Hello, Stanton!
I have separated four statements from the context of your original letter, as I believe they may be telling us something. Let's head down the list and deal with each one, in turn.
Stanton wrote:
> I, for one, have not had a lot of success in building endurance
(or
> tremendous range) and would describe my success in these endeavors
as
> "adequate".
I believe that range and endurance go hand in hand. Each additional ascending 1/2 step requires additional energy. When we are at the top of our range ceiling, we are expending maximum energy. If our range is limited to "G" above the staff, we will be hard pressed (pun intended) to exhibit an endurance level greater than a typical 5th grade trumpeter. If we can indeed play, (not scream, honk, blow, and snort (grin), a controlled "G" above high "C", (with perhaps a little vibrato?) your endurance, within a "normal" range tessitura, will be greatly improved.
> Knowing that air-power is the magic elixer, .....
Ah, Stanton! You have bought the party line - hook, line, and sinker!(grin) Air power IS an essential factor, but not a Sacred Cow!
Increased "air" becomes a magic elixar ONLY IF IT TOTALLY DEFINES YOUR PROBLEM. Air power is but ONE of the parameters which are essential to a strong, musical, stratosphere. If "air" is not a problem for you, you can work on your "airpower" until "Hades freezes over" - to no betterment. I'm thinking that I might do well to add this as MYTH #SIX, to "Sail The Seven C'S".
Though it IS true that many wannabees suffer from inadequate "AIR", there are also a great many (more??) who are "stuck" at that F, G, A (above high C) ceiling - because they have not discovered (or are not been told?) that the lip aperture must control all that air. ..look what you tell me in your next paragraph!!
> I have been told that
> I overblow to achieve my range, and consequently my upper register
could
> stand to be much more musical (which I'm working on).
It would appear that "more air" may NOT be a cure-all for you?
> The main question: Could the fatigue actually be happening first
in the
> breathing aparatus and I'm just not aware that I'm getting tired
of
> breathing deeply? If so, how can one train to keep the airpower
going,
> while keeping the strain off the chops?
I have previously posted specific instructions on how to use the CLARKE TECH STUDIES (ppp) and have recorded (CD) many parts of the book to demonstrate the range, endurance, and "EFFICIENCY" that it is possible to develop - when ALL PARAMETERS OF WORKING ARE IN BALANCE.
I don't want to send the email attachment to this list, but ANYONE can receive (via email) the CLARKE TECH Studies info., simply by making an email request for same.
Keep 'Em Flying!
Clyde E. Hunt
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