I'm a member. I've sounded Taps several times for veterans. It was an extreme honor and a miniscule service compared to the debt I owe them. 'Not impressed with the response from state-level management though. Numerous texts ignored, etc. When they want something, it's urgent, when you need something - crickets. But that's typical human nature.

Wow, another exceptionally helpful comment.

Thank you Doctor. I appreciate the help. I will definitely try it the next time I'm preparing a piece.

I went for months telling myself that I was done. But, the honest answer to your question is because I don't do enough otherwise for my church. He, the "Music Director", asked. And, after thinking about it, I told him I would. And I do what I say I'm going to do.

I posted this for two reasons.

1. The stale air thing is kicking my butt and I really try hard to analyze problems, dissect them, and try to practice my way out of it. 'Pretty sure that's a fairly practical approach to practicing.
2. I read just now in the lounge, under "We're off to a good start!" that the more interesting threads were started by "someone looking for help or guidance," so I decided to try and prime the pump, so to speak.

So your initial help and guidance is the implied "You're a dumbazz". Very helpful and inspirational.

I'm out.

I'm playing Rachmaninoff's Vocalise again this year, this time for Good Friday. I've asked about this before on the other forum, but I'm aging and can't remember what some of you kind folks replied. I can play it acceptably, I feel, but "stale air" seems to be a continuing problem. I deliberately try not to over breathe for a phrase, but find myself using at least one of my breath marks for an exhale instead of a breath. This is happening when I'm as "calm as a cucumber", and, of course there'll be some level of nerves when I perform, but I am definitely improving in the performance anxiety department.

To make matters worse, our "Music Director" (the quotation marks are deliberate - I've also gritched about him before on the other forum), has one style of playing - loud and perpetually slower. I have searched my soul to have a forgiving attitude towards this, obviously, ADD and egocentric odd fellow, but I'm slightly worried I might flog him...on Good Friday...in front of my fellow church members. He just about doubles my anxiety. I was a Music Major many, many moons ago and I've played with several accompanists. This guy has no ability to actually follow a soloist.

So far, all I've come up with on my own is to focus on the music, don't over breathe, try to "hold" the breath in my gut, not my upper chest, and to try and take a "cleansing breath" before WE begin, but this guy likes to "jump the gate". A pro friend of mine has reminded me to fight the urge to match the accompanist's volume.

Any other suggestions from my experienced friends on here? (So far, although imperfect, I think I have PRAYER covered. )

Thanks.

@Kehaulani said in "Ugliest" exercise?:

What is "Shilke Power", please? Thanks.

[link text]http://everythingtrumpet.com/schilke/Power_Exercise.html

What's your "ugliest" exercise? You can define ugly any way you want. For me it means the one I know I should do, but dread it with a purple passion and look for any excuse, or any other exercise to do instead of it.

For me it's Irons Group 20.

My little German band is now lead by a sax player. And I just saw the play list for our Fiesta concerts and it's gonna require more endurance than I currently have, so I'm trying to do this one, Schilke Power, Caruso, etc. all spaced out throughout the day, rest as much as you play of course. At 58 I have no, nor have I ever had, any grand illusions of becoming a lead player. 'Just a comeback player trying to do the music justice.

Suggestions? Commiserations?