Stage fright...

Before going on stage, do some deep breathing. This is very calming and centering and "grounds you."
If you don’t know deep breathing techniques, go to a yoga class, search it online, or watch this space for future tips.

Stage fright...

As soon as you get onstage, act like you belong there! Enter the stage with confidence, hold onto the microphone or your instrument like you mean it. It literally grounds you – and makes you feel more like a rock star.

Stage fright...

Remember that the physical symptoms of excitement are exactly the same as nervousness. Nauseous, lightheaded, tight in the chest, full of adrenaline.
Try to convince yourself you are excited not nervous.

Stage etiquette...

Before going on stage for the performance, the most important thing (especially for the guys) is to check your zipper!

Musician's etiquette...

After the performance:
smile and say thank you to any & all compliments, no matter how you thought you did. If someone says it was good and you say "No it wasn't," you are basically calling them ignorant. If you say "Yes, I was rather wonderful, wasn't I," then you look like a jerk.

Sincerely,
The 'Jerk'

Professional Musician's Etiquette (II)

During Rehearsals

• Listen to the conductor, or at least look like you are listening.
• Avoid practicing your part in front of the conductor. He/she will know what you are having problems with and will be listening for it.
• Refrain from practicing excerpts in rehearsal.
• Be flexible in regards to the conductor's comments, and do what is asked of you.
• Instrumental players: warm-up softly. Use a mute or go someplace quiet.
• Be modest and don't brag. If you are a great player or singer, others will hear it in your playing or singing.

Professional Musician's Etiquette...

(Common sense things that are often overlooked)

Getting to the gig
• Show up 15-30 minutes early. Slipping in right before the downbeat is unprofessional and rude.
• Allow extra drive time if the location is new to you.
• If you are in a metro area, leave extra time for rush hour traffic.
• Buy a map of the area. GPS devices are a great investment.
• If you don't have a Map use online driving direction sites.
• Plan your route before you leave; in case of an accident you may need an alternate route.

Do you get stage fright?

Elvis Presley:

"I've never gotten over what they call stage--fright. I go through it every show. I'm pretty concerned, I'm pretty much thinking about the show. I never get completely comfortable with it, and I don't let the people around me get comfortable with it, in that I remind them that it's a new crowd out there, it's a new audience, and they haven't seen us before. So it's got to be like the first time we go on."

My Saturday (8/1/09)...

I played tuba with the New Horizons Band at 2:30 yesterday on the 'Floating Stage' in Bemus Point. Yes, the large 60' X 60' dock-like stage actually floats on Chautauqua Lake. There was a large crowd on the shore in front of us with many audience members in boats floating all around us.
It was a beautiful afternoon in a gorgeous setting.

In the evening, I played trombone with Dr. Rick's Big Band in Jamestown at the St. John's 'Italian Fest.' We played 3 hours of big band and swing tunes. There was a huge, responsive crowd.

Busy musical schedule...

Thursday (7/30) I'll be playing tuba at the gazebo in Ryckman Park @ 7:00 pm in Brocton with the New Horizons Band
Friday (7/31)) I'll be playing tuba at the Gazebo in Barker Common in Fredonia @ 7:00 pm with the New Horizons Band.
Saturday (8/1) I'll be playing tuba at Bemus Point on the floating stage at 2:30 with the New Horizons Band, Cassadaga Band and Jamestown Municipal Band.
Also on Saturday (8/1) I'll be playing trombone at the St. John's Italian Festival at 5:15 with Dr. Rick's Big Band.
Sunday (8/2) my chops will be recovering!!!!

Friday night concert...

Tonight (7/31) Diane and I will be playing with the New Horizons Band @ 7:00 pm at the gazebo in Barker Commons in Fredonia.

Solution for senior health care...

We’ve all heard the parade of experts claiming they have the perfect solution to the “health care crisis.” I am sure you have heard the ideas that if you're a senior, you need to suck it up and give up the idea that you need any health care. A new hip? Unheard of. We simply can't afford to take care of you anymore. You don't need any medications for your high blood pressure, diabetes, heart problems, etc. Let’s take care of the young people. After all, they will be ruling the world very soon.

So here is the solution. When you turn 70, you get a gun and 4 bullets. You are allowed to shoot 2 senators and 2 representatives. Of course, you will be sent to prison where you will get 3 meals a day, a roof over your head and all the health care you need!!! New teeth, great!!! Need glasses, no problem. New hip, knee, kidney, lung, heart? Bring it on. And who will be paying for all of this. The same government that just told you that you are too old for health care. And, since you are a prisoner, you don't have to pay any income tax.

This is the real solution for elder health care!!!!!!!!!

*Thanks to Betty for the suggestion*

Bud on tuba...

I'll be playing tuba with the New Horizons Band on Thursday, 7/30 @ 7:00 pm at the gazebo in Brocton in Ryckman Park.

Sheridan Community Chorus...

The chorus has been working on organizational improvements to the group. The chorus now has its own checking account. I want to personally thank all those who have helped make this possible.
We have a little money in the account and we are now able to accept donations directly into the chorus account.
We are still accepting your recommendations as to a name for our chorus. If you have a suggestion(s), please let me know.
I also would like to know your vision for this group. Would you like to sing once a year? Twice a year? What time of year would be best?
If this chorus is to continue, we need your suggestions and help.
Thank you for all your past support.

Bud

Bud's upcoming schedule ...

Thursday, 7/30 @ 7:00 pm: playing tuba w/New Horizons Band @ The Brocton Gazebo

Friday, 7/31 @ 7:00 pm: playing tuba w/New Horizons Band @ Fredonia Gazebo

Saturday, 8/1 @ 2:00 pm: playing tuba w/New Horizons Band & Cassadaga Band & Jamestown Municipal Band @ Bemus Point Pops

SAME DAY (8/1): @ 5:30 pm: playing trombone w/Dr. Rick's Big Band @ Jamestown Italian Festival

David Golando Big Band ...

I performed with the David Golando Big Band last night in Fredonia and had a ball.
Great charts, great players, and a good audience.

Wednesday, July 22 ...

On Wednesday, July 22, 2009 @ 7:00 pm I'll be playing bass trombone with the Dave Golando Big Band in Fredonia @ the gazebo.
Come out and please say hello.

My schedule ...

Friday (7/17) Guest conduct NHB @ SUNY Fredonia

Saturday (7/18) Play w/Niagara Frontier Brass Quintet in Ithaca, NY

Wednesday (7/22) 7:00: Play w/Golando Big Band @ Fredonia Gazebo

Thursday (7/23) 7:00: Play w/Dr. Rick's Big Band @ Lakewood Beach

Thursday (7/30) 7:00: Play w/New Horizons Band @ Brocton Gazebo

Friday (7/31) 7:00: Play w/New Horizons Band @ Fredonia Gazebo

Saturday (8/1) 2:00: Play w/New Horizons Band @ Bemus Point
5:30: Play w/Dr. Rick's Big Band @ Jamestown Italian Festival

In concert tonight (7/16) ...

I'll be playing with Dr. Rick's Big Band tonight at 6:30 pm at the Cherry Creek Gazebo.

Sheridan Community Chorus ...

I had the privilege of conducting the Sheridan/Cattaraugus Community Chorus in concert yesterday. The group did a great job. We got great reviews.