The concert is in 2 weeks which means we only have 1 night of rehearsal left. Work the parts that are giving you the most struggle—play them slowly to get them right, then play them over and over and over again until you can’t get them wrong.

Spend some time envisioning the night of the concert: Imagine yourself dressed in your concert blacks, sitting on stage with your feet on the floor, your posture straight, and your smile bright. You take a nice big, easy breath and relax your shoulders. You’ve prepared your music and your mind and you are waiting patiently and confidently for the director to give her cue. The director finishes speaking to the eager audience and turns to face the orchestra. She smiles, she takes a breath herself and motions for instruments up. Now it’s time to shine!

You’ve played your first piece. You may have felt some jitters but don’t worry- that’s ok. Move the energy from your jitters into your mental focus, into your posture, into your smile, and into your fingers to help you play with ease and finesse. While the director is talking between pieces, tell any remaining worries “shhhhhh”. Take another breath and again relax those shoulders. You’re doing amazing tonight.

After each piece you feel more and more confident and at ease. You’ve been able to play your music more skillfully than before. You find yourself sitting up straight without even thinking about it.

You begin feeling pride in your work and enjoyment with the performance. That’s wonderful! We want that.

When the last piece has been played, the director motions for the orchestra to stand and bow. You again take a big breath and smile knowing you’ve been part of something so joyful. Take a moment to revel in that.