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SECTION 5: Exercises/Games
Tips…
•
Brief or Extended Daily Use.
The
WindMaster
can be used in
several ways ranging from brief daily use, to very extended daily
workouts. Even 10 breaths at the start of a practice session will
have a significant effect on one’s playing.
•
Focus On You, Not the Pegs.
As you work with the
WindMaster, focus on your body as it fills up in with air and as it
releases the air. Feel the expansion. Feel the muscles working.
Remember, it’s not about the pegs – it’s about YOU.
•
Importance of Resting.
Be sure to rest frequently when
exercising the breath. Light-headedness is to be expected,
whereupon resting a few seconds will enable the body to
rebalance itself. Continued practice will result in greater
breathing endurance.
•
Alternate WindMaster with Instrument.
The
WindMaster
can
certainly be used on its own. However, it is best to incorporate it
into your regular practice. Use it at the beginning of your
practice session to warm-up the air stream and continue to use
it throughout to help maintain a good airflow. In this way, you
will more easily relate the breath to the music.
Exercise #1 – Single Pegs
•
Begin with the easier side (yellow pegs to your left).
•
Take a full, relaxed breath and blow over the first yellow peg.
Finish exhalation even though the peg has already been blown
over – just like a batter continues the swing after making
contact with ball. In other words, blow
through
the peg.
•
Continue in the same manner, blowing over one peg per
breath, completing the entire WindMaster.
