Talk:List of horn techniques

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[edit] Horn Techniques?

Maybe it's just me, but I'm not so sure that things like alternate fingers, use of petroleum jelly on slides, and two different ways to empty water really qualify as "Horn Techniques" Does anyone have a problem with removing (or at least validating the existence of) these particular subjects? Csdorman 18:02, 19 July 2007 (UTC)

I would agree that these particular references to "Horn technique" not actually that, I would say that alternate fingerings are an essential part of normal performance. Use of petroleum jelly on slides is necessary to prevent valve slides being jammed onto their tubing, and as far as emptying water is concerned - again this is necessary as further performance would be impeded by the presence of water in the tubing. However; water could be left in the instrument to employ an extended technique. I have been playing French Horn for 35 years, I do not profess to be an expert on the subject but am in the process of studying for a Bachelor of Music degree.

While I agree that alternate fingerings are important, and necessary, I don't think they fall under the heading of "horn technique". Alternate fingerings are used by all brass instruments - and even by woodwind instruments as well. And while petroleum jelly can be used on slides, it is not necessary. There are many different things that can be used on slides - from the "real" slide grease, to Vaseline, to anhydrous lanolin, to STP. Each one has good and bad points, but none are part of horn technique. Same with emptying water - while it is necessary, it's hardly unique to the horn, and while it can be difficult, each horn wrap is different in some respects. I still am unconvinced that these things belong in an article which otherwise is mostly horn-specific.Csdorman (talk) 03:25, 17 November 2007 (UTC)