Recently, I’ve been taking auditions in military bands. During this process, I say I’ve noticed it is something I have never been prepared for. The auditions, which are always blind panel auditions, are intimidating for someone with my personality. Being from the south, I am a very talkative person. I diffuse a situation with conversation, and it puts me at ease before performance. Even before recitals, I usually hung out with people and talked so I could clear my head. This, however, is not the case with these auditions. I understand the need for this process, but it something that I find uncomfortable.   Also, this process was not reinforced in school. Recitals are comfortable to me, because I’ve done it so many times. I can play in front of people and I usually feel great, but knowing some people that I never seen decide my future based off a short interaction is unnerving.  The audition process is still going on, and I am finding ways to cope with the “anxiety” one feels in that moment.  Breathe, take your time, drink water, and try to pace everything. If you are nervous, play things a little slower that what you feel is necessary. When adrenaline is pumping, you may be tempted to play things faster than practiced.  Also, talk your professors to incorporate this into lessons, or studio classes. This will help walking into whatever room not be so jarring…      Practice, and enjoy what you are doing!   Love the craft, and the craft with bring you joy.     #emilienmusic