[Dixielandjazz] Trombone Focal Dystonia

[Dave Gravatt]

-------Original Message-------
> From: James Butler <jbutler6 at twcny.rr.com>
> Subject: Re: [Dixielandjazz] Trombone Focal Dystonia
> Sent: Aug 09 '05 12:37
> 
>  You should try living with it like I have for the past four or five
>  years. No amount of rest horn or mouthpiece changes makes any difference
>  nor does changing your embouchure or the way you blow air through the
>  horn. One of the biggest problems is that it's nearly impossible to use
>  your tongue without cutting off the air stream. I played for over 50
>  years with no problem and then it started plus I was lucky as it can
>  affect anyone regardless of age. People should read the musicians with
>  dystonia bulletin board at www.dystonia-bb.org. You can read some real
>  horror stories about what it's done to ALL kinds of instrumentalists.
>  
>  Jim Butler
>  Forced to retire trombone player
-------Original Message-------

Quite right, Jim. Even trying a different brass instrument (cornet, tuba, etc.) with a radically smaller or larger mouthpiece does not work. The basic function of the buzz just isn't going to happen. They say that brass players shouldn't have any trouble picking up a woodwind instrument. Personally, I chose not to start over and went straight to the bottom of the barrel and got out my old banjo. :-)

Dave

=============
Dave Gravatt
"It's a treat to beat your feet."
The Creole Dixieland Jazz Band
Springfield, Missouri
417-877-8811 (home)
417-894-8557 (cell)
http://www.CreoleJazz.com