Shofar and Breathing: A Secret

Arthur L. Finkle

Breathing is probably the most misunderstood issue of brass instruments.

The shofar, believe it or not, is considered a brass instrument due to the
buzz of the lips to make sound.

Mechanics of Breathing

Philip Farcas, a French horn authority, explores the mechanics of

breathing, which generally involves the use of the diaphragm to expand the
air in the lungs. The diaphragm also expands the back ribs to make room
for even more air used to expend.

The diaphragm is a strong, resilient muscle which is tied with a ligament

across and through the body. It separates the heart and lungs and liver.

Its shape is similar to an upside-down shallow bowl. The object is to utilize

the diaphragm to create fill the lung to full capacity. (We use approximately
33% of the total air capacity in our normal breathing.)
To produce a good tone and to sustain musical phrases, a player must utilize adequate breath
support. Correct posture is the first place to focus attention for the breath. To inhale properly a
player must observe the following points on posture:

 Back is straight
 Chest is held high
 Head is erect
 Abdominal muscles are relaxed
 Throat and neck are relaxed and open

Inhalation

Inhaling the maximum air on the lungs is imperative for a brass instrumentalist. The diaphragm
contracts downward. The abdominal muscles remain relaxed. The exterior intercostal muscles
expand, lifting the (floating) rib cage and expanding the chest cavity for lung expansion.

The Shofar Sounder should have correct posture (straight back, high chest and relaxed
shoulders). And the throat remains relaxed
The development of superior tone quality depends upon two things: (1) performance on a fine
Lie flat on the back on a hard surface. In this position the shoulders cannot be moved and will
remain in normal adjustment.

1. Inhale slowly through the lips until the lungs are filled with air. Exhale slowly through
the lips, blowing the air out in a gentle, even stream.
2. Concentrate on controlling the activity of the abdominal muscular structure.

http://www.sgbandfusion.com/2010/11/breathing-and-breath-control-part-one/

Four points of Resistance

There are four pressure points, two automatic; two controllable. The uncontrollables are
the mouthpiece and the lip aperture (opening). The controllables are the tongue (should be
shaped as the letter “k” to enable the maximum flow of air; the other is control of the
larynx (voice box). By closing it, you keep the air from escaping into the esophagus.

Exhalation

In normal exhalation, we relax our intercostal muscles, diaphragm and

abdomen, and the air is gently forcing the lungs by its rerun to its normal
size.

However, in a brass instrument. Such exhalation requires even greater

pressure in order to provide a slow, steady air pressure by exercising our
diaphragms by keeping it taut by visualizing that the upside-down pot
needs to remain ‘potless.’ The diaphragm returns to its normal sized.

See Phillip Farkas, The Art of French Horn Playing, Summy-Birchard Inc.,
1956.

Serous instrumentalists know about breathing for a long time. Indeed,

Breathing has been an issue at least in writing since 1813, in Vollständige
Theoretisch-pracktische Musikschule [Complete Theoretical-practical Music
Method] of Joseph Fröhlich. The various instrument methods published
inside this work are reasonably well known to scholars (they were also
published separately from the full Musikschule), but as described in the
2009 issue of the Historic Brass Society Journal in an article by Howard
Weiner.

http://hornmatters.com/2010/06/long-before-farkas-horn-mutes-and-other-
advice-for-brass-players-from-1813/

Lips

Often overlooked, the lips should be wet so that the instrument does not
slide off and makes a sealed connection with the mouthpiece, not allowing
any air to be wasted.

Breathing concepts are best seen at websites featuring

Mr. Arnold Jacobs who explains the history, physiology
and problems of breathing. 
http://www.windsongpress.com/almost%20live/breathing%201.htm

http://www.windsongpress.com/almost%20live/breathing%202.htm