10/19/2007
It is truly amazing how many times and how much I can practice something and think I have it down and then as soon as I get in front of real people it all goes out the door. Going first for this episode may have been my downfall, but that is no excuse. I had such problems with the transition from slow to fast again. It really helped when we all got to stop and take turns working that section. I guess I thought that slowing down and just having eye contact with the group would be enough for them to see that we were going to move back to the original tempo. In reality, it is so important to be clear on the prep beat. I think I figured out that when I make the 4 pattern, instead of scooping from the bottom, I need to come over the top so I have the room to create a clear prep in the new tempo.
One thing I have learned through these conducting episode experiences is that it is very easy to practice things the way you think they will turn out, but until you get in front of real people and have to evoke real sound you won't know what will actually happen.
Comments
I know what you mean, Steph. I get stage fright pretty badly, too. Last time I went up, I completely blanked before I started conducting. I couldn't remember anything about the piece! I think that confidence will grow as we get better at this.
Posted by: Tim Oesau | October 25, 2007 02:50 AM
Stephanie,
While you want to have a clear image and a clear plan before you take the podium, remember that rehearsal is for the conductor too. You cannot anticipate every difficulty a piece will have until you have lead rehearsals. I often feel that I really haven't learned a piece until I've performed it.
Posted by: Andrew Crow | October 25, 2007 07:26 PM
Confidence is really needed for you to be able to perform better. To gain more confidence, you must improve your communication skills.
Having good communication skills will help you perform better because you communicate with the conducting audience. With your communication skills, you'll be able to handle the conducting episode and deliver your message clearly to the audience.
Posted by: Communication Skills | November 9, 2007 09:28 PM
Sometimes, we cannot do the whole things that we have practiced in actual presentations. I think one tactic here is to familiarize the flow of the presentation and do not memorize everything. Because once you miss out on one small part, you might get lost on everything.
During actual presentations, we need to be positive about it and confident. It may lessen the tension that we feel.
Posted by: sedona method | June 5, 2008 04:56 PM