A less known yet still controversial tool has been discussed to great lengths lately and the item is called STRATOS.
If you search the leading trumpet bulletin boards for this new invention you will find a mix of pro and con reviews which would lead one to assume the product does not do what it claims. Because of several reasons (mostly the exorbitant cost) few that dislike the product have actually tried the attachment and believe it does not do what it claims and the supportive reports are submitted by those who have purchased and used the product. Any time someone dislikes a thought or product without trying it makes me curious as to the real benefits of the product and for that reason I will share with you the claims and try to sort out fact from fiction.
Below are the claims made by its inventor Marcus Reynolds and my thoughts regarding these claims.
The following material was taken from Mr. Rynolds site and please remembers I have not tried this tool and because the excessive price- $285, I will not be ordering it at any time soon, if at all.
All of my statements are printed in bold type and Mr. Reynolds material in in plain type.
Stratos – problems addressed
Excessive Pressure
This is the most commonly-found problem with young brass players and their embouchure. It usually develops early on, when the performer, anxious to hit a note they find particularly high or challenging, discovers that increasing mouthpiece pressure seems to produce the desired result. The short-term advantage, however, is more than outweighed by the long-term damage.
Excessive pressure damages tone quality, flexibility and range.
Heavy mouthpiece pressure restricts the flow of blood to the lips, and they tire more quickly. Players who use excessive pressure will not improve their endurance no matter how long they practice. This is because the muscles at the corners of the lips (which determine lip tension in a good, relaxed, embouchure) are hardly being used at all.
Symptoms of excessive pressure can include:
– A “pressure ring” still visible 15 minutes after practice is over (this reaction depends on the individual)
– A bruised or swollen lip
– Less endurance than other players the same age (endurance cannot be compared because of age).
– Poor, thin tone in the upper register
By encouraging a good “floating” jaw position, the STRATOS system reduces the need for mouthpiece pressure, and brings the right muscles into play. Whilst there’s no such thing as a “no pressure” embouchure, it is vital that young players eliminate bad habits if they want a long and healthy partnership with their chosen instrument.
Bill Watrous “It’s controlling the air and not putting myself in a state of stress. If I’ve got that mouthpiece up against my face where it’s almost going through to the teeth, there’s no way I can play the high register. I’ve made my whole life career of being able to play up there and not get into that disease of pressure….When I’m playing a lot I come off the stand and there’s almost no mark, some players look as though they have been hit by a truck!!” (I’m sure this was a true statement by Mr. Watrous but some readers may connect this statement as an endorsement of the STRATOS, which it is not).
The Music of Bill Watrous with solo transcriptions and master class cd isbn-10: 0-3390-4490-7
Practice with Stratos and you can develop your range without the typical pressure mark.
Braces
Many younger brass players, just beginning to master their instruments, suffer real setbacks when their teeth need braces – for even a short period. Some use waxes, internal lip guards and other bizarre devices to keep on playing without cuts and bleeding.
It’s a tense time for kids, their teachers and their parents – especially in schools and communities where playing well in the band means so much to a child’s pride.
The STRATOS system will help most people with braces change their jaw position, and reduce the pressure applied between lips and mouthpiece. You should be able to play without pain – and improve your technique ahead of the day the braces come off. (Because a player has braces, does not mean he/she would necessarily change their jaw position).
Bunched Chin
To create a good, relaxed embouchure, the chin and its muscles should remain flat. Some players, however, thrust their chins upwards, creating a bunching effect. This reduces flexibility, and upper register notes will sound thin.
Using the STRATOS system encourages the right position, and helps players deliver even tone and quality across the range
As you have read, I have very few disagreements with these claims and for that reason, I needed to investigate further into the value of this pricey product
.
After viewing all of the promo videos addressing the virtues of STRATOS, if found that their live examples did not convince me that the device actually improved their playing.
After reading statements from doubters who have not actually tried the device, I found nothing to substantiate the negative point of view either.
As most of my readers know, I seldom straddle the fence when reviewing a new idea or product but in the case of STRATOS, that is exactly where I am. 50% of me doubts that it will work and the other half has a feeling that it would be beneficial. I will contact the inventor and if he is willing to loan me his product, I will gladly review it for my readers. Let’s see if Mr. Reynolds is up for the challenge.
I own a STRATOS. In my opinion, getting the horn comfortably away from the chops, is a very common goal for any brass player. The key word is comfortably. Manufacturing an artificial embouchure for the sake of doing it, is not an acceptable way to use the STRATOS. This device, in my experience, is to build awareness of the relationship between the chin/jaw position, and using a BIT less pressure.
Without a long-winded comment, I am of the opinion, that in order to form an unbiased and informed opinion, sometimes you must buy it to try it. No amount of discussion can replace the experience. I use my STRATOS on occasion if I feel a few things are out of whack. I will also use this tool if a student demonstrates the need for the awareness described above.
It isn’t a magic bullet, nor a “scam…” The effectiveness is in the hands of the user.
I would like to thank you for your first hand knowlege into this device. As I has stated, I can’t give an honest opinion until I use one and at that price and because I am a retired prof. scraping the coins together for a try at it is not in the cards for me.
To have an open minded practitioner of the method reply is very helpful to my readers and thank you again for your insight into this product.
Stay well and live long.
BC