Klarinet Archive - Posting 000187.txt from 1996/01

From: Thomas Labadorf <Labadorf@-----.COM>
Subj: Re: How do you relax/energize...pre-performance?
Date: Tue, 9 Jan 1996 20:04:24 -0500

On Sunday, Jan 7, Dick Inglis wrote:
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"I will be helping to run a workshop on the way musicians can do right before
a performance which will help them play up to their potential.

I'd like to know what you do before or during a performance to relax,
energize, focus : stretching, exercise, meditation, self-talk, eating
do's and dont's, medication, social or other diversions, or special,
last-minute practice routines ? Do you do anything special right before a
difficult passage?"
--------

So, whatever it's worth, here are my thoughts:

In my practice time (ie, preparation for a performance) I imagine myself in
the performance situation. Especially when performing for memory, I practice
in front of a mirror. I like to try to visualize what I look like when I
perform. Practicting in front of a mirror, and preferably a large mirror)
lets me know that I look more respectable than I imagine myself. You can
even go as far as dressing in concert attire, but I don't find that worth the
bother.

Before the performance, I don't eat anything special. I just don't want to
perform on a full stomach. However, about 45 minutes before I actually play,
I will eat a Power Bar and drink plenty of water. The water also helps
prevent the dreaded "dry mouth." I, also, hear that a chocolate bar and lots
of water about 30-45 minutes before the performance will prevent "dry mouth,"
but I can't swear by it.

It is important to get into the performance space at least a day before. If
the performance is a solo with orchestra/band in front of an important
audience, your nerves will be particularly on edge. Knowing your space
acoustically and psychologically will give you the courage to go on at the
performance.

If you are performing from memory, you need to find a focal point in the
performance space. Don't look at anyone in the audience while you play
unless you know the piece you're play very well. People's faces can be
distracting especially if you recognize them. Every hall has exit signs
which make very handy focal points. They are usually located at various
places in the hall so that you can switch from one to the other. This can
give your audience the perception that you are looking right at them during
your performace.

I usually "psych" myself before a concert with this thought: Who are the
people in the audience? Is there anyone in the crowd who could ruin my life
if I missed a couple of notes? Probably not. Will your mistakes make any
difference to them afterwards? Probably not if you played everything else
musically. Most of the people in the crowd just want to hear good music. If
you miss a few notes, it won't make any difference so long as you played
musically. I am frequently reminded of the Winston Churchill's quote (I
think he said this): "You have nothing to fear but fear itself."

One last "psych out" that helps me most of all: Just before a concert, I can
feel secure that I have done everything possible to be prepared for that
moment. Everthing is preparation: reed, clarinet condition, embouchure,
knowlege of music, clothes (you don't want to worry that your cumberbund is
slipping down while you play), etc. As long as I cover all my bases
beforehand, I am ready. If I mess something up, then that is my level of
performance for that moment, and I except that. I keep the uncomfortable
moments in mind for the next preparation.

A few of books that helped me:

_Zen in the Art of Motorcyle Maintenance_ by Robert Persig
Not about Zen and not about Motorcyle Maintenance really, but I picked up
a few helpful hints. Makes very good reading.

_The Inner game of Tennis_ by Timothy Galaway
Especially the chapter on concentration. His focal point was the seam on
the tennis ball. There is also the _Inner Game of Music_ co-authored by
Timothy Galaway.

_Zen in the Art of Archery_ This *is* about Zen and archery, but the methods
of concentration can apply to anything.

Tom L.
Clarinetist, U. S. Coast Guard Band
Labadorf@-----.com