Some days I like to play one thing only. Today, it was my low Bb (on my tenor). I played for over an hour, and I just played the Bb, with a few notes added in at the end (low B, C and C# only).
Spending that much time on one note is so incredible; it’s a deep dive into the sound, it showed me so much about my horn, connected me with the instrument and calmed my mind. I have been planning to bring my horn to a technician for a check soon, and now I know some details that I will mention when I bring it, because of the clarity of understanding that one note gave me.
In addition to thinking about the sound, the attack, the decay of the tone, I also did a scan of each one of my fingers, investigating the pressure of each one on its key, and how lightly I could hold the key closed while still sealing it properly. When I work on something like this that involves no finger movement at all, I also pay very close attention to how rigid the grip can become when playing for an extended period. Staying relaxed is key to getting through this practice, and of course staying aware of everything, in ever increasing detail.
I hope today’s practice, though rigorous, can also act as a kind of resting place for you. Find space within it, and enjoy the time.
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Catherine Sikora 