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When you only get one chance

Author: Lisa
Date: 2003-12-05 02:51

I'm frustrated. I was at a dress rehearsal that was in a different location than the previous rehearsals, and got really distracted playing in the new accoustic surroundings (cavernous church).

I also tried the suggestion I read here about being a soloist. The children's choir I'm accompanying with a pianist is really good, and I turned to watch them during my long rests. The fact that they're children and fidget like children amused and distracted me, and I don't want to let that happen again (ie, during the performances).

The fact that I was also trying to control my tone in the altissimo register wasn't helping my efforts either. I love the reed I currently have as my "concert reed" and I didn't want my tone to overpower the sound of the children's choir. So I tried to play softly with good breath support in the altissimo register. I guess I don't practice doing that enough, since it felt really awkward to me.

I guess I DO get another chance, two in fact. It just gets me that I didn't have the concentration to play like I've been practicing at home. Any ideas on the following would be greatly appreciated:

1. Would it look stupid/unprofessional if I stare at my music during long rests so the kids don't distract me and I can actually concentrate on what I'm there to do? I was originally going for a relaxed demeanor since I'm playing with children, but I don't think I can pull it off if I make the kinds of mistakes I did tonight.

2. What should I do to help my playing in the altissimo register sound full when I'm really trying to play softly? I certainly can fill that church with my tone during the solo passages, but I want that same full tone while playing softer. Is there anything else I should remember than keeping my throat as open as possible?

3. This is a huge topic, but how do you immediately mentally bounce back from a stupid mistake during a performance (besides playing perfectly)? I'm not really good at it when I'm playing solo, but I'm fine within a group, since I feel more comfortable in a section than alone.

Many thanks!

Post Edited (2003-12-05 02:53)

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