Braces...

Melrudin · Post by **Melrudin** » Mon Jan 23, 2006 4:28 pm

I got braces awhile ago and I still have problems playing certain notes on my flute. It's starting to worry me since I'm in my school's pit orchestra for the musical and I don't want to ruin the show which is coming up in just over a month.

The notes that seem to be bothering me are high c, high d flat and high f sharp (the one above the staff).

Does anyone have any suggestions of how to remedy my braces problem? I really need help! I'm getting so frustrated at not being able to produce good tone anymore!

Melrudin · Post by **Melrudin** » Mon Jan 23, 2006 4:32 pm

I just saw that there are a bunch of topics about this already. Oops. Sorry.

I just have one question:
It's definitely not normal for it to take this long (I've had braces for about a year now) to get used to playing flute with braces. I'm thinking it might be my flute...(marching band can really destroying instruments)...do you think that sounds reasonable? I'm going to try playing my friend's flute at practice tomorrow to see if it's me or my flute.

fluttiegurl · Post by **fluttiegurl** » Mon Jan 23, 2006 8:27 pm

Some players adjust to braces quite quickly, others do not. However, I would strongly suggest having your flute looked at, especially if it is the same flute you marched with. Something as simple as a leak can also cause problems. I recommend having flutes checked every 6-9 months. this holds even more true for intermediate level flutes that tend to need more maintenance for some reason.

Also, try spreading your teeth more when you play in the upper octaves. I am working with a young flutist with braces, and this has helped her a great deal. She has a tendency to clench her teeth on the high notes since her braces were put on. She did not due this before. When I called her attention to it, she had no problem fiing it and sounds wonderful, even better than before.

Melrudin · Post by **Melrudin** » Tue Jan 24, 2006 5:45 am

Thank you very much. I will try that.

Melrudin · Post by **Melrudin** » Tue Jan 24, 2006 8:41 pm

Wow! Thank you very much! I tried your suggestions during pit orchestra practice today and it worked much better! You have no clue how much you've helped me! (^_^) I've been so stressed about this lately and I can finally relax.

fluttiegurl · Post by **fluttiegurl** » Tue Jan 24, 2006 10:06 pm

Your welcome. I'm glad I could help

fluttiegurl · Post by **fluttiegurl** » Wed Jan 25, 2006 5:49 pm

I guess I meant "you're" welcome. Yesterday was a LONG day!