RE: [Hornlist] I'm Too Nervous
I know some people that take 2 Ibuprofen about an hour before they perform for something, just to help keep the muscles in their body semi-relaxed, but without knocking them over, as would a regular muscle relaxant. On the other hand, something that I like to do is breathing exercises about 15 minutes before playing. Jut sit there and breathe in for 2 counts, out for 4. In for 3, out for 6. In for 4, out for 8. Etc. It gives you something easy and relaxing to concentrate on instead of performance nerves. Concentrate on keeping your shoulders down while breathing like this to keep them from becoming tense and bunched up around your neck. This almost always works for me Julia _ Is your PC infected? Get a FREE online computer virus scan from McAfee® Security. http://clinic.mcafee.com/clinic/ibuy/campaign.asp?cid=3963 ___ post: horn@music.memphis.edu unsubscribe or set options at http://music.memphis.edu/mailman/options/horn/archive%40jab.org
Re: [Hornlist] I'm Too Nervous
In a message dated 4/28/2005 8:45:59 AM Eastern Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: I know some people that take 2 Ibuprofen about an hour before they perform for something, just to help keep the muscles in their body semi-relaxed, but without knocking them over, as would a regular muscle relaxant. Ibuprofen is not even a muscle relaxant, regular or otherwise. So, what is the point here? As an analgesic and anti-inflammatory, Ibuprofen could ameliorate the effects of swelling in the muscles, and could reduce pain, but there could only be a psychosomatic effect as far as relaxing the muscles. Dave Weiner Brass Arts Unlimited ___ post: horn@music.memphis.edu unsubscribe or set options at http://music.memphis.edu/mailman/options/horn/archive%40jab.org
RE: [Hornlist] I'm Too Nervous
Well, if it were going to be a marathon performance, (the whole Ring in one sitting :) ) the anti-inflammatory properties might help the lip muscles make it to the end. -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Thursday, April 28, 2005 9:30 AM To: horn@music.memphis.edu Subject: Re: [Hornlist] I'm Too Nervous In a message dated 4/28/2005 8:45:59 AM Eastern Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: I know some people that take 2 Ibuprofen about an hour before they perform for something, just to help keep the muscles in their body semi-relaxed, but without knocking them over, as would a regular muscle relaxant. Ibuprofen is not even a muscle relaxant, regular or otherwise. So, what is the point here? As an analgesic and anti-inflammatory, Ibuprofen could ameliorate the effects of swelling in the muscles, and could reduce pain, but there could only be a psychosomatic effect as far as relaxing the muscles. Dave Weiner Brass Arts Unlimited ___ post: horn@music.memphis.edu unsubscribe or set options at http://music.memphis.edu/mailman/options/horn/bgross%40airmail.net ___ post: horn@music.memphis.edu unsubscribe or set options at http://music.memphis.edu/mailman/options/horn/archive%40jab.org
RE: [Hornlist] I'm Too Nervous
Cant be due to the working rules. They will not allow 17 hours work . Anyway, horn sections change after act1/2 Siegfried act 1 Goetterdaemmerung. Ha, ha, ho, ho !!! But be aware Flying Dutchman in the old version without a break. That´s killing ! === -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Bill Gross Sent: Thursday, April 28, 2005 3:58 PM To: 'The Horn List' Subject: RE: [Hornlist] I'm Too Nervous Well, if it were going to be a marathon performance, (the whole Ring in one sitting :) ) the anti-inflammatory properties might help the lip muscles make it to the end. -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Thursday, April 28, 2005 9:30 AM To: horn@music.memphis.edu Subject: Re: [Hornlist] I'm Too Nervous In a message dated 4/28/2005 8:45:59 AM Eastern Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: I know some people that take 2 Ibuprofen about an hour before they perform for something, just to help keep the muscles in their body semi-relaxed, but without knocking them over, as would a regular muscle relaxant. Ibuprofen is not even a muscle relaxant, regular or otherwise. So, what is the point here? As an analgesic and anti-inflammatory, Ibuprofen could ameliorate the effects of swelling in the muscles, and could reduce pain, but there could only be a psychosomatic effect as far as relaxing the muscles. Dave Weiner Brass Arts Unlimited ___ post: horn@music.memphis.edu unsubscribe or set options at http://music.memphis.edu/mailman/options/horn/bgross%40airma il.net ___ post: horn@music.memphis.edu unsubscribe or set options at http://music.memphis.edu/mailman/options/horn/hans%40pizka.d e ___ post: horn@music.memphis.edu unsubscribe or set options at http://music.memphis.edu/mailman/options/horn/archive%40jab.org
Re: [Hornlist] I'm Too Nervous
Hi Everyone, I have to agree totally with Ellen and Gary. I would like to relate a story about the chairman of the Music Dept. at Harding University. Dr. Erle T. Moore was answering questions one morning in his music theory class (I know this to be true, I was there) and a young woman was complaining about the number of Music Dept. Recitals just before the close of the spring semester. To answer her question about the number of recitals we were required to attend he simply replied, My dear children, Music is Performance. One must learn how to be comfortable performing, and the only way is to perform. I use almost the same kind of analogy when my students are preparing for State Solo and Ensemble. They usually cringe the first year they go to state and have to sight read. I tell them the only way they will become comfortable is to sight read a lot of music... My .02 on this thread. Walt Lewis At 12:57 PM 4/27/2005 -0500, you wrote: I totally agree with Gary. I have noticed that my students who play regularly in church or for relatives or in similar little or no pressure situations do the best on auditions, tryouts, and school playing tests, even though the material they play may differ with the situation. So I recommend that a person play as often as possible - volunteer to play hymns or patriotic tunes at a nursing home; play at church or church activities; play for relatives - they are interested in your accomplishments. You will share your gift of music with others as well as preparing yourself for auditions and adjudicated performances. Think of playing, no matter what the situation, as a chance to share your music and the wonderful sound of the horn. Ellen Hi, Unfortunately, the best way to beat any kind of anxiety is to continually put yourself in situations that create the anxiety, as many on the list have already told you. Performance anxiety decreases in relation to the amount of performances you give. In the mental health field, we call it immersion therapy. Performance-enhancing drugs (Inderal) are a last resort, and should only be tried after everything else. Gary Suits, MSW, ACSW -- No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG Anti-Virus. Version: 7.0.308 / Virus Database: 266.10.4 - Release Date: 4/27/2005 ___ post: horn@music.memphis.edu unsubscribe or set options at http://music.memphis.edu/mailman/options/horn/archive%40jab.org
RE: [Hornlist] I'm Too Nervous
I just confirm that: READ MUSIC, NEW MUSIC AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE, NEW NEW NEW AGAIN, TONS OF MUSIC OF ANY KIND. Then you have no time for nervosity. == -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Walter E. Lewis Sent: Thursday, April 28, 2005 6:06 PM To: The Horn List Subject: Re: [Hornlist] I'm Too Nervous Hi Everyone, I have to agree totally with Ellen and Gary. I would like to relate a story about the chairman of the Music Dept. at Harding University. Dr. Erle T. Moore was answering questions one morning in his music theory class (I know this to be true, I was there) and a young woman was complaining about the number of Music Dept. Recitals just before the close of the spring semester. To answer her question about the number of recitals we were required to attend he simply replied, My dear children, Music is Performance. One must learn how to be comfortable performing, and the only way is to perform. I use almost the same kind of analogy when my students are preparing for State Solo and Ensemble. They usually cringe the first year they go to state and have to sight read. I tell them the only way they will become comfortable is to sight read a lot of music... My .02 on this thread. Walt Lewis At 12:57 PM 4/27/2005 -0500, you wrote: I totally agree with Gary. I have noticed that my students who play regularly in church or for relatives or in similar little or no pressure situations do the best on auditions, tryouts, and school playing tests, even though the material they play may differ with the situation. So I recommend that a person play as often as possible - volunteer to play hymns or patriotic tunes at a nursing home; play at church or church activities; play for relatives - they are interested in your accomplishments. You will share your gift of music with others as well as preparing yourself for auditions and adjudicated performances. Think of playing, no matter what the situation, as a chance to share your music and the wonderful sound of the horn. Ellen Hi, Unfortunately, the best way to beat any kind of anxiety is to continually put yourself in situations that create the anxiety, as many on the list have already told you. Performance anxiety decreases in relation to the amount of performances you give. In the mental health field, we call it immersion therapy. Performance-enhancing drugs (Inderal) are a last resort, and should only be tried after everything else. Gary Suits, MSW, ACSW -- No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG Anti-Virus. Version: 7.0.308 / Virus Database: 266.10.4 - Release Date: 4/27/2005 ___ post: horn@music.memphis.edu unsubscribe or set options at http://music.memphis.edu/mailman/options/horn/hans%40pizka.d e ___ post: horn@music.memphis.edu unsubscribe or set options at http://music.memphis.edu/mailman/options/horn/archive%40jab.org
Re: [Hornlist] I'm Too Nervous
At 12:00 AM 4/27/2005, you wrote: I am only a sophomore in high school and I have taken many auditions for our senior honors district band and orchestras around the state. I prepare my music in an orderly fashion and I am completely prepared when I enter the audition site. I have noticed that my nerves are on end when I go into the audition room. When I have an audition, I am kind of excited about it, but not yet nervous. When I go into the warm-up room my heart begins to race. Once I had an audition and I was so nervous that my entire embouchure was shaking as I played my audition music. What is the best way to deal with nervousness before an audition? First, practice taking auditions. This means take more of them, or pretend that you are in an audition when you practice. My teacher advised me to do this when I was practicing and I found it helped a lot. Second, learn to work with the nerves. I still get them, but I know what to expect and what to do to control them. I make sure I breathe, and I am prepared to work with shakey lips in big solos. My teacher told me that a student of Isaac Stern's asked him how to best prepare for auditions. Stern told him to run up 3 flights of stairs as fast as he could then jump on top of a wobbly chair and play the most difficult yet magnificent solo he knew as beautifully as anyone has ever played it. Then repeat 3 times a day for the rest of his life, and eventually he would be prepared for auditions. Margaret Margaret Dikel JCCSO Librarian / Horn / Webmaster 11218 Ashley Drive, Rockville MD 20852 301-881-0122 [EMAIL PROTECTED] www.jccso.org ___ post: horn@music.memphis.edu unsubscribe or set options at http://music.memphis.edu/mailman/options/horn/archive%40jab.org
RE: [Hornlist] I'm Too Nervous
In addition to Margaret's advice, I would also recommend that you take every possible opportunity to play in public, even if it is just in front of a few family friends. The more you get used to playing in front of people, the less unnerving it becomes. Also realise that failing a district band audition is not the end of the world. At your age, the aim should simply be to enjoy playing as well as you can. So go into the audition with that idea in mind. Play your best - but no better! Nobody will blame you for doing no better than your best. Just enjoy showing them what you are capable of. In terms of calming your nerves while in the warm-up room, there's no single answer that works for everyone. You might find it easier to do your warmup sitting down. Don't overdo it with your warmup - you should already have done some practise earlier in the day, so all you ought to need is just sufficient to get the lips in the groove. A few long notes and some mid-range slurred arpeggios should be quite enough. Regards Jonathan West ___ post: horn@music.memphis.edu unsubscribe or set options at http://music.memphis.edu/mailman/options/horn/archive%40jab.org
RE: [Hornlist] I'm Too Nervous
Most nervousness come from non-musical influences, such as self-doubt, wondering what is thought of you, thinking that the audition is the most important thing in your life, etc. For some, it takes a great deal of time to overcome these thoughts, and many have turned to beta-blockers to control the physical problems that come with nervousness. There are many books out there that address performance anxiety of this nature. There is one (my personal favorite) that takes a very pragmatic approach to dealing with these problems as they happen called Mental Toughness Training for Sports. I would see if the author's techniques yield results before popping the pills. Ultimately, the best way to deal with nervousness is to continue putting yourself in such a position. Volunteer to play at different venues, (nursing homes, school assemblies, etc) and set up mock auditions for yourself. After a while, your body will get used to the feeling, and you will better know how to deal with it. Don't worry. -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Behalf Of [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Wednesday, April 27, 2005 12:01 AM To: horn@music.memphis.edu Subject: [Hornlist] I'm Too Nervous I am only a sophomore in high school and I have taken many auditions for our senior honors district band and orchestras around the state. I prepare my music in an orderly fashion and I am completely prepared when I enter the audition site. I have noticed that my nerves are on end when I go into the audition room. When I have an audition, I am kind of excited about it, but not yet nervous. When I go into the warm-up room my heart begins to race. Once I had an audition and I was so nervous that my entire embouchure was shaking as I played my audition music. What is the best way to deal with nervousness before an audition? ___ post: horn@music.memphis.edu unsubscribe or set options at http://music.memphis.edu/mailman/options/horn/pandolfi%40deerfield.edu ___ post: horn@music.memphis.edu unsubscribe or set options at http://music.memphis.edu/mailman/options/horn/archive%40jab.org
RE: [Hornlist] I'm Too Nervous
On Wed, 27 Apr 2005, Pandolfi, Orlando wrote:
(snip)
Mental Toughness Training for Sports. I would see if the author's
techniques yield results before popping the pills. Ultimately, the best
way to deal with nervousness is to continue putting yourself in such a
position.
Or the best way might be to experience a string of successes instead of
disasters, ASAP.
Is there a certified psychologist on list who wishes to weigh in?
{ David Goldberg: [EMAIL PROTECTED] }
{ Math Dept, Washtenaw Community College }
{ Ann Arbor Michigan }
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RE: [Hornlist] I'm Too Nervous
I am not a mental health professional, nor do I play one on TV. The guy I'm
taking lessons from now mentioned a horn master class in one of the
Scandinavian countries a few years ago. The instructor had looked at the
techniques of the East German Sports machine on focusing at the task at
hand. It was not unlike the advice from Stern cited earlier.
If I recall the procedure correctly, once the piece is ready for
performance, start practicing with distractions. Turn the TV on, and
practice both on the work at hand, but on concentrating at the work at hand.
-Original Message-
From: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
[mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of
David Goldberg
Sent: Wednesday, April 27, 2005 9:17 AM
To: The Horn List
Subject: RE: [Hornlist] I'm Too Nervous
On Wed, 27 Apr 2005, Pandolfi, Orlando wrote:
(snip)
Mental Toughness Training for Sports. I would see if the author's
techniques yield results before popping the pills. Ultimately, the best
way to deal with nervousness is to continue putting yourself in such a
position.
Or the best way might be to experience a string of successes instead of
disasters, ASAP.
Is there a certified psychologist on list who wishes to weigh in?
{ David Goldberg: [EMAIL PROTECTED] }
{ Math Dept, Washtenaw Community College }
{ Ann Arbor Michigan }
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RE: [Hornlist] I'm Too Nervous
Hi, Unfortunately, the best way to beat any kind of anxiety is to continually put yourself in situations that create the anxiety, as many on the list have already told you. Performance anxiety decreases in relation to the amount of performances you give. In the mental health field, we call it immersion therapy. Performance-enhancing drugs (Inderal) are a last resort, and should only be tried after everything else. Gary Suits, MSW, ACSW Get Firefox!!http://www.mozilla.org/products/firefox/central.html ___ post: horn@music.memphis.edu unsubscribe or set options at http://music.memphis.edu/mailman/options/horn/archive%40jab.org
RE: [Hornlist] I'm Too Nervous
I would not consider Inderal or any other beta blocker a performance
enhancing drug. I have never heard anyone play better than their natural
ability while using them. I would not confuse beta blockers with steroids. I
agree that it is preferable to seek non-chemical alternatives, (or bananas).
-Original Message-
From: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
[mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Behalf
Of David Goldberg
Sent: Wednesday, April 27, 2005 12:19 PM
To: The Horn List
Subject: RE: [Hornlist] I'm Too Nervous
On Wed, 27 Apr 2005, G wrote:
Performance-enhancing drugs (Inderal) are a last resort, and should only
be tried after everything else.
Gary Suits, MSW, ACSW
1) Why?
2) What is 'everything else'?
3) When is 'after'?
4) Do bananas count as 'performance-enhancing drugs'?
Some people believe that eating bananas enhances their performance.
All serious questions.
{ David Goldberg: [EMAIL PROTECTED] }
{ Math Dept, Washtenaw Community College }
{ Ann Arbor Michigan }
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[Hornlist] I'm too nervous
Margaret D wrote My teacher told me that a student of Isaac Stern's asked him how to best prepare for auditions. Stern told him to run up 3 flights of stairs as fast as he could then jump on top of a wobbly chair and play the most difficult yet magnificent solo he knew as beautifully as anyone has ever played it. Then repeat 3 times a day for the rest of his life, and eventually he would be prepared for auditions. An important advantage of this method of preparing for auditions is that while you are atop the wobbly chair, you will be able look over the screen and make eye contact with those on the other side. Don't forget to smile and wave; audition committees have a tough job, and this sort of warm, human contact will really brighten their day. Gotta go, Cabbage Gotta go, Cabbage ___ post: horn@music.memphis.edu unsubscribe or set options at http://music.memphis.edu/mailman/options/horn/archive%40jab.org
Re: [Hornlist] I'm Too Nervous
I have heard people play worse
than their natural ability while not using them.
Pandolfi, Orlando wrote:
I would not consider Inderal or any other beta blocker a performance enhancing drug. I have never heard anyone play better than their natural ability while using them. I would not confuse beta blockers with steroids. I agree that it is preferable to seek non-chemical alternatives, (or bananas).
-Original Message-
From: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
[mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Behalf
Of David Goldberg
Sent: Wednesday, April 27, 2005 12:19 PM
To: The Horn List
Subject: RE: [Hornlist] I'm Too Nervous
On Wed, 27 Apr 2005, G wrote:
Performance-enhancing drugs (Inderal) are a last resort, and should only
be tried after everything else.
Gary Suits, MSW, ACSW
1) Why?
2) What is 'everything else'?
3) When is 'after'?
4) Do bananas count as 'performance-enhancing drugs'?
Some people believe that eating bananas enhances their performance.
All serious questions.
{ David Goldberg: [EMAIL PROTECTED] }
{ Math Dept, Washtenaw Community College }
{ Ann Arbor Michigan }
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.
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Re: [Hornlist] I'm Too Nervous
Dear Friends --- The following is a Horn List encore presentation from 9-22-2001, retrieved from the archives once again because of relevance to a related question posed recently on The Horn List: * * * * * * * * * ** * * * * Lorraine Friends: Performance nervousness that shakes your sound is a Catch-22 problem. The antidote is confidence. But fear that you might sound shaky is a guaranteed confidence-buster. (That is, if you're afraid you'll sound quivery, you probably will.) To break the vicious circle, you need to gain the confidence that comes with playing so frequently under the pressure of performance conditions that you simply get used to it the fear diminishes or goes away. Over time, you build the confidence that only comes from having already played steadily repeatedly under real-time performance pressure. How do you get that kind of confidence when your performance anxiety is already feeding on itself? First, you promise yourself that if you're going to mess up it won't be because you're not prepared. Second, you do whatever it takes to acquire plenty of performance experience. You form or join a small ensemble (e.g., brass quintet, woodwind quintet) where there's no place to hide in which you do lots lots of public performances -- not just rehearsals, but real performances (i.e. you go out get gigs). After a while, you'll get so accustomed to the pressures of public performance that you won't be shaky any more. Your confidence will grow to the point that even when you're nervous, nobody will know but you. That's because your sound will be consistently strong, steady, sure. And that confidence will carry over into self-assured auditions, as well as solid ensemble playing -- even when you're on the spot with a solo that all your fellow ensemble-members, plus the audience, are waiting to hear you play. There is no substitute for performance experience. Individual practice ensemble rehearsals are fine; they're indispensable. But they aren't enough, because they are just not the same as real performances in front of real audiences, and that's the kind of frequent, repeated performance experience you need to beat those shaky-sound jitters. Keep practicing good luck. -- Alan Cole, McLean, Virginia, USA. [rank amateur] [Fairfax County] ~ At 12:00 AM 4/27/2005, you wrote: I am only a sophomore in high school and I have taken many auditions for our senior honors district band and orchestras around the state. I prepare my music in an orderly fashion and I am completely prepared when I enter the audition site. I have noticed that my nerves are on end when I go into the audition room. When I have an audition, I am kind of excited about it, but not yet nervous. When I go into the warm-up room my heart begins to race. Once I had an audition and I was so nervous that my entire embouchure was shaking as I played my audition music. What is the best way to deal with nervousness before an audition? -- No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG Anti-Virus. Version: 7.0.308 / Virus Database: 266.10.3 - Release Date: 4/25/2005 ___ post: horn@music.memphis.edu unsubscribe or set options at http://music.memphis.edu/mailman/options/horn/archive%40jab.org
[Hornlist] I'm Too Nervous
I am only a sophomore in high school and I have taken many auditions for our senior honors district band and orchestras around the state. I prepare my music in an orderly fashion and I am completely prepared when I enter the audition site. I have noticed that my nerves are on end when I go into the audition room. When I have an audition, I am kind of excited about it, but not yet nervous. When I go into the warm-up room my heart begins to race. Once I had an audition and I was so nervous that my entire embouchure was shaking as I played my audition music. What is the best way to deal with nervousness before an audition? ___ post: horn@music.memphis.edu unsubscribe or set options at http://music.memphis.edu/mailman/options/horn/archive%40jab.org
