With the competition a week and a half away, I am now just trying to keep my head above water!
I'm as ready as I'll ever be. Right now I'm focusing on, well, staying focused! Everybody has a different set of nerves, but I think I have about 10 sets of nerves. I definitely freak out. But, I've learned that if I concentrate on staying calm--everyday--(yes, I start to get nervous 2-3 weeks before...) I can manage nerves more effectively.
Good thing I have such marvelous scenery and weather to distract myself with!
The "final push" has been practicing every single day no matter what. I'm like a practice machine! Getting some motivation sets off self-discipline. So I practice the tricky spots in my piece over and over. Slowly, medium tempo, and actual tempo. Then eventually I "run it" playing the movement straight through. I do get kind of winded playing this piece--it has some big chunks of notes with no pauses for rests, so breathing has to be planned out, and even back up breathing plans--like where to put "emergency breaths" so you're sure not to disrupt phrases or anything, but you still will prevent yourself from passing out. I know, fun.
Nothing calms nerves on the big day like knowing I've played a section (or the whole thing) a bazillion times without any major mishaps. That's the kind of thing that calms one down.
I also play standing everyday. (It's MUCH different to stand and it definitely needs to be practiced!) My instruments were looked over by my wonderful repair guy a few weeks ago and are playing like new! Practicing has been going well, but it can still be a pain to sit down and actually do it. No matter what task is in front of you! But after playing, it feels amazing. It's just so good to be back at it.
Nothing calms nerves on the big day like knowing I've played a section (or the whole thing) a bazillion times without any major mishaps. That's the kind of thing that calms one down.
I also play standing everyday. (It's MUCH different to stand and it definitely needs to be practiced!) My instruments were looked over by my wonderful repair guy a few weeks ago and are playing like new! Practicing has been going well, but it can still be a pain to sit down and actually do it. No matter what task is in front of you! But after playing, it feels amazing. It's just so good to be back at it.
One of my primary worries right now is just staying healthy. Which is a HUGE challenge due to time of year, (the weather has totally changed over the past two weeks,) plus of course, all the kids I work with, and some major added stress--my first concert at my new school is this Thursday. As in, two days away. Two bands and a choir. They are all prepared & will be fine, (great, I hope!) but still--stressful! I can kind of feel something my body is fighting, but I'm hoping I'm just worrying too much. Sometimes you can psych yourself out with these things. In any case, I am really trying to take care of myself--hot drinks, sleep, etc.
Rehearsals with the pianist started this past Friday. I hate playing with pianists I don't know, but this one came highly recommended and totally lived up to all the reviews! We really mesh well and he is a really strong and dramatic player.
So--this should be fun!
So--this should be fun!
Eeeeeeeeeeee!
You are doing a fabulous job of preparing yourself for the big event. However, don't forget one little but valuable thing - PLAY FOR PEOPLE. Grab Ben, Bob, the mom of a student, your parents/siblings - anyone, seriously. I discovered the importance of playing for people sort of late in the game, and honestly, with one week to go, this is perhaps the best thing you can do to prepare yourself during the final phase. BREAK A LEG, DEAR! Let us know how it goes!
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