I need some advice please.....?

Question

I started high school, 2 days ago and it rocks!! I am in this music program, and it's only for really good people... Everyone in the program, is like a junior, or senior, I'm one of like 5 freshman.. and I know I'm good, but when I listened to them play today, I was like "what am I doing here".... I have to play with them tomorrow, and am afriad of sucking, the others probably have years more experience then me... But I know I'm pretty good (btw I play the violin), but I'm nervous and want to be okay, any advice on how to get over my fear?? The seniors are all really nice to me, and said it would be alright, and the conductor is really cool about it too, but I'm still scared!!

Answer 1

Hey. It's alright. Those seniors and juniors were once freshmen too, and they became good because they have years and years of experience. You should practice everyday and over the next few years, you'll be as good as them. Don't worry. You'll do just fine.

Answer 2

You're a freshman! If you make mistakes it's "to be expected". What I look for in my youngest students who have potential is their ability to make adjustments and "learn from their mistakes". Don't be afraid to make mistakes, and don't let mistakes be your downfall. When you make a mistake don't compound it by making excuses. Remember you are a freshman, BUT, you did get into the program. I'm assuming you had to audition to get in or at least get a recommendation from your middle school teacher or something like that.
So, someone thinks you have potential. Just play what you know as good as you can. Don't try to be impressive. Just do what you've always done AND pay attention! FOCUS!
A little fear is not necessarily a bad thing, use it.
You'll be alright!
Good Luck! And Congratulations!

Answer 3

I know exactly what you are going through, I am in the Beyer Marching band and i felt the same way about my playing compared to all the others(BTW i play the Sax), the best answer i can give you is not to worry, take time to ask them questions and don't be afraid to ask for help from them, besides those others are juniors and Seniors, and you say your a freshman, don't worry because its most likely that they have been playing longer then you, you'll get better as long as you work at it, don't give up.

Answer 4

It's ok to be scared or nervous. I'm familiar with your situation and when I went through I was a wreck. The best way to overcome the fear to become comfortable with those you are around. Walk in and start cracking jokes, play funny music (ya know, something you wouldn't normally hear played on a violin, something mainstream). I think you'll be fine though, you seem confident and that's the most important thing.

Answer 5

You're a freshman, of course you're scared. You'll do fine, and 3 years from now, you'll be starting your senior year first violin in the program, and there will be a few scared little freshman running around.

Answer 6

I understand. I joined a choir just recently with some really professional, excellent singers. I also wondered what I was doing there, but I know I have a gift and that I'm a good singer. Once I just focused on myself and the inspiration of the music, the fear left, and I became very comfortable with myself and everyone.

Answer 7

You must learn while in school, so no excuses, don't say you're sorry. You've already been chosen as a peer and most people in higher grades want to have someone to help mentor. This is a safe situation, much better than doing it under the same circumstances in front of professionals for real. No point in being afraid of some butterflies.

Answer 8

I do a lot of volunteer work and mentoring in conjunction with the music and drama departments of three high schools in the rural area in which I live.

You will find that the upper class-men are not to be feared, but rather a source of help for you. A true musician will not deride someone who is learning and, in most cases, will go out of their way to help. Of course, there are jerks to be found in any walk of life, but they are the minority.

So, relax. Do your best, put in the required practice time to improve your skills, and before long, you will be the one to help an under class-man.

Answer 9

First! Think that you're playing alone (when you played).

Second. Remember, you play because you enjoy the song not for listener (because if you play not for you but for listener, you lost the one great thing, joy and happiness when you play).

Third. It is normal if you nervous, cause if you don't "the game" will lost it's essence, I've read once, (I don't remember who and when) even a good speaker need being nervous when he want to start his speech, or he'll do something wrong.

Fourth. nervous is ok, but be confidence (but don't make it over confidence), because if you over nervous, mistakes will happen, and if you over confidence, you lost the meaning of the joy.

one last thing. think that what will happen just happened. mistakes are other way for learning.

Answer 10

Your situation is not as bad as you fear --

Your fellow band members AND the conductor are all supportive and cool. So what's the problem?

You're worried about what they (might) be thinking. And you need to stay focused on your love for music, and your love of playing. Everything else will fall into place.

You will learn from the others, and you will learn that you're not as bad as you fear.

Lift your situation to your Heavenly Father. Ask Him for strength, confidence, skills, calmness, and joy.