Weird feeling...

[alvaro_galvez]

Ok, so heres the deal.
Im in my schools marching band and I play a large drum which happens to be quite heavy (it hangs from my right shoulder through a strap).
So we had a parade today and I felt a weird strain in my forearm and shoulder (painful to say the least). Well, it ended and I was tired as sh1t. Now a few moments ago I was trying to start my practice routine with scales but I felt a weird weakness in my fingers, like I wasnt able to press the keys with enough force. So I skipped scales and started with technique which was appauling (is that spelled correctly), again with the weird weak feeling.
Now probably this will go away tomorrow but does anyone know if marching with the drum will have a long or short term impact on my pianistic ability?

[donjuan]

I get the same feeling in my fingers after a long day of writing notes at school.  It usually will go away within the next day, after a night's rest. I think it is caused by extended periods of clenching the fist, or straining muscles.

by the way, the word is spelt "appalling".
donjuan

[alvaro_galvez]

Ok! Guess its no prob then  

Oh, and appalling, ok thanx!  

[f0bul0us]

First look at the way you're positioned while holding the drum sticks, then at how you sit at the piano. When you feel that you're not adding enough force to strike the keys, don't dismiss it. That's when you're most likely to develop problems during playing. It's best that you notice there's a problem with how you're playing when you do your warm-up exercises. That way you can stop and fix the problem. Another thing is that after having that huge drum wrapped around your neck for such a long period of time, you may be unknowingly slouching (even when you think your posture's correct) and shifting downward your entire upper body in the process (the wrists included).

Also, it's shit, not sh1t.

[donjuan]

Also, it's shit, not sh1t.

(distant sound of NilsJohann crying)

[alvaro_galvez]

So its a day later and now I have developed this thing (I think its muscle tension) in my right forearm that rather thn hurting it simply makes my whole arm get tired really fast, I do two scales of 3 reps and my arm is totally out so I have to rest a bit.
But at least that weakness is gone so Im happy. Thanx a bunch donjuan and Super fun happy man!

[allchopin]

It sucks being anchor bass huh ....  

I was a snare for 3 years and I didn't really notice any change in my fingers' ability.  Though I did significantly notice back problems afterwards, so sitting at that hard piano bench is a constant ergonomic reminder.
As a matter of fact, I almost felt that after practicing drumming for a while, I was better at the bench, mostly because the vibration loosened up my fingers.  

The basses at our school had harnesses that went symmetrically around the back- I don't know what the deal is with your harnesses... you should talk to the teacher.  That isn't good to be putting all the weight on one shoulder.

[alvaro_galvez]

I will...
Now that u mention it I have back aches whenever I sit for too long on the piano bench.

[donjuan]

I will...
Now that u mention it I have back aches whenever I sit for too long on the piano bench.

talk to xvimbi about that...he knows a lot about that kind of stuff.  He may be able to help you.
donjuan