What is a "right" position to hold a mellophone?

Question

I cant seem to hold up my mellophone any longer than 5 minutes straight and so i am wondering if there is perhaps a better way to hold up the thing.

Answer 1

the others gave great answers, so i'm not really going to repeat what they said.

but holding up those horns isn't very easy! i play clarinet, so it's not hard for me, we don't have to lift it that much. but i have tried holding a mellophone up, and yeah......that wasn't very fun!

i would try lifting weights or stretching or doing push ups. i know, sounds silly to work out for band, but i'm sure it'll help you in the long run.

also, practice in front of a large mirror, to check your posture and position.

Answer 2

it should be parralel to the ground, 90 degrees from your body, your arms should make a pyramid/triangle in front of your body with the horn at the apex of the triangle.

for great visual examples-go watch a DCI show. every single bugle is held in this fashion.

try practicing with your horn in the correct position all the time to build muscle memory,.........

Answer 3

Sorry my friend... this is a test in endurance and strength training!  LOL

It should be parallel to the ground, creating a right angle with your body.  I assume that this is for marching band... don't worry too much- by the time parades and halftime shows roll around, you will have built up some of those muscles.  Like anything else physical, it just takes time and consistant work.

Sorry I had no secrets to offer! :)