Help Me Chill the ---- Out!

[Hattori Hanzo]

I'm having a pretty major freakout here, and I figured I'd turn to you guys for a little help. We have a Veterans' Day assembly at school tomorrow, and I have to play Taps and Reveille in front of a crowd of 600+. Now I'm the best trumpet player in the school, and I'm pretty confident in my ability, but I am absolutely petrified. Any helpful tips on how to perform in front of large crowds?

[poizster]

I'm reminded of a public speaking teacher I had in college. When it came to getting up in front of crowds he always used to say practice until you know you can't screw it up and then practice twice as long as it took you to get to that point.

[MtlJeff]

being nervous is normal. I've spoken in front of that many people, played football in front of 20000 people....i was nervous every time. Sometimes very nervous. But that's what makes you feel better when you succeed. And as much as you may think otherwise, even if you screw up it's no big deal. It really isn't. You are young, nothing you do now is going to define you.

[PedronNiall]

Honestly, the nervousness will just disappear as you get into it. I played something with a friend of mine for a talent show back in the day. I was super nervous as I began, but once I got into playing everything just flowed. If you've practiced it and you know it you'll be fine.

[Napkin2011]

That nervousness just means you care about this - it's all good. Derek Jeter says he still gets nervous every time he comes up - every time. Remember - you wouldn't have this opportunity if you didn't deserve it, and I'm sure in that big crowd 100% of the people will be proud of you, and not one of them will think you were anything other than brilliant. The way this works is, you do the thing you're nervous about, and you get the confidence after. You'll kill it - just do your thing.

[zargaro]

You already said the magic words "I'm confident in my ability"

I'm a seminars speaker, and I used to be absolutly pertified of getting up in front of crowds. If you've practiced and your confident then let your skills come out. You need to feel that I'm the best player here, now watch me do my thing......Confidence!

[Bogie_Nights]

If you've put in the time to be a good trumpet player, which it sounds as if you have, being nervous is your adrenalin kicking in and telling you that your mind/ body is ready to perform.

You'll do great man.

Throw down a post afterwards to let us know you kilt it.

[jlt73]

take a deep breath and believe in your abilities and then let it happen! Good luck

[Onyx Z]

Think of how good you will feel afterwards when you aced it... that is one of the best feelings! It's always helped me.

[tembolo1284]

Channel your inner samurai Hattori. Knock em dead! Best of luck.

[sbjinx]

i think its perfectly normal for you to feel nervous. i speak in front of very large professionals and even though i've done it many times, i still get nervous. like others have said, you're confident in your ability so you'll do great. take a deep breath and few mins into it, you'll forget all about the nerves

good luck

[PedronNiall]

[quote name='sbjinx' timestamp='1352491172' post='5913083']
i speak in front of very large professionals and even though i've done it many times, i still get nervous.
[/quote]
Afraid they're going to eat you, hmmm?

[Hattori Hanzo]

Absolutely killed it! Probably the best I've ever played it!

The Marine Corps Major General who spoke at the assembly even made a point of congratulating me as I went to take my seat with my horn.

Thanks everyone!

[Bogie_Nights]

Sweet.

Congrats. Taps is probably the best song you can play on the trumpet. One of my best friends' father died a couple of years back, and listening to the rendition graveside was something else.

[BigDave11]

Have a few drinks beforehand.

But seriously, just practice practice practice. In college i was the PR Guy for my fraternity and at least a couple times a month i was making sppeches whether it be to a sorority full of 300 beautiful women or the student body and even the local community on a big stage. I hate public speaking. My anxiety kicks in and it can get bad. But i would write the best damn speech/presentation/etc. and practice over and over til the words just came out of my mouth. I never got nervous doing my thing because i put in the time and was prepared.

Also i played in my HS orchestra, 1st violin. I was always nervous before shows but once i got playing all the practice kicked in and before i knew it it's over and we're getting a standing o.

Its just like being on the first tee in a big match. Let your training take over.

"Practice doesn't make perfect, perfect practice makes perfect."

[Dr. Shankenstein]

[quote name='Hattori Hanzo' timestamp='1352509647' post='5914309']
Absolutely killed it! Probably the best I've ever played it!

The Marine Corps Major General who spoke at the assembly even made a point of congratulating me as I went to take my seat with my horn.

Thanks everyone!
[/quote]
nicely done!