Posted by Leland on July 27, 2001 at 19:08:24:
In Reply to: Re: marching euphoniums posted by James C. on July 26, 2001 at 08:35:57:
Pushups are good, arm circles are better (and surprisingly easy for those of us who march a lot!). The shoe off the bell is a valid idea, and I once saw a player with a traffic cone in his bell during visual rehearsal. Using a dumbbell with changeable weights, with a couple at one end and holding it by the bare end, will help too.
Posture will be your best friend. It may seem more comfortable at first to lean back, but you'll have more sore muscles and worse playing results because of the unnatural posture. Stand up straight (stand with your back against a wall to get an idea), keep your arms up, and mentally make the horn "float" in front of you. Physical strength is only as strong as your mind.