Klarinet Archive - Posting 000271.txt from 1999/12

From: "David Smith" <david-patty@-----.net>
Subj: Re: [kl] stage fright
Date: Sat, 11 Dec 1999 00:06:15 -0500

Dear Ken and list,

having been a sufferer of migraine headaches and other asundry maladies that
required it, I can aver that Inderol is a controlled substance and you
cannot obtain it legally without a doctor's prescription (all you
clarinet-playing doctors, behave yourselves!!!). I did not find that it had
any sort of calming effect, as far as my nerves were concerned. It didn't
really help the migraines, either. What I have found most helpful over the
years are -

1) working consistently everyday so I know come audition or performance
time, I am as prepared as I can possibly, realistically be - that I will
indeed play the very best I can that day.
2) always getting a few lessons with a teacher who will give me the honest,
constructive criticisms I need to practice correctly and improve my
performance over that time of preparation
3) practicing deep breathing exercises away from the horn, especially when
my mind turns up the volume on the "Uh oh, I have (whatever I have) coming
up!! Oh no. whatever will I do!" This helps me calm down immensely
4) staying in touch with the world outside of music and keeping myself and
my own feelings in perspective with the rest of reality - especially taking
a little time to talk with a trusted friend about any feelings I might have
about the performance or audition. This especially served me well while I
served in the military bands.

I hope I helped a little; good luck, especially to all those high school
students who are getting ready for various "concert-season" regional, area,
district, etc. auditions.

Patty Smith

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