Articles on Performing

My Opinion:

When we all first start to perform at first we are all nervous. Sure this is a natural feeling, but the only way to get past that feeling is by performing more. The more you perform the more comfortable you will become on stage. Try to perform whenever you get the opportunity to perform. When performing make sure that you have everything that you need like mutes, valve oil, and your music. Try not to think too much about the audience that will only make things worse.

Whenever we are performing we are sharing our feelings and emotions with the audience. We are there to entertain and connect with the audience. We are not there to scream stupid tasteless high notes or play fast licks like some pros do constantly without any taste at all but just to show off. Sure it's ok to do those thing, but do it with good taste. So if at the end of a performance we can connect with at least 1 person then our job as musicians has been accomplished.

Articles:

Auditions

Through out my 5 years of trumpet playing I have had to go threw many auditions and today I will share some advice that might help you in the future when you have to go threw auditions. These pointers are mostly for school band auditions.

1. Look Good - The first impression is always important. Try to dress nice and be polite and just look like a good person.
2. Over Prepare - Always over prepare your piece until you can play it perfectly and by memory. Don't wait until the last second to work on scales or sight reading. Work on those other skills just as much as you work on the piece.
3. Work on Your Weaknesses - While you are training for your audition you should work on your weaknesses and try to improve them. One way you can hear what your weak spots are is by recording your self and then picking out the spot that you could improve on.
4. Sight Reading - If you are given a sight reading piece always use the dynamics.