Klarinet Archive - Posting 000795.txt from 1997/07

From: Jrykorten@-----.com
Subj: Re: Inderol
Date: Fri, 25 Jul 1997 10:58:58 -0400

For what it's worth, my stage fright was also disabling. Choking for the
major solo in Borodin's Polevetsian Dances (sp?) for one was my favorite
(John Mohler in the audience to boot). Pre-concert dreams of showing up on
stage without my pants on... Fingers shaking so much during piano recitals
that when I would glance aside at the audience, they were all looking at my
fingers! (And wondering how I managed to hit any note I'm sure).

I found the following two items to be very helpful. First you have to learn
to relax in the 10 or 20 minutes before the concert using deep breathing
excersizes. The type they teach in Yoga classes. Eyes closed. Second, until
you have enough recitals under your belt (5 years or so?) try talking to the
audience first. Prepare a little biographical information about the music, or
if you are using two clarinets explain why you are using them. What Leeson
thinks about transposing, whatever. You'll find that you can carry the
feeling of a conversation forward into the recital you will have accomplished
two things 1) you will be more musical and 2) you will not be as afraid
because we are used to having conversations with strangers every day.

But take every opportunity to get in front of small crowds to speak, play or
tell jokes and you will get over it sooner or later.

Assuming you don't stroke out in the interim :-)

Jerry Korten
NYC