Welcome back, your instrument says as you open the case. It’s been a couple of weeks because you took off to go visit the family for the holidays. After cleaning and relubing old trusty “it’s time to practice” you tell yourself.
This is the point where I put the instrument down. I grab my rim or mouthpiece and head to the piano. Slowly I buzz long tones getting my face warmed up with equal pressure N, S, E, and W. I remind myself that after time off it’s a good time to evaluate everything and slowly build back into the “normal practice routine”.
It generally takes me nine days to get back into normal playing shape and I don’t rush it. I treat my facial muscles like I would any other in my body. You wouldn’t take 2-3 weeks off of jogging, weight lifting, bike riding, yoga, or cricket and expect to immediately go back to that activity where you left off.
Don’t disrespect your face and rush back into a heavy workload, ease back into it and you’ll be a better healthier player because of it. Every day I build from the previous day until I’m comfortable with the workload and practice time that I need to stay in shape. Everyone’s idea of “in shape” is different of course so remember that and do what your body needs.
The other option is to take your instrument with you on your holiday break, with your practice mute, and just keep your face on.
Just a thought,
I’ll do that next year……