Performing

[tomchap]

The Soloist

With hours and hours of practice
Of working each line and each phrase
Of shaping each expressive nuance
You've come now to this final phase.

You've practised in front of the mirror
That's hanging on your private wall.
But now though, it's not so relaxing
With an audience filling the hall.

The night of your first big performance
You don't want to fall in a heap.
While waiting off stage for your entry
Your breathing is measured and deep.

You've memorised each word and inflection
Performed it alone and aloud;
But now, with a heartbeat that's racing,
You're standing in front of a crowd.

And all that you have is your practice,
There's no way to think clearly now;
But your mind runs in true automatic
And you get through to that final bow.

The elation that comes at the finish
Is greater than terror before,
So where is the next competition?
You love it—you must get some more!

Tom Chapman May 2007

[Bernard de Silva]

G'day Tom,
               a good write.
Sounds like the voice of experience sounding...and I reckon to be involved in the performance side of poetry is likely a considerable advantage...wish I had the time, dedication and inclination to get involved...maybe if the Green Zones on the fishing charts increase much more I'll acquire the inspiration...
                                                                               Cheers,
                                                                                        Bernie...

[tomchap]

Thanks Bernie,
You're right about 'voice of experience', although most of it was with music performance, not poetry recitals. But the same butterflies apply. Highlight was a clarinet concerto, many years ago, with the Wollongong Symphony Orchestra behind me and a full house paying audience in front. That 20 minute performance taught me a lot.

You never get over the nerves (the performance is dead without that), but you learn to control it.

Cheers
Tom.

[zondrae]

morning Tom,
     Gee! I was hoping that the nerves would go over time. I've been reciting for about 4 years now and I was hoping that sooner or later I would be able to do it without the "wobbles". Some times I am so nervous that I can't remember what I said and often feel that I'm going to trip over mike leads etc.  I hope I'm getting a bit better. I can only keep practising. I haven't tried the mirror yet, even though it is supposed to be a good technique. 
     You have done a good job capturing the process, and in verse too. Thanks for sharing.

[tomchap]

Well Zondrae, I think that it was Harry James, the trumpeter, was practising at home. His wife commented that he surely didn't to keep working on that piece of music. His reply:
"I'm not practising the music, I'm practising my confidence."

There's a perpetual lesson there for all of us.

Cheers

Tom.

[Babe]

A friend of mine is learning the trombone.

One night, whilst rehearsing in the bungalow out the back, his wife and daughter burst in.

"We have come, we have come!" they shouted.

"What?" says Ray.

"We have heard the horns of Gondor calling us to war."

Not sure what it did for his confidence, but at least they couldn't run away. They were laughing too hard....


Babe