Jet lag and the singing voice

Subject: Jet lag and the singing voice
From: black walnut
Date: 17 Aug 07 - 09:16 AM

In September I'll be crossing the ocean twice, and soon after performing a slew of solo concerts. Any ideas on how to maintain a healthy singing voice through jet lag?

~b.w.

Subject: RE: Jet lag and the singing voice
From: RTim
Date: 17 Aug 07 - 09:45 AM

I have criss-crossed the Atlantic many times and have never had a voice problem with jet lag. However, one can catch colds on flights due to the re-circulation of air of many people who can be infected.
Drinking water is always said to be prefered to drinking alcohol, ans as that now often costs on flights, water can be cheaper!

Tim Radford

Subject: RE: Jet lag and the singing voice
From: Alice
Date: 17 Aug 07 - 09:53 AM

It is probably more the air conditions in the plane that will affect your voice.
Like Tim said, stay hydrated. Use a filter mask to breathe through if you want
to be more protected from the "bugs" in the air. Clean your hands often. If you
can't take gel hand cleaner on the plane, take the little packets of moist towelettes.
Everything you touch on the plane has been touched by people from who knows where.

Alice

Subject: RE: Jet lag and the singing voice
From: Saro
Date: 17 Aug 07 - 10:28 AM

Hi Black Walnut, where are you heading for when you've crossed the atlantic?
Saro

Subject: RE: Jet lag and the singing voice
From: black walnut
Date: 17 Aug 07 - 10:57 AM

England/Germany. Can't wait!

Soon after I get back, I'll be doing a week of concerts in schools in libraries for Art Beat - a programme with the OCFF (the Ontario Council of Folk Festivals), and after that a few CD release concerts. I know I'll need a strong voice and a few cups of coffee to get through it all!

Good advice - hydrate lots, and wet wipes. (Sounds much like how to survive a folk festival).

~b.w.

Subject: RE: Jet lag and the singing voice
From: GUEST,leeneia
Date: 17 Aug 07 - 11:40 AM

When I fly, I want water, water, water. I took an empty canteen through security, washed a tap in the restroom with plenty of soap and filled it up to take on the flight. As a person with a voice to coddle, you could easily take more than one.

Subject: RE: Jet lag and the singing voice
From: Ernest
Date: 17 Aug 07 - 11:49 AM

black walnut, can you please tell us where in Germany you are playing?

I might be tempted to come.... ;0)

Best
Ernest

Subject: RE: Jet lag and the singing voice
From: black walnut
Date: 17 Aug 07 - 12:00 PM

Alas, this journey is not a performing journey. It's a family trip.

~b.w.

Subject: RE: Jet lag and the singing voice
From: black walnut
Date: 17 Aug 07 - 12:01 PM

Water - can I trust the water on the plane? Maybe I won't get as much as I want/need? I like your advice Leeana - thanks.

~b.w.

Subject: RE: Jet lag and the singing voice
From: IvanB
Date: 17 Aug 07 - 01:20 PM

b.w., I think leenia means she fills her canteen in the airport washroom after she's cleared security. It shouldn't be as much a problem there as on the plane and the fluid limit only applies through security (within reason, of course).

Subject: RE: Jet lag and the singing voice
From: GUEST,leeneia
Date: 17 Aug 07 - 05:52 PM

You can trust the water on the plane, I'm sure. Trouble is, it's hard to get enough of it. They don't give you enough for a normal day, much less enough to keep your throat nicely hydrated.

In June I was just in Italy, where we were walking around in heat more customary to August. I got so dehydrated I had to visit a hospital. The doctor there told me to drink 2 liters of water a day. Do you suppose an airline hands out anything like that?

I was on a British Air flight once when I asked the hostess for water when she was passing out drinks. She gave me 1/4 cup of water. I asked for more, but she refused. Lovely!

So I take my empty canteen, wash the faucet in the restroom with soap, and fill 'er up. Probably should take two.

Subject: RE: Jet lag and the singing voice
From: DebC
Date: 17 Aug 07 - 06:17 PM

You can buy bottled water after going through security, I get a bottle and then right before I board fill it up at a drinking fountain in the terminal.

I have also found (especially on trans Atlantic flights) that the attendants are very generous with water and will give you as much as you need.

Of course this also means being in the loo queue more often than one would like :-)

Deb
www.DebraCowan.com