 The Fingering Forum
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Author: Jennifer
Date: 2004-11-04 21:20
Hi i play the alto sax in jazz band. I was given a solo against my will and am told i have to play it. it's not hard or anything but it's just the fact that when i start to play i get nervous and i screw up a lot. And last rehersal i found out that i will have to stand up and play my solo in frount of everybody during preformances. I have troble playing them when i am sitting down in rehersal because of nerves. well what will i do in preformances. I really don't want to play like that because everyone will be staring at me and that is when i screw up. What do I do? I can't back out because i have been given it. I need help what can help me get over this insane fear?
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Author: Ryan
Date: 2004-11-05 03:06
OK, I also play in jazz band and have gotten numerous solos and get EXTREMELY nervous. My advice would to just learn it well so that you are very confident with it, and when its time for your solo, just raise the stand up and look at the music so that you don't have to look at the audience. Also, in a recent forum message, it said to have a banana before you play, and I tryed it and it does work (for me anyways), so thats always worth a shot.
-Hope this helps, Ryan
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Author: »Trent«
Date: 2004-11-05 04:20
I also play in a few jazz bands. The trick is to know that nomatter what, you are right. Use lots of air as well, and play loudly. Its no good if your nervous, start playing, and then hear this meek little sound come out of ur horn. It won't make you feel any better. Also, i think you should try and maybe improvise it. If it isn't written, you won't worry about stuffing it up. It can help, because if u choose to play the written one, and get a little behind in it, you can always just start to improvise.
hope this helps
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Author: Jennifer
Date: 2004-11-05 23:00
K thanx i will try that. What makes the banana thing work? Will it help me. Thanx again
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Author: d-oboe
Date: 2004-11-06 23:38
I'm no jazzer, but I know the best cure for fear is facing it! I've heard of the banana trick, but to me it sounds like a cover up for not knowing the part well enough, or not really facing fear.
The best thing you can do to prepare is to over-prepare. If the phrase is long you should be able to play it twice through. Learn your part with different articulations, dynamics, phrase shapings...everything. You want to know that whatever happens you are ready for what's coming.
If you are in high-school and this performance won't hugely affect your life, I would take full advantage of it, and try to be as scared as possible (?) I know it sounds odd, but if you take music in college, and then want to get a professional job, you want to have as many musical experiences under your belt as possible. Especially those in which you feel like jumping out the nearest window! In the professional world EVERYTHING counts.
You have to be ready! That's all there is to it!
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Author: Jenni
Date: 2004-11-30 21:21
I'm not in jazz band but i have had to play a solo in concert band. one thing that i can tell you is that it's OK to be nervous! im pretty sure even the best musician gets nervous so dont worry about it! i find that talking to myself before the performance helps. i tell myself that i wont mess up and if i do, its not the end of the world. it calms me down.
also,if youre really worried about messing up, memorize your solo. play it over and over again so that it just comes to you naturally. i know this may sound kinda corny but you can also try closing your eyes during your solo and just feel the music. if you dont want to do that, then just try to look at your music only...if it makes you nervous to see the audience, dont look at it!!!
good luck, i hope i helped you!!!
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