Beer while practicing

ttf_PosauneFreak · Post by **ttf_PosauneFreak** » Fri Mar 24, 2017 2:45 pm

Hello forum,

I'm in quite the pickle. I want to go downstairs to my basement and practice, but I also really want a beer.

Is there any physical harm done to the instrument if I drink while practicing? I stay careful to avoid playing without rinsing my mouth out and I only ever drink coffee, tea, or water while practicing. I don't want to ruin me Shires.

Thanks and cheers,

Elliot

ttf_baroquetrombone · Post by **ttf_baroquetrombone** » Fri Mar 24, 2017 3:00 pm

I'm pretty sure that if beer killed trombones, there would be none left that were made before 2005.

ttf_timothy42b · Post by **ttf_timothy42b** » Fri Mar 24, 2017 3:13 pm

Actually it can improve your results.

When you play continuously you wear out your chops. Taking that break every few bars for a small sip is a great way to rest enough to keep making progress.

Of course, it's possible to over do..........................

I know people who drink at performances. I would never do that. In home practice though, in moderation, probably doesn't hurt. Don't forget it's calories, lots of them, and they're the type that can pack on weight. If you're spending hours in the practice room, they aren't at the gym, you're going to want to watch that.

ttf_PosauneFreak · Post by **ttf_PosauneFreak** » Fri Mar 24, 2017 3:51 pm

Tim I appreciate your response; however I was asking more along the lines of whether blowing the sweet nectar through the horn could do any actual damage to the horns, similar to red rot and sugary stuff.

Thanks again,

Elliot

ttf_Burgerbob · Post by **ttf_Burgerbob** » Fri Mar 24, 2017 4:04 pm

Just clean out your slide more often.

ttf_wgwbassbone · Post by **ttf_wgwbassbone** » Fri Mar 24, 2017 4:13 pm

Quote from: PosauneFreak on Mar 24, 2017, 03:51PMTim I appreciate your response; however I was asking more along the lines of whether blowing the sweet nectar through the horn could do any actual damage to the horns, similar to red rot and sugary stuff.

Thanks again,

Elliot
Well on this forum you might only want one answer but you'll receive many.

ttf_SilverBone · Post by **ttf_SilverBone** » Fri Mar 24, 2017 6:44 pm

The more you drink, the better you sound.

ttf_Nanook · Post by **ttf_Nanook** » Fri Mar 24, 2017 7:35 pm

Quote from: baroquetrombone on Mar 24, 2017, 03:00PMI'm pretty sure that if beer killed trombones, there would be none left that were made before 2005.

That gave me a hardy chuckle....

ttf_Graham Martin · Post by **ttf_Graham Martin** » Fri Mar 24, 2017 8:00 pm

Obligatory for Dixieland practice and gigs!

ttf_robcat2075 · Post by **ttf_robcat2075** » Fri Mar 24, 2017 10:03 pm

I'm going to venture that beer is as good or bad as a carbonated beverage in a trombone but perhaps without the sugar.

Perhaps our resident chemistry expert should weigh in.

ttf_BGuttman · Post by **ttf_BGuttman** » Sat Mar 25, 2017 5:13 am

Quote from: robcat2075 on Mar 24, 2017, 10:03PM...
Perhaps our resident chemistry expert should weigh in.

Biggest problem with beer is that any residues you create inside the trombone are a great medium for organic stuff (read bacteria) to grow in. A regular cleaning (you can do it yourself in a bathtub with some dish detergent) can keep the growth to a minimum. Drinking too much beer can have some bad consequences, though. I'd doubt that drinking ONE cool one while practicing will do much harm.

ttf_BillO · Post by **ttf_BillO** » Sat Mar 25, 2017 3:15 pm

I have had a glass or two of wine during practice ... from time to time. It has never seemed to cause any real problems with my horns. They do seem to get a bit more rambunctious though.

ttf_tbathras · Post by **ttf_tbathras** » Sat Mar 25, 2017 3:56 pm

I have a little informal quartet. We meet about once a month. Goal number one is to drink some good beer. Goal number two is play. My horn seems no worse for wear. However, I wash my slide out about once a month with water and a snake.

ttf_timothy42b · Post by **ttf_timothy42b** » Sun Mar 26, 2017 4:22 pm

Quote from: PosauneFreak on Mar 24, 2017, 03:51PMTim I appreciate your response; however I was asking more along the lines of whether blowing the sweet nectar through the horn could do any actual damage to the horns, similar to red rot and sugary stuff.

Thanks again,

Elliot

Moisture is the enemy of brass. Dry, I think it would last for ever. It doesn't precipitation harden, so work hardening is the only possibility, and that is an energetically unfavorable state. I think it will self relax eventually, probably on the order of about 10,000 years.

Moist, some galvanic corrosion is inevitable.

But it is impossible to play without moist air, so there's no way out.

Beer doesn't add any more moisture. It may add some organics as Bruce said, and those deposits can also cause areas of varied electronegativity (might be the wrong term). So a reasonably regular snake and swab is probably indicated. I would do monthly.

ttf_BassCase · Post by **ttf_BassCase** » Sun Mar 26, 2017 6:17 pm

When I have a difficult passage to work through, I have a beer or a glass of chardonnay sometimes. I feel it relaxes me, relieves any tension I feel when ironing out difficult music.

ttf_elmsandr · Post by **ttf_elmsandr** » Sun Mar 26, 2017 6:26 pm

Quote from: PosauneFreak on Mar 24, 2017, 02:45PMHello forum,

I'm in quite the pickle. I want to go downstairs to my basement and practice, but I also really want a beer.

Is there any physical harm done to the instrument if I drink while practicing? I stay careful to avoid playing without rinsing my mouth out and I only ever drink coffee, tea, or water while practicing. I don't want to ruin me Shires.

Thanks and cheers,

Elliot
The coffee is probably worse than the beer.

Keep the horn clean and you will be fine.

Myself, I prefer a nip of whisky.

Cheers,
Andy

ttf_wgwbassbone · Post by **ttf_wgwbassbone** » Mon Mar 27, 2017 5:37 am

Quote from: tbathras on Mar 25, 2017, 03:56PMI have a little informal quartet. We meet about once a month. Goal number one is to drink some good beer. Goal number two is play. My horn seems no worse for wear. However, I wash my slide out about once a month with water and a snake.
Once a month? Once a week for me on the slide. Bell section once a month.

ttf_Radar · Post by **ttf_Radar** » Mon Mar 27, 2017 5:46 am

I play with a Fire Department band, all the bands meet at the carnival beer tent after the parade, and we take turns playing until late into the evening. While the other bands are playing we're drinking. There are a lot of horns out there at these events that have withstood this treatment for many years. We've got a couple of fire department owned Sousaphones that were made in the 1940s that still sound and play great. I do believe in routine cleaning of your horns, but having a cold one while practicing shouldn't do any harm to the horn, especially if you clean the horn on a regular basis.

ttf_tbathras · Post by **ttf_tbathras** » Mon Mar 27, 2017 6:53 am

Quote from: wgwbassbone on Mar 27, 2017, 05:37AMOnce a month? Once a week for me on the slide. Bell section once a month.

I pull a softer snake with alcohol on it through once a week. It's only once a month it makes it into the bath tub.

ttf_wgwbassbone · Post by **ttf_wgwbassbone** » Mon Mar 27, 2017 1:54 pm

ttf_SilverBone · Post by **ttf_SilverBone** » Mon Mar 27, 2017 4:34 pm

Quote from: tbathras on Mar 27, 2017, 06:53AMI pull a softer snake with alcohol on it through once a week. It's only once a month it makes it into the bath tub.

No need to add alcohol if there's already beer in the horn!

ttf_cmillar · Post by **ttf_cmillar** » Tue Mar 28, 2017 6:10 am

You should always practice as if you're on a gig!

ttf_tbathras · Post by **ttf_tbathras** » Tue Mar 28, 2017 6:56 am

Quote from: SilverBone on Mar 27, 2017, 04:34PMNo need to add alcohol if there's already beer in the horn!

I use bourbon for that. Gives the horn that nice oak barrel smell.

ttf_Socal77 · Post by **ttf_Socal77** » Sun Apr 16, 2017 12:45 pm

If you drink beer while playing, be aware that hops in beer are know to convert testosterone to estrogen. Try to play the manly, macho stuff before drinking beer, girlie stuff after.

ttf_MrPillow · Post by **ttf_MrPillow** » Sun Apr 16, 2017 2:39 pm

Yes because girls are only capable of playing certain styles of music?

ttf_Socal77 · Post by **ttf_Socal77** » Sun Apr 16, 2017 3:07 pm

I was referring to the mindset (masculine/feminine) to play different styles of music. But if I offended you I am sincerely sorry. The reality is too much IPA is not good for a male's hormonal balance, assuming he still wants to identify as male.

ttf_Burgerbob · Post by **ttf_Burgerbob** » Sun Apr 16, 2017 4:15 pm

Quote from: Socal77 on Apr 16, 2017, 03:07PM The reality is too much IPA is not good for a male's hormonal balance, assuming he still wants to identify as male.

What

ttf_Socal77 · Post by **ttf_Socal77** » Mon Apr 17, 2017 7:22 pm

Quote from: Burgerbob on Apr 16, 2017, 04:15PMWhat

Sorry to be the bearer of bad news.

http://thegreentribe.com/2014/06/oestrogen-effect-beer/

ttf_Socal77 · Post by **ttf_Socal77** » Mon Apr 17, 2017 7:30 pm

Quote from: Burgerbob on Apr 16, 2017, 04:15PMWhat

Yah, but life is unfair.

ttf_Burgerbob · Post by **ttf_Burgerbob** » Mon Apr 17, 2017 9:40 pm

Just a little googling...

http://beerandwinejournal.com/ipa-boobs/

Also, this quote?

Quotemaking men more feminine and even bitchier.
Come on.

ttf_watermailonman · Post by **ttf_watermailonman** » Tue Apr 18, 2017 2:09 am

Of course you can drink and drive, but result will be thereafter. Same if you "honk" your horn. Maybe if you practice a lot you could perform in a way no one notice the difference . I mean practice your drinking skills to perfection

As to the question I think the horn will look on beer and lemonade equally, a lot of suger in both. It needs cleaning that's all.

/Tom

ttf_Torobone · Post by **ttf_Torobone** » Wed Apr 26, 2017 6:27 pm

We used to have beer at army band practices back in the 70s. One beer for the 1st half, then another for the second half. I still have my 42B, and there is no evidence of wear from beer or the occasional shot of something stronger.

My horns are made of brass, not iron or cardboard. Some people are OCD about any moisture, and that's their concern.

Now, far fewer people drink at the mess or at rehearsals. Times have changed.

ttf_timothy42b · Post by **ttf_timothy42b** » Thu Apr 27, 2017 5:12 am

On the other hand (and I've just learned this from another list member) pBones need to be put away dry, and with the stockings waxed.

Moisture corrodes the stockings. Beer would make it worse. I now swab mine after every use.

ttf_Blackthorne · Post by **ttf_Blackthorne** » Thu Apr 27, 2017 1:55 pm

Quote from: BassCase on Mar 26, 2017, 06:17PMWhen I have a difficult passage to work through, I have a beer or a glass of chardonnay sometimes. I feel it relaxes me, relieves any tension I feel when ironing out difficult music.

Whenever I do that, the music just gets blurry and hard to read.

Apparently, stopping at "a beer" is the secret.

ttf_savio · Post by **ttf_savio** » Thu Apr 27, 2017 3:09 pm

Practice, yes. A beer, yes. But combination, no. Its no good for practice, its no good for enjoying a beer. All at the right time.

I shouldn't say to much, alcohol in music has changed a lot through the years. I have seen and experienced some of it, and I have done a lot of wrong choices in my life. Which I still regret ...

I'm glad to see the younger generation is more aware and make better choices.

To play well on any instrument, alcohol is out. Both in practice and performance.

Leif

ttf_BassCase · Post by **ttf_BassCase** » Thu Apr 27, 2017 5:27 pm

Quote from: Blackthorne on Apr 27, 2017, 01:55PMWhenever I do that, the music just gets blurry and hard to read.

Apparently, stopping at "a beer" is the secret.

I gotta say that a single beer or glass of Chardonnay won't affect many peoples' vision, or ability to concentrate. Everyone has their own limit. Mine may be different than yours, and most likely it is. I'm just saying, for me it's fine. I don't imbibe with every practice. I rarely do. Just sometimes. And just one helping!

Cheers!

ttf_BillO · Post by **ttf_BillO** » Thu Apr 27, 2017 9:49 pm

Quote from: Socal77 on Apr 17, 2017, 07:22PMSorry to be the bearer of bad news.

http://thegreentribe.com/2014/06/oestrogen-effect-beer/
That's just one reason I don't drink beer anymore (except the odd Guinness). Anyway, what's the diff? As long as you are happy where to end up, do what it takes to get you there.

No?

ttf_BillO · Post by **ttf_BillO** » Thu Apr 27, 2017 10:06 pm

Every day I practice some exercise on one of my trombones. And just about every day I play some music for fun while having a drink. (Yeah, I do have a drink on most days). The point is that practicing and drinking and playing need not be mutually exclusive in one's life. I have yet to play a dance where I did not have a drink or two. Concerts are another thing - no drink there, but when your audience is quaffing, there is no reason for you not to have a little libation. Ergo, during some practices, it is incumbent on you to drink a little, as ... in and of itself, it is practice for the performance.

C'mon people ... lighten up! there is no reason I can think of not to pick up a trombone after, or while, having a little drink or four. You don't have to make a life of it. Having said that, some do ... quite successfully. However, that's a balance I'm not totally comfortable with trying myself.

Tonight I have had a bottle of wine and have played for hours on one of my trombones.

ttf_svenlarsson · Post by **ttf_svenlarsson** » Fri Apr 28, 2017 2:43 am

" Zoot how can you play so good when you are so pissed?"
"cause I pracise pissed"

ttf_cozzagiorgi · Post by **ttf_cozzagiorgi** » Fri Apr 28, 2017 2:47 am

I can remember my first and unique participation to a jam session.

I have never been able to improvise or playing by ear, so participation in jam sessions was and still is not possible for me.

Now in this particular jam session I was far from sober... Can't even remember how I got into it and what we played. The saxophonist, who is a Professional jazz player called me some weeks later to ask me if I could sub in for a trombonist on a jazz gig. I answered I never really played much jazz and that I can't improvise.

His answer: "You must be kidding me! You improvised so incredibly well a few weeks ago, I thought you were a pro jazzer!"

Go figure...

Never been able again to improvise something without a lot of preparation.

ttf_timothy42b · Post by **ttf_timothy42b** » Fri Apr 28, 2017 4:53 am

I will have a beer in the privacy of my own practice room, but never in public.

There is no public transportation in this area, so if I'm playing a rehearsal or performance I've driven to it. I don't drink and drive. This is a cultural thing that has changed drastically for the better over my life - when I was young it seemed to be perfectly acceptable. I am sure I could drive after one beer, but I don't.

The second reason is that I don't have a cushion of skill to spare. I need to be on top of my game, as well as do all the extras (be early, be sober, be easy to work with, etc.)

ttf_timothy42b · Post by **ttf_timothy42b** » Fri Apr 28, 2017 4:53 am

I will have a beer in the privacy of my own practice room, but never in public.

There is no public transportation in this area, so if I'm playing a rehearsal or performance I've driven to it. I don't drink and drive. This is a cultural thing that has changed drastically for the better over my life - when I was young it seemed to be perfectly acceptable. I am sure I could drive after one beer, but I don't.

The second reason is that I don't have a cushion of skill to spare. I need to be on top of my game, as well as do all the extras (be early, be sober, be easy to work with, etc.)