Audition nerves!?

Question:So, in a couple days, i'm auditioning for the Chicago youth symphony orchestra for the clarinet. I'm pretty well prepared, but i know that i'm gonna just crack on the audition day.
Whenever i have auditions, my hearts thumps like crazy, my hands get sweaty, i get butterflies, and my fingers cramp up. When my fingers cramp up, i can't play properly either. :( I also keep thinking i'm gonna mess up cause i'm so nervous!!!
does anyone have any suggestions?

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker: So, in a couple days, i'm auditioning for the Chicago youth symphony orchestra for the clarinet. I'm pretty well prepared, but i know that i'm gonna just crack on the audition day.
Whenever i have auditions, my hearts thumps like crazy, my hands get sweaty, i get butterflies, and my fingers cramp up. When my fingers cramp up, i can't play properly either. :( I also keep thinking i'm gonna mess up cause i'm so nervous!!!
does anyone have any suggestions?

I know how you feel, all I can say is, instead of saying, "I know that I'm just gonna crack on audition day," say, "i can do this, and i will get the part." I try to be confident. Even if you have no chance in the world of making it the judges, or panel, will love the fact that you are confident. And if you fingers cramp, try a heating blanket to keep those digets from freezing up. And, from personal experiece, keep the mouthpiece gaurd on, I've seen reeds and mouthpieces broken on audition days.

When you are ready to play, close your eyes for a few seconds and imagine yourself at home practicing. Its easier to play in an environment you are comfortable in. When you get there, it probably wont be as bad as you thought it would be. And relax. You will do just fine.

Hope I could help

Audition nerves can be really tough to overcome. Obviously you're going to be a bit nervous before one, that's the whole fun of it but if you're getting that nervous try some of these techniques.

If you can find the song that you're planning on playing on CD or on iTunes just keep listening to it over and over again, follow along on your music so you can familarize yourself as much as possible with the piece.

Try to breathe, I know that auditions can be nerve wracking but take your time and breathe. Listen to some calm music or even the piece you're auditioning with and breathe in and out slowly.

Lastly, when you're just about to audition don't think about where you are. Just be yourself and let the music do the talking.

Break-A-Leg!
Lindsay

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