<It is also fitting that Valerie was the "trigger" for this latest episode; being on the list only three years, she has been the most controversial new member with her message about "balanced lips" that has apparently unbalanced the emotional equilibrium of many of our traditional pedagogical types.>
Good post, Larry, thank you very much. I believe you've correctly identified the crux of the issue. Our "traditional pedagogical types" see changes in horn pedagogy on the horizon and they obviously don't like it. I can only guess they react with hostility because they fear something they don't understand. "The Balanced Embouchure" (BE) can not be understood by simply reading a website or even the book. BE can ONLY be understood by doing the exercises and experiencing it. BE is not rolling in and out; nor is it a prescribed embouchure. BE is a set of simple (and silly looking) exercises that systematically challenges the embouchure to function in every possible configuration thus enabling the player, consciously or unconsciously, to find what works most efficiently for them as an individual. It sounds complex, but it's so easy to learn, even children master it. I also believe those who express hostility towards me as the messanger of BE, hope they can kill the message by shooting the messanger. They won't succeed. BE isn't a passing fad, but a sound method based upon universal principles. With or without me, BE will continue to advance simply because it works too well not to. While I'm certainly not the only one on this list to be rediculed and insulted for simply asking questions or contributing comments, I may have the distinction of being the one who has received this on the most consistent basis. I wish to express sincere appreciation for the comforting and supportive emails, posts and phone calls I've received. The last few months have been particularly difficult after enduring consistent derision for over 2 1/2 years. My tolerance is wearing thin and I'm not proud of the fact that I've returned insult for insult a couple times lately. I've offered sincere apologies which doesn't seem enough for a few. But for those who criticize me for my lack of grace under these trying circumstances, I'd ask them to walk a mile in my shoes before passing judgement. In spite of all this, I'm still as happy as a child. :o) I have BE and I know what great things it has and continues to do for me and many other horn players world wide. Jeff Smiley is in the process, even as I write, of updating his website to include testimonials from happy horn players across the globe. I'll post a link when it is completed. Valerie Wells "The Balanced Embouchure" for French Horn Wells123456 at juno.com ValerieW78 at gmail.com ____________________________________________________________ Weight Loss Program Best Weight Loss Program - Click Here! http://thirdpartyoffers.juno.com/TGL2131/c?cp=CHGRqppMVmeBM6WFJIsKQwAAJz2_afXbjZmaEaIN9InNVChEAAYAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAADSAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAEUgAAAAA= _______________________________________________ post: [email protected] unsubscribe or set options at https://pegasus.memphis.edu/cgi-bin/mailman/options/horn/archive%40jab.org
