New problem - split lip

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bigbandbone
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Joined: Thu Jan 17, 2019 7:45 am

New problem - split lip

Post by bigbandbone »

Every other day I play a low note study that is a combination of the Allen Ralph and Phil Teelee studies. It is really helping me.
I start on trigger F below the staff and play 20 long tones and then 20 quarter notes on each pitch chromatically down to pedal Eb.
I've been doing this for months.
Today I increased it to 2 sets of 20 long tones on every pitch. When I got down to pedal A I started tasting blood and sure enough I had split my upper lip right in the middle!

How can I prevent this from happening again?

Thanks for any help and insights.
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WilliamLang
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Re: New problem - split lip

Post by WilliamLang »

20 long tones is way too many. try like 3-4, and play at a comfortable dynamic (not too loud) in the pedal register especially on long tones.
William Lang
Interim Instructor, the University of Oklahoma
Stephens Horns Artist
Long Island Brass Artist
faculty, the Longy School of Music
founding member of loadbang
www.williamlang.org
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paulyg
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Re: New problem - split lip

Post by paulyg »

Lip balm? Especially with some sunscreen.
Paul Gilles
Aerospace Engineer & Trombone Player
bigbandbone
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Re: New problem - split lip

Post by bigbandbone »

paulyg wrote: Sun May 02, 2021 11:32 am Lip balm? Especially with some sunscreen.
I use A&D ointment everyday. But no sunscreen.
Elow
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Re: New problem - split lip

Post by Elow »

I’m on a medication that dries me out a lot, like every day i wake up and my lips are the sahara desert even if i put chapstick on the night before. If i smile in the morning, my lip cracks in 8 spots, i usually just put a coat of chapstick on about every 45 mins or so. Very interested for others responses
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BGuttman
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Re: New problem - split lip

Post by BGuttman »

Vitamin E comes in an oil filled capsule. You can pierce the capsule and squeeze the oil directly on lips. Promotes healing.
Bruce Guttman
Merrimack Valley Philharmonic Orchestra
"Almost Professional"
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harrisonreed
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Re: New problem - split lip

Post by harrisonreed »

Drink water. These other responses are about treating symptoms, but you need to fix the problem.

Water cures everything -- I knew a guy who could barely lift a trumpet and was only 4 feet tall and ugly. But then he drank water....
lupusargentus
Posts: 38
Joined: Wed Apr 07, 2021 5:33 pm
Location: North Dakota

Re: New problem - split lip

Post by lupusargentus »

I'll second drinking water. One of the symptoms of dehydration is dry lips and mucous membranes. Hydrate from within is best fix. Dry winter air, allergies, and various medications can exacerbate the problem.
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