[TPIN] Humidity and Chops

[William Graham]

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "uppman" <peteruppman at bigpond.com>
To: <tpin at tpin.okcu.edu>
Sent: Tuesday, August 01, 2006 4:42 AM
Subject: [TPIN] Humidity and Chops


....................Anybody out there have problems or advice on what can 
happen when we have to
play trumpet in extreme humidity?

Any thoughts would be appreciated.
CHeers,
Xylo


I sure have!

A year or so ago I moved from Cairns, Far North Queensland (Great Barrier 
Reef) , where I lived and played for a couple of years.

The humidity and heat there was staggering at times. Daily around the mid to 
late 30 degrees Fahrenheit and more, nearly all year round, with the 
combined humidity at all-time highs.

The effect on everyone, not just Trumpet players, was one of lethargy. Hard 
to breathe, difficult to motivate yourself to do anything.

The horn valves would stick more often then not, even with the most 
fastidious care, and every gig would result in being a lather of sweat. 
Yuk!!

Fortunately, everyone who lives in that sort of environment has a casual 
attitude to life, almost no-one wore suits and most often just got around in 
shorts (all year round), and near enough was good enough.

That's the reason most live there: beach, fishing and easy lifestyle, but 
for someone like myself, it drove me crazy after a short time.

Being a big fish in a small pond was nice at times, but being the best 
player in a relatively small community allowed no inspiration, or drive to 
improve oneself. Hence, I now live in Melbourne where there's more than 
enough happening of world-class standards.

Regards,

Peter Uppman
_______________________________________________
We seldom have oppressive humidity here in the NW part of the US, but when 
we do, I find that sitting in front of an electric fan when I play helps a 
lot.....Of course, an air conditioned room would be better, but fans are 
cheap and portable, and can be used outdoors, and they go a long way toward 
making you feel comfortable.....You do get some wild effects when they are 
blowing on your horn while you play, however......