Broken Elbow Update

[Sara Hood]

Well I saw a specialist/therapist yesterday. It is official. I am off of horn playing until mid January (at minimum), when I see the orthopedist and surgeon who worked on my elbow again. The only comforts are that I probably will not have to wear a cast at all, and that rehearsals are also in winter break until roughly the same time. I am bummed and frustrated with this. But what can you do? Thems the breaks of having a broken bone.

- Sara

[iMav]

Left or right elbow?

https://youtu.be/aR3VQvFf_uU

LOL

[John Morgan]

Well I saw a specialist/therapist yesterday. It is official. I am off of horn playing until mid January (at minimum), when I see the orthopedist and surgeon who worked on my elbow again. The only comforts are that I probably will not have to wear a cast at all, and that rehearsals are also in winter break until roughly the same time. I am bummed and frustrated with this. But what can you do? Thems the breaks of having a broken bone.

- Sara

Get better soon!! Your horn will miss you!

[davewerden]

Thanks for updating us. It's better to heal well than to heal quickly but halfway!

I find benefit in listening when I'm not able to play. Any music that inspires you is a good choice, although I lean toward brass music of high quality.

Here's one to get you started! He reminds me that our performance should rise above technical challenges and come out as MUSIC:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wwuneUBJ-J8

Same guy, and my favorite of his various pieces. The 3rd movement in particular is astounding, but it's all nice:

https://youtu.be/KltZ4rn7QUs?t=121

[RickF]

Rest easy Sara and don’t be tempted to rush it.

Dave’s link to Sergei’s playing of Haydn cello concerto is awesome! Tone, technique and mastery of circular breathing is unbelievable?

[John Morgan]

Dang, I downloaded the Saint-Saëns piece, and when I tried to play it, I missed a couple notes. I'll try again tomorrow, sigh...

But, in all seriousness, what an amazing musician. Sergei Nakaryakov is incredible. I used to think that Rafael Mendez was one of the best trumpet players I have ever heard (still do actually), but this guy is a monster of a player.

And plays musically as Dave said.

I also noticed that he used the first finger of his left hand for the occasional use of the 4th valve.

This is inspiring music, for Sara, for Dave, for me, for anyone. My goodness he is good. I want to start my life over!!

[Sara Hood]

Left or right elbow?

https://youtu.be/aR3VQvFf_uU

LOL

Left Elbow. I tried telling the therapist that the detail work was in the right hand, but she said it was too soon. She did include horn playing in my treatment goals, so ultimately it should be considered a part of my recovery. We will see.

- Sara

[iMav]

I still need to wait a couple days to play I think. Tried a few times…but ended up putting strain on my left hand…even sitting down and trying to hold the horn gingerly.

[Arnbone Euph]

Sara:
Heal soon; you're still invited to hear our first rehearsal of second semester Jan 9. I'll ask our director to go easy on trying to recruit you. Looking forward to meeting you in person.
--Arnie

[Sara Hood]

I went to the elbow doctor/surgeon this afternoon and got the good news I was hoping for. I no longer need to wear a sling on my left arm. I can drive myself to appointments and social commitments. I can even pick up my horn and play again. So as long as I avoid heavy lifting and anything that causes pain, I can resume my typical weekly activities. I will still have twice weekly therapy for a month or two, but all things point to being on the mend.

Now to pull the horn back out and start blowing on it again. As long as it does not cause pain to hold it and play, I can start trying to get my chops back into shape. It has been 6 weeks or more since I last did anything with it besides oil the valves and grease the slides.

- Sara

[davewerden]

Welcome back! I'm sure you'll take it easy as you remind your chops what it's all about (in addition to take with your arm).