Here in Tacoma, as in San Francisco, the most frequently asked questions about BE were this type: How does it work? What's the main idea behind it? People want a jiffy sound bite to concisely explain the core concept of BE. Tall order for an enthusiastic and verbose individual such as myself. So.... here are five little elevator speeches of decreasing lengths to answer this question.
(1) How does BE work? in less than 30 seconds:
The Balanced Embouchure is a set of exercises that help develop the embouchure that works best for the individual. BE expands range of motion providing opportunities for discovery that can prompt positive changes in the embouchure. This process enables the player to break self limiting ties that bind him to his "comfort zone" enabling him to increase range, endurance, flexibility and tone.
(2) How does BE work? in less than 15 seconds:
The Balanced Embouchure a set of exercises that help develop the embouchure that works best for the individual. BE expands range of motion to influence an increase in range, endurance, flexibility and tone.
(3) How does BE work? in less than 10 seconds:
The Balanced Embouchure a set of exercises that help develop the embouchure that works best for the individual. It improves playing by expanding range of motion in the embouchure.
(4) How does BE work? In less than 5 seconds:
The Balanced Embouchure a set of exercises that help develop the embouchure that works best for the individual.
(5) How does BE work? in less than 2 seconds:
It's magic!
For one of the most specific, articulate and elegant description I've read of how BE can helps one horn player embouchure develop her embouchure, read this by Julia Rose. Below are some comments I've received to this posting:
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From Luke Zyla:
"Played the most taxing gig in my life yesterday. I was just thinking that I could not have done it without your help by introducing me to BE and the help from David Nesmith and his new book on breathing. Thanks, Luke"
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From Jonathan Penny:
"Dear Val, There may be some kind of delayed response to the BE exercises, because truthfully, in the last six months, I have only been on the horn for twice a week for church orchestra and community with no practice sessions in between (no BE exercises)… Anyhow, I have been enjoying much improved playing lately (the horn is fun again!!!); more pleasing/richer tone with better flexibility and less “clams” thoughout all registers, along with more dependable upper register up to a usable B flat (never had that before!!!) with better endurance; basically making progress in all the areas...All in all, my playing feels much more natural; I don’t micro-analyze it, just depend on the sound to tell the embouchure what works and what does not…. JP"
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