[Harp-L] If you're happy and you know it..... :-)

["M. N." <mnessmith@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

For a few months now, I've been working to play everything using only TB or 
U-blocking, no pucker. Trying to expand my TB ability to include ALL bends 
(no OBs yet) and simultaneously add U-blocking to my arsenal has been really 
challenging, but since I'm not gigging steadily right now for family 
reasons, I have lots of time to woodshed. ANYWAY, I've come across a pretty 
good exercise for you folks trying to work on your TB (or UB) bends down on 
the tricky 2draw and 3draw holes: Try playing the old kids song "If You're 
Happy And You Know It" in second position. Starts out easily enough on the 
1draw, then gets rough when you hit the "clap your hands" part on the 2draw 
and 3draw. Can you tell my wife and I have a 2-year-old!? The thing is, we 
diatonic players have to master all those half-step bend on the 2draw and 
3draw -- there's just SO much music and expression in those two holes. And 
plinking out little ditties of any sort in various keys and positions using 
various embouchures can really build technique. At least I keep hoping it 
will! ;-)
MN