The dandy shmandy musical
 

A few months ago, I was given a part in the pit orchestra of the school musical, The Scarlet Pimpernel, for 1st trombone and euphonium. Since then, the student group and myself have done a wonderful job in getting the flow of the music we are playing.

My teacher who is the best low brass player in the western part of the state is very concerned with my ability to be able to play this music. He has been putting lots of pressure on me, and school work is making it even more difficult to contend. I don't want to drop out because I have come too far to give up now. And although I am able to play a lot of the music well enough, there is an enormous and highly difficult solo exclusively for euphonium which I must play.

My teacher will be playing with us in the pit during the performances, and with his iron fist ways I am very nervous about what could happen during performance.

Any advice? Should I keep going or drop out?

I don't play any musical instruments, so I've definitely never experienced this. But as far as pressure and stuff goes, you sound like you have a pretty good grasp of what you're doing... So continue practicing, do your best, etc.

Don't give up! It's a great talent! I'd love to be able to play something apart from the kerboard! You've got a gift, my young child. *Looks up at rather, oldish child*

The only way to conquer a solo is to think of nothing. Don't even think about playing the instrument, just do it.

*takes another drag*

On the other hand, you and your band teacher are probably better judges of how well you can play than any of us. If it seems certain to one or both of you that you're unable to pull it off, you should save yourself the possible embarassment of possibly messing up in front of a bunch of people. Nothing in the world is more embarassing than being put in the spotlight and failing to perform well.

But then, I am, by nature, unbelievably paranoid about things like that. Don't let me dissuade you. Follow your heart, used!

/most useless advice post ever

Well, thanks everybody. I am finally getting the hang of playing in B major.

I also managed to get the soundtrack to burn from one of our trumpet players. It is really helping a lot.

Whats great about musicals is that they start to repeat melodies you learned earlier on, so the second half is basically a tweaked recap of the first act.

Good luck used , just go with the flow Preperation Provides Peak Performance .

Just go with it and youll be fine :) , nerves keeps you focused , I was nervous when I played Friar lawrence in Romeo and Juliet , and I stole the whole show ;)