Many people can be hesitant and afraid to perform on stage, especially in a musical setting. It’s scary feeling unprepared, and not knowing what’s going to happen next. However, according to local high school band director Ryder Corey, you should be “as prepared as possible”, because “chaos” will always be inevitable. Outside of directing the band, Corey enjoys taking part in multiple professional music groups, including the Cape-Cod based band Funktapuss and the Worcester Jazz Orchestra.
With so many gigs and performances to anticipate, the experience is surely overwhelming. To combat this, Corey asserts that the best way to get ahead on preparing is to “listen and learn the music”. Being familiar with the piece before you perform it is vital to success. If you don’t know what the song is supposed to sound like, there’s no way you’ll be able to play (or sing) it correctly. If you can maintain a proper practicing schedule, even if it means listening to recordings of your piece for 5 minutes daily, it’ll go a long way towards getting you ready for your big day. But is practicing your music going to get you fully prepared?
Unfortunately, the answer to that question is likely no. You’ll never be fully prepared for what your performance day might entail. Maybe there will be a last-minute key change to the song, and you’ll have to change your entire approach on the spot. “I have even learned the wrong song of the same name and had to accept my fate”, says Corey. On the day of the gig, nearly anything can happen, and there’s no way to accurately predict what ensues.
When you walk onto the stage, your heart is going to be pounding. Your hands will start to clam up. You’ll feel the heat of the stage lights on you as if it were a thousand suns. Nothing will ever change the anxiety of performing music for a live audience. What can change is the amount of confidence you have, and being confident will always make a difference. Being prepared and feeling good about yourself will help in any situation, not just musical performances. Your mindset is very impactful on your overall performance. Even if something does go unexpectedly wrong, having the right attitude and response to it will ensure your success. As they all say, “the show must go on”.
