Klarinet Archive - Posting 000377.txt from 2004/04

From: "Keith" <100012.1302@-----.com>
Subj: [kl] RE: [k] Motivation
Date: Thu, 22 Apr 2004 18:11:24 -0400

Forest,

Thanks! Praise from you is praise indeed. Though I have to say that I was
not fishing for compliments, but exploring the attitude!

That's a very good point about the focus that a performance brings, and the
opportunity it presents. It's a much better way of looking at it than
calling it "fear". Your tuition was terrific, too.

Yes we were having a great gumption-filled time doing the rare Mozart stuff.
For those who don't know, Forest's borrowed horn developed a crack the size
of the Grand Canyon on arriving in New Mexico and Nevada. He filled it with
what looked like a whole stick of beeswax and was completely unfazed. At the
concert introductions, when we were asked about the differences between Dan
and my horns and his, Forest would say "those two like to play on
furniture!". To which we would reply "Better than playing on firewood!". But
you couldn't tell from his playing that anything was wrong at all.

We just glared at Dan if a wrong note came out.

Keith Bowen

> Keith,
>
> You did a wonderful job on the Mozart performance! The notes you mention
> missing (very few indeed) were in no way a distraction to your
> performance.
> It was a wonderful performance.
>
> Your critical perspective and the work we did together in the few days
> before the performance does bring me to remind players to take advantage
> of
> the heightened awareness that often occurs as we near deadlines associated
> with performance. As we near performance day, we hear more and we hear
> more critically. Always make good use of this critical time. Staying
focused
> and
> approaching practice in a positive and constructive manner is always
> important but in the final days before a performance it can make the
> difference between a very average effort and something special. You made
> incredible progress in the few days before your UNLV performance. I feel
> it
> was clearly the result of your terrific "gumption". We were all playing
> well
> and having such a great time. No way for a "gumption trap" to work it's
> evil
> on us that week. (not even that cracked top joint)
>
> Best regards,
>
> Forest

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