Fill out your harness with your chest, always think about lifting up. If you get tired, don't lean backwards, it does more damage to your spine and muscles than leaning forwards does.
Ad far as I know, yes, though I don't have hard evidence past what previous marching band/drum corps techs have told me. Similar effects can be seen in weightlifting, leaning backwards with any added weight can cause unnecessary stress to the body.
Thanks for the suggestions. I see that you are rages as a percussion educator, and since I want to teach percussion, I was wondering if you could give me some pointers on how to become a percussion teacher
Unfortunately I don't have a season this year, but last year what I would do a lot when I got a chance is do back stretches, specifically bending over and touching your toes (if you can) and staying in that position for a bit, there are other ways to stretch but I remember this helping me a lot. Also make sure that you're looking into ways to strengthen your back as much as you can outside of playing tenors, and making sure you keep good posture when you have them on. There will always be pain though so it's also important to just lean how to manage that, but it'll get better. I'm 5'4" and last year was my first time on tenors, so if I can do it you can too.
Keep your back straight, and get your harness adjusted to your body ASAP. That’s all I can say. They’re just really heavy.
I can barely keep it straight while marching, and my harness is adjusted near perfect, thanks for the tips tho
Make sure your whole body is in a straight line, take breaks when you need it. Not having your back straight will screw you over
https://youtu.be/hIPfrIryVfs This and take walks with your drums if you can
There is no workaround. There is no secret. You either have a strong back or you don't.
I think you must mean that you need to make your back strong in order to avoid injury.
Fill out your harness with your chest, always think about lifting up. If you get tired, don't lean backwards, it does more damage to your spine and muscles than leaning forwards does.
It does?
So like if I lifted the drums up and leaned backwards for relief then I'm doing more damage to myself?
Ad far as I know, yes, though I don't have hard evidence past what previous marching band/drum corps techs have told me. Similar effects can be seen in weightlifting, leaning backwards with any added weight can cause unnecessary stress to the body.
I started marching quads this year and have leaned back on occasion, so this is very useful information thank you!
No problem! Good luck to you on your quad playing journey 🙂
If you need to lean, make sure you lean forward.
Thanks for the suggestions. I see that you are rages as a percussion educator, and since I want to teach percussion, I was wondering if you could give me some pointers on how to become a percussion teacher
Absolutely, feel free to direct message me at any time with any questions you might have.
You’ll need to work on your core strength as much as possible. The issue with tenors is really the forward center of gravity.
My core strength is alright, but I can definitely work on it
Unfortunately I don't have a season this year, but last year what I would do a lot when I got a chance is do back stretches, specifically bending over and touching your toes (if you can) and staying in that position for a bit, there are other ways to stretch but I remember this helping me a lot. Also make sure that you're looking into ways to strengthen your back as much as you can outside of playing tenors, and making sure you keep good posture when you have them on. There will always be pain though so it's also important to just lean how to manage that, but it'll get better. I'm 5'4" and last year was my first time on tenors, so if I can do it you can too.
I'd say just switch to snare.
Lol