Here is an article that talks about something similar to my throaty-madness at the recital. I suppose cases are different–but this sounds very, very similar to what happened to me near the end of high school, at quintet gigs. I think it comes after playing continuously…I’ve never experienced it in an ensemble concert or anything, or even in a lesson. The teacher who accompanied us to the gigs often got concerned, I recall. It started out as a sort of whistling, and as I attempted to repress it, turned into more of a sustained snort…pretty gross, and uncomfortable, and eventually painful, as I would be trying to continue putting air through my instrument.

I’m thinking at the recital I was closing off the nasal passage almost completely, but in a somewhat unnatural way, trying to keep going…(I was in the middle of a piece, for chrissakes!) so it turned ridiculous.

Anyway, thanks to Joel for messaging me and being all, “Is this what it was like?” and I definitely screwed up my description, but you’re totally right, Joel. That’s it. Nice to know I’m not alone in the world.

Now: what to do? This article (scroll down to the woodwind section, under “Otolaryngologic Disorders”), it suggests that “Rest and palatal exercises have been used to treat stress velopharyngeal insufficiency, though surgical options can include endoscopic posterior pharyngeal augmentation with Teflon injection or a surgically created pharyngeal flap.” Nyarrrrgh. I think we’ll try the rest/palatal exercises. Palatal exercises? Would that entail saying “Ah, Ah. Aaaaah…Ah!” in different ways?

Anyway, I’ll keep investigating.

Today: gouged cane, but I think there’s something up with the gouger, the pieces came off quite thick…scrape a few reeds, following Katrina-law carefully, but the sides keep coming open, and I’ve got no idea what to do. Try again, I guess. Heather thinks it might be the gouge. I’m hopeful that it’s not just me.

I think that’s it. If anyone can find me some more info on this SVI dealy, or has personal experience, that would be super-fantastic!

Love y’all,
Ren