By: Mr. Knapp

Posture  Posture includes 3 categories: upper body alignment ○ head, shoulders, chest, back, and hips lower body ○ hips, legs and feet as well as carriage (arms) weight distribution ○ balance!

Upper Body Explained  Chin is slightly tucked backward so there is a sensation of bringing the ears back in vertical alignment with the shoulders and lifted just above parallel to the ground.  Shoulders need to be relaxed and as level to the ground as possible. The proper forward and backward alignment of the shoulders is maintained by projecting the sternum upward and forward. DO NOT ARCH YOUR BACK!  The back needs to be as vertical as the individual's body type allows. The goal is to create a straight line through the ears, shoulders and hips which extends to the heels.  The hips are both part of the upper (for posture) and lower body (for movement). For the upper body, the hips help in achieving a straightened back by rolling them forward or backward.

Lower Body Details  Upper legs should be free of tension but engaged in balance and ready for movement.  Knees should be as straight as possible without locking them.  The lower legs and feet are where the majority of the balance work takes place.  At this point there should be a direct line between the heels, hips, shoulders and ears.

Carriage Defined  Carriage The proper carriage involves only the arms. It is important to keep the posture aligned as the instrument is carried in both carry and playing positions.  A good method to work on the "arms only" method is start with the arms extended directly out from the shoulders and parallel with the ground creating a "T" position. Without moving anything but the arms slowly right fist in front of the face at nose level while placing the left hand over the right fist. The upper arm will be virtually parallel to the ground. Doing this slowly both in and out of this "playing" position will aid in internalizing the way proper posture feels and thus gaining muscle memory.  When the instrument is introduced the process will need to be reviewed and refined to match elbow positions within each instrument family. Particular attention must be paid to the keep the left shoulder of flute players from rotating forward.  Instrument angles are about 10 degrees above parallel. This is done by adjusting the arms and chin only. Never arch the back to raise the horn angle

FEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEET  The feet are the primary balance point for the posture.  New this year!!! We will have an degree angle created with the heels together and toes angled outward which will provide a greater base for balance.