The Lung Horn Hangout with Dr. Mark Almond

[@genoafire1]

I am a little late watching this video, lol. I really enjoyed listening to Mark Almond sharing his knowledge from his prior profession. I had the wonderful opportunity of hearing him play live both in concert and rehearsal this past summer of 2023 at the Lake Tahoe music festival, along with three other outstanding professional Horn players. I have to mention that after this hangout was done 3 years ago Mark Almond has now been appointed Principal Horn with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. 👏👏👏. No surprise to me in hearing him play. What I absolutely enjoyed about this Horn hangout was how Mark Almond spoke with kindness and such a friendly welcoming voice, never once sounding superior in his tone to his audience. I can imagine as a physician he had a great bedside manner with his patients. I just can’t figure out why his head is not twice as big with all that amazing amount of knowledge and talent that he has developed over the years in his brain, Lol. Thank you so much Sarah and Mark for another excellent hang out!

[@jcortese3300]

This is incredibly valuable -- this may be the most valuable thing I've ever watched and not just for horn; I'm an amateur simple-system flute player. I would always hear people say "support!" and "engage your abs!" and when I do that, I can't breathe at all! When people hear, "engage your abs," what we thing is that we have to tense our stomachs like we're lifting a heavy box, and all it means is to exhale consciously and in a controlled way. And he just explained the whole thing -- what muscles to use, how to do it, and how to simplify the whole thing. This video should be required viewing for every wind player in the world -- and for every wind teacher! And about the whole "lady lungs" business, I never pay attention to it for one reason: the flute is the one wind instrument that is played by gobs of women. And it's the one wind instrument that takes the most air of all. To me, that more than proves that overall lung capacity means way less than we think it does. And when he talks about "breath support" really meaning a constant airstream, he just explained why long tones are so valuable as well. Seriously, this is the most valuable thing I've ever watched.

[@rickdynes]

Sarah, I feel like you truly understood the potential Future of this modest gentleman.

[@michaelhollman9470]

Thank you so much for such a timely video! My youngest brother, a professional trumpet player, was recently (several weeks ago) diagnosed with lung cancer and, in three weeks time, is due to have the cancer and about a third of his right lung removed. His colleagues have been offering him support and this video will certainly help him in his recovery as he re-learns his breathing technique. His goal is to be back playing within three months time (pandemic notwithstanding, we hope to perform Vivaldi R537 in October). I will be sharing this wonderful video with him. I can't thank you enough for putting together this video - its timing, content, and quality are a godsend.

[@SarahWillisHorn]

Wishing your brother all the best and a speedy recovery!

[@michaelhollman9470]

@@SarahWillisHorn My brother had his tumor removed over a week ago. He is on the road to recovery. Mercifully, the surgeon was able to preserve more of his right lung than originally thought and he, the surgeon, is quite confident that my brother will be back playing the trumpet soon. But not for another two weeks, as the lung has to heal before he begins pressurizing his lungs! He has been diligently working on his embouchure to keep his "chops" in shape and is working on his breathing therapy. He really liked your video and it was quite encouraging for him to see! Thank you so very much for making this available to us! It was heaven-sent!

[@pcerasi]

Great seeing you after all these years Mark! We played together in the Cambridge uni musical society in 97-2000 (me on trumpet). Highlights were Mahler 8 at the Royal Albert hall and Ely cathedral and your fantastic Shostakovich cello concerto playing. Cheers Pierre

[@brunolaktas3359]

Bravo!!!! Great hangout!!!

[@KLeslie292]

Thank you for this insightful information about lungs and breathing! Is Dr. Almond’s presentation available for download?

[@rickdynes]

... hope I can get a lesson with him someday.......

[@nayrodrigues6402]

Fantástico,

[@petersonnormil6799]

40:00

[@rickdynes]

Richard Dynes

[@georgeharple2310]

Please do not talk so much. Speak using the horn. Both for you Sarah and when you have guests. I love your playing but the talking is incessant. With great respect, George