-conscious
. For all players, including professionals, the
WindMaster
will help maximize the natural breathing mechanism,
thereby increasing the amount of air we use and developing greater
breath control.
Origin of the WindMaster
The idea originated from a breathing analogy used by many
teachers – particularly teachers of young players – to instruct
students to
think of blowing out the candles on a birthday cake
.
The visual image helps motivate the student to take a good breath.
Once, in a Dallas Brass clinic in Evansville, IN, we actually brought
out a cake with lit candles and invited a student to blow them out. It
was very effective. Shortly thereafter, I was disappointed to learn
that lighting candles in the schools is simply not allowed! However,
from that disappointment…emerged the
WindMaster
.
