Posted by Phil Hawkins on March 13, 2000 at 16:19:59:
In Reply to: last minute questions posted by Matt on March 13, 2000 at 15:33:51:
Dear Matt, The single most misconception about the tongue"s placement seems to be that the tongue itself moves with regards to position behind the teeth depending upon the register that one is in. Actually I have found that the tongue changes position, but the point of contact inside the mouth changes very little. As a more focused air flow is necessary for the higher range, the column of air is smaller thereby causing the tongue to be sharper in nature and more punctuated at a place( varies somewhat from player to player) at the top of the teeth and gum line. As the register extends lower, the need for a wider, higher volume, lower speed air stream increases. To facilitate this, the tongue has the tendency to drop down as the pitch gets lower. This is necessary for the tongue to broaden itself to accommadate the ever widening column of air. The contact point of tongue to inside of mouth is wider but still is at approximately the same place. The contact point does move slightly( varying again as to the player) but only to allow more surface area to engage the point of contact. The common mistake of the student,is to try and keep the point of contact at the tip of the tongue as the pitches descend. Remember the tongue is not a percussive device, it is a valve. See if it will help you Matt to feel the release point of the air stream as a broader and wider area on the top of the tongue, and back from the tip as you go for the cellar. With practice the tongue will find it's way.