 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Megan
Date: 2000-02-28 23:03
Hi all, what does everyone do before a performance? I have my graduation recital this friday(march 3) and I'm a big bunch of nerves right now. I'm over emotional(started crying today in front of my teacher and my accompanist), I have constant butterflies in my stomach and I can't seem to focus on anything.
Does anyone have any tips? I will be going to bed early every day this week, cutting back on caffeine, cutting out alcohol completely and trying to focus a bit more.
This is my program: 1st half: Two Debussy preludes(transcribed from piano, La fille aux cheveux de lin, Bruyeres)...Brahms Sonata in Eb. 2nd half: Mozart Concerto....Aria 'Parto, Parto' from La Clemenza di Tito for Soprano, Clarinet and Piano.
A bit massive, which is in part why I feel so stressed. I also have been having a problem with my soft palate leaking air lately. If anyone has tips on how to relax those muscles I'd really really appreciate it.
Thank you,
Megan
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Author: Dee
Date: 2000-02-28 23:05
Remember that everyone who comes is there to be a part of your music. They are there to be with you. Think of how music binds you all together.
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Author: Megan
Date: 2000-02-28 23:08
thanks, I do keep forgetting that. I get terribly shaky for the first couple of minutes every time I play. Don't know what it is, I love performing usually. It must be because this means so much to me!
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Author: Kim
Date: 2000-02-28 23:36
You have an awesome program! Good luck in your performance. Like, Dee said, everybody there is there to hear you and because they appreciate music. Play your very best and have fun!
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Author: Brandon
Date: 2000-02-28 23:44
I like to eat bananas before big concerts. As dumb as it may seem, I truly believe that this works. Have you heard of beta blockers? I believe that bananas have the same effect as the potassium breaks down which ever enzyme causes nerves to go crazy. You must have them in your system though. One will not suffice. Try this before the recital sometime this week and see if it makes a difference. If it does not, maybe it is just a mental thing. Maybe the thought of nerves being calm has some psychological effect.
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Author: Tim2
Date: 2000-02-29 03:31
Bananas work for me too. I'm a small guy. I just ate one about two hours before I played my Bach and Bumblebee. It was the first time I never had jitters as I was starting out. I was not nervous through the whole thing. One banana is all it took for me. I am a believer. Like Brandon says, it may seem dumb, but I know what _I'll_ be having with my meal before my next time I play.
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Author: Megan
Date: 2000-02-29 04:22
I will eat lots of bananas, I hear that tuna and turkey have the same effect. Lots of that too.
Thanks all
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Author: Lori
Date: 2000-02-29 04:25
I like to go through my recital (the whole program, nonstop) twice a day the week before the recital (except for the day before the performance).
More important than making sure my chops are in great shape, doing this means that by the time I get to the recital, it's not so overwhelming and it's not such a big deal anymore, because I've already played the whole thing 12 times!
Anyway, best of luck and have fun.
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Author: James
Date: 2000-02-29 11:33
Try deep breathing especially before you play. This helps you relax if you take several long slow breaths. Do this not only before you play but any time you think about your recital. Good luck.
James
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Author: Mark Charette
Date: 2000-02-29 11:43
Megan wrote:
<br>========
<br>I hear that tuna and turkey have the same effect.
<br>========
<br>Turkey is reputed to have a chemical that makes you sleepy. I can't for the life of me remember the name of the chemical, though.
<br>
<br>Not sure I'd want to have too much turkey in my system ...
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Author: Lelia
Date: 2000-02-29 18:38
For some people, a whole lot of bananas all at once can cause the runs, and I don't mean on the clarinet, so if you want to try banana-loading and you're not used to eating more than one banana at a time, "rehearse" that part of the gig, too! Since you mention having a problem with soft palate air leakage, which can get worse with fatigue, I'd also recommend avoiding the temptation to practice your brains out right before the performance. That's a heavy-duty program, so you've no doubt been doing some heavy-duty preparation already. I'll bet you know your material, so maybe it's more important to get some rest and go into the concert fresh.
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Author: Joslyn
Date: 2000-02-29 20:36
I was nervous before All State last year, so I sat down on the floor, my legs crossed, and just breathed in and out for a couple minutes. Even if you DO screw up, it's all right. I've played the Weber Concertino for a concert, leaked from my soft palet, and it sucked. Yet I am constantly complimented. It's not how perfect the playing is but if you liked playing it. RELAX AND HAVE FUN! Good luck
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