DESCRIPTION OF EXERCISES
There are two series of exercises, each numbering 24 figures. These are to be performed in four different styles, corresponding to the four fundamental movements.
- A—Wrist movement in horizontal position.
- B—Wrist movement in vertical position.
- C—Fore-arm movement.
- D—Full-arm movement.
For each style, there are four different positions which, for practical reasons, have been named after the points of the compass; North, South, East, and West. The drawings contained in this chapter are of the four different positions, for each style of exercise. In the diagram of exercises each of these points is indicated by a letter; N—for North, S—for South, E—for East, and W—for West.
The small letter in the upper left corner indicates the starting point. The other letters indicate the points of arrival.
Each figure is to be executed in time with certain music examples of which each individual note corresponds to a point of arrival.
For instance, figure 1 would be executed with [Music Ex. 1] thus:
South position corresponding to the note C.
North position corresponding to the note G.
The sf on a letter indicates a sharp forceful movement as opposed to a more relaxed motion. In the exercises for the wrist, the forearm and upper arm must remain motionless. Likewise, the forearm movement must be executed without moving the upper arm.
Great caution should be taken not to over-tire the wrist and arm, when first practising these exercises.
These exercises are to be practised by the right and left arm alternatively.
It is suggested for the individual practise that the student place the music examples on one side of the music stand and the diagram of the exercises on the other.
Thus he may describe the gymnastic exercises while singing or whistling the music.