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Honorary tenured advisor
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It's funny only because it's
happening to a viola :p
"It can sing like a bird, it can cry like a human being, it can be very angry, it can be all that humans are" Maxim Vengerov
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Haha, classic!
Agh scheisse! Wo bist meine neue violin
I am amazed at how old people of my age are.....
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- Breathe from your stomach
- Lean forward (very important)
- Hear the beginning before you start and the tempo.
- Plan out in advance how you want to begin your performance.
- Keep your mind on sound, phrasing, and expression rather than the audieance.
- Sing or hum softly, either audibly or in your head, while playing.
- Smile, it actually helps.
- Have a dress rehearsal, if possible.
Good luck 
"The richest person is not the one who has the most,
but the one who needs the least."
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That's pretty funny Oliver!
NV, that's just mean, lmao.
Terry, it's in the mail, haaaa
FM, that is very insightful info from someone who does it all the time; I get the breath from the stomach [it's the only way people should breath, all the time], but what does the leaning forward do for you [I see my teacher do it every time he performs].
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Leaning forward is a natural position for attack, for courage and leaning back is a scared position, afraid, hiding. You'll feel less nervous and more confident if you lean forward and this applies to many things and not just performance.
Try it and you will see that I am correct.
"The richest person is not the one who has the most,
but the one who needs the least."
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ftufc said
That's pretty funny Oliver!NV, that's just mean, lmao.
Terry, it's in the mail, haaaa
but with all the jokes about viola/violist, seeing this is like the cherry on top I was laughing so hard! 
"It can sing like a bird, it can cry like a human being, it can be very angry, it can be all that humans are" Maxim Vengerov
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The guy was great, though. His instrument came apart while he was playing, and he i8s shocked for a moment and then smiles and shrugs. People that are good natured like that and have such a sense of humor are the absolute best to play in bands with.
(Yeah, I know, that was an orchestra and not a "band", but my own personal experience is limited to bands and small combos)
"This young wine may have a lot of tannins now, but in 5 or 10 years it is going to be spectacular, despite the fact that right now it tastes like crude oil. You know this is how it is supposed to taste at this stage of development." ~ Itzhak Perlman
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Oh wow......that video was both hilarious and terrifying at the same time! LOL
FM, thanks for all those pointers!! I didn't even think about the whole dress rehearsal part! I might be in a wool shell jacket with a stiff, high collar that may affect my hold! I better check into that!
When I played in orchestra, we were always told to lean slightly forward and sit at the edge of our chairs instead of all the way back. It helped us (as trumpet players) to "attack" the song. Didn't quite understand that until FM mentioned it being a stance of courage! There was definitely a noticeable difference when we played! Especially when we were performing pieces by John Williams or Shostakovich! "There's no such thing as a lazy man's Raider's MARCH, so no lounging like you're in a lazy boy!" LOL
Smiling shouldn't be a problem, people often tell me that I smile too much anyways! 
Jeez, just talking about all this with everyone is calming me down a bit! I'm so glad all of you responded with such enthusiasm! Thanks for all the support and listening to me babble on!!
“Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn.” ~Benjamin Franklin
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Fiddlerman said
Leaning forward is a natural position for attack, for courage and leaning back is a scared position, afraid, hiding. You'll feel less nervous and more confident if you lean forward and this applies to many things and not just performance.
Try it and you will see that I am correct.
Ok I am writing this down in my little notepad I always keep in my purse for important things to remember! Job interviews etc. very good advice FM thanks!
"It can sing like a bird, it can cry like a human being, it can be very angry, it can be all that humans are" Maxim Vengerov
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NV, I always keep a little notebook & pencil in my case! You never know when you're going to discover a great tip or encounter someone who has great advice! I'm hoping that happens this weekend!
Shhh......I actually wrote down FM's "Funny Tricks!" LOL ....but don't tell anyone!! 
“Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn.” ~Benjamin Franklin
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Get out your little notebook.
The sure tranquilizer before performing is to eat a banana and I have witnessed dozens of (sane) orchestra member doing just that. Of course, I had no way to judge the effectiveness. Once in a while they had leftovers and I would become the most relaxed member of the audience. I even almost feel asleep but it was some Russian composer anyhow.
When you come to a fork in the road, take it.
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Actually, that's already part of my routine! lol Before a speaking event, or anything where I need the "non-hyper" energy, I usually have a Peanut Butter & Banana Sandwich with the occasional drop of honey! I couldn't have the honey or peanut butter before playing trumpet though......bad for the valves!
I plan on packing a few of those sandwiches for the trip! 
I also found out that avocado with a little bit of salt works well to! Hmm......I think I need to make my healthy sandwich again and bring that to! ......avocado, light cream cheese, sprouts, lean turkey.......ugh......can't you tell I'm hungry! 
“Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn.” ~Benjamin Franklin
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Fortunately I have a neighbor with a family of five who is a health nut and she won't give her kids any banana with spots. She says that such bananas have lost their antioxidants. 
I get'em.
So now I have to worry about banana science for my public appearances 
Better check my calendar.
When you come to a fork in the road, take it.
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Just in time, EJK!
23.05.12 we have another concert in the school where i learn to play violin.. Just imagine: a bunch of 7-9 years old kids and me - the old lady with a "big" violin
!!
You're not alone! Hold on!
I think i have to go for this Guiness =)
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Have a Guinees for me too.
Naska are you going to have someone video your concert so we can see it?
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Oh and me who tought the banana was to play pranks on the violists!
"It can sing like a bird, it can cry like a human being, it can be very angry, it can be all that humans are" Maxim Vengerov
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Lmao Naska; yeah, you're pretty damn old!!! Haaaaaaaa!
It is Guiness Time RIGHT NOW at my house. We all need to do a Skype drunk forum night huh!
After your and EJ's performances of course
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ftufc said
Lmao Naska; yeah, you're pretty damn old!!! Haaaaaaaa!
It is Guiness Time RIGHT NOW at my house. We all need to do a Skype drunk forum night huh!
After your and EJ's performances of course
Sounds good to me. It'll be a Guiness morning here though Lol
I am amazed at how old people of my age are.....
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Best of luck, Naska!! ....my jitters are coming back and I have no idea how I'm gonna sleep tonight! LOL
And yes, I taking everyone up on the Guiness! 
Just making some final preps for trip & jam time tomorrow! Making sure "Jules" is nice and snug in the case, uniforms ready, Guiness in hand........what else am I missing?? OH YEAH!!! BREATH!!!! 
Again, Thanks everyone! Ya'll are the best!!!
“Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn.” ~Benjamin Franklin
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and if you play wrong you can blame it on the spilled beer on the fiddle!
"It can sing like a bird, it can cry like a human being, it can be very angry, it can be all that humans are" Maxim Vengerov
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