June 21, 2010 by Bruce Hembd
Random Monday: Voo voos and other sundries
(17th c. vuvuzela?)
- Memories from the womb
I have always wondered what goes on with a pregnant horn player and the child inside. Apparently at 5 months, the fetus’ hearing is fully developed.
- Phase cancellation
As I suspected, since all the vuvuzelas circulate around a fixed pitch, a noise cancellation feature that broadcasts the inverted sound might easily mask its sound.
- Patient zero
John found this story – the first casualty of overly enthusiastic voo-voo playing. The poor lady ripped her windpipe! Maybe, she should have taken some vuvuzela lessons first.
- Masked bandit
If you are a fan of SlipKnot, you might enjoy this man’s early experience with the French horn. Myself, those masks are extremely creepy.
- Embouchure dystonia update
A recent find of the Dystonia Medical Research Foundation includes what is probably the most accurate definition of the condition. Here too, is a movement disorder specialist’s thoughts.
- Mouthpiece loudness
Julia Rose found a neat way to make mouthpiece buzzing loud – using a stop mute. This is something that I am going to try out for sure!
- Harmony in Congo
This story is an inspired illustration of how music and community can intertwine.
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