Posted by ken k on March 06, 2000 at 22:48:25:
I have a question for you who play rotory valved honrs. Do you keep your right hand fingers flat or curved? I know on piston horns I was taught to keep the fingers curved and use the finger tips; keeping the hand in a round position as if holding a ball. But it seems that with rotary valves you can get away with flat fingers. I often see players using flat fingers. I have a student with a rotary Miraphone and I was curious what some other pros and teachers say about it. Also do you keep your fingers near the end of the spatulas or closer to the pivot? The valve throw would be shorter but you would have less leverage if you pressed closer to the pivot. I guess you do not have to worry about pushing the valve down perfectly straight as you would on piston valves. I don't know, an I being anal retentive about this? ken k