Piano Forum
Piano Board => Performance => Topic started by: eddie92099 on September 13, 2003, 10:29:05 PM
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I am becoming increasingly aware of the need for a full stomach before a performance - but what are the best things to eat when the slight nausea and anticipation of performance sets in?
Thanks for your comments,
Ed
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UGH.... a full stomach is not good for performing.. you will inmediately get drowsy and give a half assed performance...
NO FIBER is a must...
Personally hot cocoa or chocolate is the best for me...
just keep some for before the sugar rush dies down.
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haha agreed no fiber, it'd suck real hard if you've gotta take a number 2 while playing.
I think you should definately consume at least something warm. Cold might be unsettling especially before a performance when you are already unstable. Hot stuff can soothe you down.
And about the full stomach, I think it depends on people. I like a full stomach before performances so that I actually have the energy to concentrate on my music rather than my empty belly. ;D
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The reason that I ask is recently I was ill in the morning before the concert and didn't eat much throughout the entire day. When I got up to performing, I felt light-headed and was far from able to give my best performance. Has anyone had a similar experience (and if so, how did you deal with it?)?
Ed
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Ed - best strategy I have so far is a good sized steak or other meat dinner the night before, a nutritious (whatever you like, but somewhat filling) breakfast the morning of, then take it easy and eat some protein stuff during the day (not too much). About 2 hours before the concert is when you should have a VERY light meal, probably about half what you'd normally eat (if you normal pig out.. otherwise a little more). At the concert, have some bananas or gatorade (my personal favorite), so you don't feel hungry. The sugar will be good if you need any extra boost in energy (playing demanding repertoire, for example). This regimen has been the one that works best for me.
Key notes - the most important thing for banana and gatorade is actually the potassium in it. that calms the nerves, and the sugar in both gives you a little boost.
mei-ting
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haha Gatorade nice!
Normally the first thing you think about gatorade is their commercials with atheletes perspiring blue-coloured sweat. It'd be kinda cool (or stupid) to think of some guy banging off the piano sweating off orange gatorade! ;D
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You know, i wouldn't mind being the first pianist to do a Gatorade commercial... hahahaha
Seriously, it really does help, because when I play I sweat a lot, and it rehydrates me quickly. I've found Powerade (the Coca cola equivalent) doesn't have enough water - so if you MUST use powerade, mix it with at least 1/3 water, preferably half. Also, the lemonade flavor ("original") of Gatorade is actually quite drinkable (meaning I like it lol), while most of the other ones (except Orange) and the powerade flavors are HORRIBLE - personal taste, of course.
"Share and enjoy!" - Sirius Cybernetics Elevator (how many of you can tell me where that's from?)
Mei-Ting
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I'm sure that's pretty much the same as lucozade then! Does that stop you from feeling light-headed as well?
Ed
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Eddie
Lucozade is a little different than Gatorade. Gatorade has more potasium and sodium, but it's been a while since I saw a bottle of Lucozade, so check the label.
Also, another consideration. When your stomach is full, more blood is going to your stomach that otherwise might go to your brain, hands and arms. That's why I never ate a big meal before performing.
I think Meiting's idea is best. Eat well the night before, and keep your blood sugar up the day of the performance.
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To eat light and drink hot is a good way.
Banana and chocolate (not too much chocolate though..)Light meal: noodles f.ex with warm soup.
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For me there are one rule:
Do not drink coffee at the day of performanse!!
And I just can't think about eating before play.
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I actually like to take a nap before I play, maybe 2 or 3 hours, and relax myself a little. So I don't keep my blood sugar up the entire day, but only starting about the hour before the concert - the science of performance?!
I've rarely had to play on an empty stomach, and I get lightheaded, so yes, drinking gatorade actually relieves lightheadedness. While I was in Minnesota during the e-comp, EVERYONE knew that I won by going to movies, seeing baseball games, and drinking a bottle of gatorade. I rarely practiced. :P hahahaha
mei-ting
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Meiting seems to have the best program, pigging out the night before. Gotta know your *system* though - don't want any intestinal emergencies 2 minutes before showtime! But I wouldn't want to pig out the day of the concert and blow chunks all over the keyboard. Bad style! I think the bananas and gatorade idea is a good one - same thing we do before games!
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I get lightheaded, so yes, drinking gatorade actually relieves lightheadedness.
Thanks, that's what I was looking for! :D
Meiting, are you coming to London in the near future?
Ed
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You know, i wouldn't mind being the first pianist to do a Gatorade commercial... hahahaha
Seriously, it really does help, because when I play I sweat a lot, and it rehydrates me quickly. I've found Powerade (the Coca cola equivalent) doesn't have enough water - so if you MUST use powerade, mix it with at least 1/3 water, preferably half. Also, the lemonade flavor ("original") of Gatorade is actually quite drinkable (meaning I like it lol), while most of the other ones (except Orange) and the powerade flavors are HORRIBLE - personal taste, of course.
"Share and enjoy!" - Sirius Cybernetics Elevator (how many of you can tell me where that's from?)
Mei-Ting
Dude, Citrus Cooler flavour rules!! It's MJ's favorite....and that quote's gotta be from Discworld.
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Pigging out the night before is always fun, but there are actually more things to be wary of than just your own intestinal system. If you're playing early in the day the second day, or if you won't have time for a nap, then you don't want to eat the high-protein food too late in the day, because then you won't be able to sleep. Remember that protein helps you stay awake (and lose weight :P) and carbohydrates helps you sleep.
The quote is actually NOT from discworld, and Thracozaag you'd know that if you'd read the books.. It's actually from the Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams, which, from the responses I've gotten here, obviously many of you have not read. It's highly recommanded, because we all need a lighter side, even if it burns.
Citrus Cooler rules.. but I still live by lemon-lime :)
No, I won't be in London soon, or at least I don't know of any trips. I'll update here and on my site when I have plans. Thanks.
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i tend to apply the same routines i have when i race ( bikes and running).
i don't eat to much 2 hours prior to playing.
and avoid having anything i'm not used to. It's not time to discover such and such foods give you heartburns, or gases or make you feel like a fertilizing factory. :D
lately though i 've been having tea in the green room...keeps me warm and is soothing...but not too much...i'm just afraid i'll end up pissing buckets.
and i have a few munchies i nibble at during intermission.
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If playing in the morning, tea and toasts or a sandwich; if in the afternoon or the evening, chicken soup at lunch. I prefer juice of natural fruits -non acid ones- rather than coloured-flavoured stuff; if potasium is needed -lighheadness- banana is recommended, but don't eat the whole thing, can be heavy. Dehydrated bananas is an interesting option and better for the stomach in a stress situation. Lightheadness comes also from low glucose, and it's better give it to the body not from sugar or sweet food because the effect is not long. Better from raisins or dates, but in very small amounts...
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The quote is actually NOT from discworld, and Thracozaag you'd know that if you'd read the books.. It's actually from the Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams, which, from the responses I've gotten here, obviously many of you have not read. It's highly recommanded, because we all need a lighter side, even if it burns.
Beaten!
Douglas Adams is hilarious stuff. And Terry Pratchet is the Douglas Adams of the fantasy genre.
You guys all need to take a break from the Rosen. :)
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"Be more like me, read douglas adams!" :P
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"Be more like me, read douglas adams!" :P
*shudder*
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why cant I eat fiber?? :P
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it is highly recommended against constipated performances.
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I agree with the bananas. My teacher has a stock of them that she gives to her students before competitions, exams, or performances. I guess it does help the mind w/ nervousness. As for products containing sugar, too much sugar limits the amount of oxygen that goes to the brain, and that's a no-no for piano. You want to have your mind fresh and clear to concentrate on the music. And alcohol is another no-no (obviously :P).
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And alcohol is another no-no (obviously :P).
Rachmaninov would always have a shot of whisky (or probably whiskey when he was in America) before he performed,
Ed
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The only time that I've touched a piano (well, fine, not touch, but I mean play) while under the "influence" of alcohol was a new year's party... must have been 7 years ago I guess. Maybe even 8. Anyway, half a glass of Champaign (which I can't spell) made Op. 10 No. 1 go whirly whirly. It was rather fast (at the time.. now that tempo would be umm.. tortoisian) and sounded as if it was in 3/8 time. ::)
So that's a no to alcohol for me, I suppose. Though recently I've been developing some "resistance" to alcohol mind control. So maybe I'll give it another shot sometimes. But definitely not before my Alice Tully recital. LOL
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Rachmaninov would always have a shot of whisk
Perhaps I sould have said in large amounts, like 0.12 BAC. Op. 10 No. 1 wouldn't go whirly whirly with that, rather, crash and go boom and vomit all over the keyboard. ;)
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I like to eat enough not to feel really full, but enough so I don't feel as if if I *had* eaten something I would have played better. Hehe once had a bit too much over a new years orchestra course...couldn't stand rehersal the next day! (Jeez, must only have bin 13 or so at the time as well)
BTW Discworld rules. Hurrah for Rincewind! I *am* Sweeper.
Jon
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For optimal performance, I eat nothing but fruit throughout the whole day of performance. Ideally only one kind of fruit. As much as I like. Apples or bananas mostly, but almost any kind of fruit works fine. The best is organic produce, as you want the best quality nutrition and no poisons. I also drink a lot of water before and during the concert, to cool the brain. But even though what you eat before the performance has an influence on how you play, I have found that it´s even more important what kind of general diet and lifestyle you have, what you eat every day. I have found that a on a diet consisting of nothing but fruits, leafy greens, nuts and seeds, I play much better in every way. With this diet, I develop much faster as a pianist and as a musician. It´s fantastic. :D
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Before a performance, the principal thing you're looking for is that intense concentration... and peace. It's all about concentration... If you eat something that cannot help you concentrate, then you're it... I allways have a little chocolate... though not too much, because it gets you very hiper.
If you eat a lot before the performance, your brain and your body needs to rest for at least 2-3 hours... that is for digesting. This is well-known by athletes.
Bitus
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I would strongly urge against haveing carbs befor a performance. That includes bread and sugar. Watch out for grams of sugar in what your eating. The best kind is the one that comes from fruit. Carbs give you a boost but then make you hungry and sleepy. I suggest a lite meal consisting of protein ( eggs, lean chicken) and plenty to drink especially drinks that contain electrolytes, bit of course watch out for the sugar. Eating a piece of fruit befor a performance is probably the best thing to eat. Oranges are good because they will raise your blood sugar and have a lot of liquid in them, so they keep you hydrated. Mainly it is a good idea to have a series of tiny meals every 2-3 hours to keep your blood sugar stable. The ups and downs are not good for a performance. Best of all everyone must do what feels best with their individual bodies!
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I don't know about you, but I am thinking that if your diet makes that much of a difference in your playing than you need to eat better every day. I know personally that I concentrate harder and for longer periods of time during practice than in a performance.
boliver
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Fruit salad and roasted (unsalted) cashew nuts. (one hour before actual performance - before that anything you fancy)
Bernhard.
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I know this is off topic, but i used to play timpani in a youth ensamble, and now a larger chamber orchestra, (I still play piano ;)) and i learned from those experiences i learned, no fast food, go with a nice sandwich from subway, half before, half after, it works, dont eat salt (you get thirsty) and dont drink too much water
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Eating a banana before performing can help! : )
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Now imagine a girl in a long black dress and a huge formal coat, rushing into Cub Foods to buy:
2 bananas and a bottle of gatorade.
*hums innocently*
Better than the time I bought 5 peanuts, I suppose..
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Hi Ktari! you were the one who said bananas can really help, right? because it has potassium in it.
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Someone told me that excessive potassium (as in from excessive banana consumption) has a neurodepressive and soporific effect, is this true and at what quantity would this become a contraindication?
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As told to me by my director of music: "Before a concert I eat bananas like there is no tomorrow. You are going to start eating them, and that matter is non-negotiable",
Ed
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we've got millions of bananas over here! ;D
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And I'm still over here (but not from Monday ???). It doesn't help the fact that I don't like bananas though,
Ed
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I love bananas... I can eat five at once. In fact I'm going to get one now, and then I will go to sleep because it is 2:00 AM.
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why are you always sleeping?
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Just eat as you normally would, and yes, bananas are very good if eaten shortly before the performance (we used to grow lots of bananas long time ago).
I found aloe vera juice extremely helpful before and after a recital. Not those easily found in the supermarkets or the convenience stores, but the serious stuff - peeled aloe juice in the form of nutrition supplements (supplied with the aloe pulp). Especially useful for the more nervous performers, who often get stomach aches shortly after having completed the performance.
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For a matinee, or lunch recital, I try not to eat before. No breakfast, that is... (although one time I have tea nad speculaas (dutch gingerbread biscuits) and I found that soothing).
For an evening recital I like to have lunch at 2pm or so, and then stop snacking for the day. In the prep room I have a glass of coke and a glass of water, just in case I want either...
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why cant I eat fiber?? :P
Fiber - comes only from plants: Leafy vegetables and grains. Great for your digestive system: it can't be digested and any fiber ingested goes out the chute; acts as a medium for other waste as it goes through your chute. Fiber, ideally, should be a significant portion of your diet because it maintains colon health. Vegetarians have the best digestive system and they are "regular" and usually don't have to wipe.
Fiber fills your stomach and there is very little energy from plants from a energy to weight ratio. Because it fills your stomach, your body will start digesting whatever is in it BUT there isn't very much energy from plants. And because energy is spent digesting, you'll have less energy to do other things (like playing the piano).
I don't know why some of you mentioned constapation with fiber and ingesting it before a performance. Fiber makes your bowel movements regular. Constapation would occur because with the increase of fiber, there was not enough intake of water. But digestion takes approximately 10 hours from one end to the other so I do not see how eating brocoli before a performance would cause constapation.
Protein provides energy but protein is the most difficult to digest because of its structural complexity. Monosaccharides are the easiest to digest and derive energy from but are only good for very short term energy. Disaccharides and Polysaccharides (complex sugars) will provide a more even release of energy. Scientists have an Index for it: the Glycemic Index - a scale of 1-100 with 100 being the highest glycemic level. Depending of the intended performance, the foods should be chosen to aide in it. The lower the index, the longer the sustained energy. The higher, the more easily burned.
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What you eat is important but HOW you eat it is just as important. Do you chew thoroughly? If you don't (almost all of us don't) then it takes more time to digest and/or it won't digest completely. If you eat during a performance, you should eat only small bites - one or two - of food at a time distributed evenly throughout the performance. Having less food in your stomach increases the thoroughness of digestion.
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Another factor about energy is that energy for your brain is the least effective when taken orally. THe best source of energy comes from certain fat stores. Since playing is as much about how your brain functions, it's best to supply your brain with the most effective energy source. Unfortunately, this source is also the most difficult to tap. - Sorry, but I have no idea about how to tap into it but for me, it starts tapping late at night when I'm in bed my mind starts running on and on and my body is not tired. This is also the time that I am most creative and mind most active and the time I also want to practice the most. Unfortunately, it's 2am and I'm not supposed to wake people up so early.
BUT! If you really want to experience this "enlightenment" (It really is an enlightenment - just read on), stop eating. Water is acceptable as it is not food. You go on a fast for a few days. Because your body is not intaking energy, you'll burn all of the easy access energy thus relying mostly on your energy stores. You will feel like crap for the first two or three days and hungry all the time but after this time, you won't feel hungry at all. Instead, you'll see things so clearly and you are totally relaxed. Stress hormones have stopped running through your system so you wont feel any stress. Things are so bright and clear you'll be amazed - this will be the most clear point in your entire life. You'll feel as if you've reached a level of enlightenment... then once run out of your stores, then your body starts to shut down. At this point, START EATING! Otherwise, you'll die of starvation. Keep in mind that once you start eating, you'll end up gaining more weight than before you started the fast as your system has tuned itself to store as much energy as possible - eating an apple is like eating two or three apples. But this effect will go away in a few weeks as long as you don't go on another fast.
I'm sure there are other ways to to the above, like yoga or meditating or something, but I've never tried yoga and the last time I tried meditating was half a lifetime ago and it wasn't as enlightening.
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F_Damper... your post is very interesting. It all makes sense untill you get to the fasting part... If you intake enough fluids (that includes water and anything you'd usualy put in a glass) then you can make it for 1-2 days, but your body is as weak as it can be... I tried it before, but you don't have absolutely any power to practice, and your mind is going surely to a stage far beyond "enlightenment" :D.
I had a dress rehersal yesterday at 3pm, but did not eat anything that day. Half way trough, all i could think of was how weak i felt, because i had absolutely no energy.
I quit any type of diet long time before a performance, because i want my mind to be able to concentrate on practising and performing. I established a very simple principle for myself: if you don't eat, you can't practise well, and that's a fact.
The Bitus.
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eating bananas or banana smoothies right before a performance is good. apparently, the potassium really calms your nerves.
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I've always stuck with bread and water.
I've heard digesting food makes the stomach use more blood, blood that won't be available for your brain.
Vitamins might help.
Maybe pepto for nausea.
Bananas are an interesting idea. Portable, too. Of course, you are what you eat...
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Sorry for reviving this topic, but I would also like some suggestions (some more modern ones would be nice, as well as some PS veterans). I usually don't like eating before performing, because it does something to my mentality which causes me to not play to my very best.
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I sometimes take a glass of wine or a shot or two of hard liquor
Get relaxed
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I sometimes take a glass of wine or a shot or two of hard liquor
Get relaxed
Before a performance of Prokofiev's 2nd Concerto, maybe some vodka (but I'm underrage)
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Before a performance of Prokofiev's 2nd Concerto, maybe some vodka (but I'm underrage)
PSSSSSSSSSSSSSSHHHHHHH WHO CARES IF YOU'RE UNDERAGED???
You think the cops are gonna write you a ticket while you're on stage?
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I would suggest bananas and bread. I recently had a competition and I was so nervous I couldn't really eat the chinese takeout my dad bought (lol) so I ate a banana and then i was fine
bananas have potassium which somehow makes your brain work better?
bread is just a filler honestly there's nothing really good about it
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I sometimes take a glass of wine or a shot or two of hard liquor
Get relaxed
-Me too! The good thing about this is that I don' t give a sh*t what the orchestra is playing!
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Before I perform, I have to eat quite a lot, otherwise I feel really drowsy and light-headed during the performance. I always have a supply of pork pies backstage for emergencies!
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i really like chicken alfredo
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Eat protein before a performance. Protein is good for strengthening the muscles of your hands.
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Lots of water, but make sure you use the toilet beforehand! I have been caught short in a performance before and it is a horrid experience :(
Also, I would eat quite a bit of fibre, especially if you get very nervous. I would avoid heavy meals as it makes you drowsy, but perhaps something like fish & salad??
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Studies show that glucose aids self-control tasks.
Personally, I find that (i) caffeine among the nootropics and (ii) if it's a dance band job, just drink a sh*t-load of beer and have fun afterwards.
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(https://i.imgur.com/DY1vlFC.png)
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Depends on the gig...as to what's on the menu...but I have to say I don't really give it much thought. I will advise you to be prudent at wedding receptions and don't chow down on the buffet because there are few things more grueling than playing a 45 minute set with an upset stomach. I sing too and that is nearly impossible to do after eating certain foods. So usually I have a big glass of cabernet sauvignon on a relatively empty stomach.
Now if I am accompanying or it's a formal setting I refrain from reeking of alcohal...but not everyone does. I have played many a Sunday morning with horn players blowing "Dragon breath" out of their instruments. It can be nauseating.. so empty stomach is best. It's one of the things they don't tell you about in music school.
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Now if I am accompanying or it's a formal setting I refrain from reeking of alcohal...
Pretty good advice in general! Lol. I know just what you mean, though: playing in a bar, having a little beer/whiskey breath probably doesn't register among all the other ... interesting ... smells in the place, but there's something about the way alcohol is metabolized that, if you take a lot of it (depending on personal chemistry, maybe like....I don't know what the limit is) it's just a foul odor.
Doesn't really even smell like booze or wine -- it's just a nasty smell that sort of gives away your game from a mile down the street.
I can't preach because I enjoy a drink in my spare time -- everyone needs hobbies! -- but more than a few (socializing, mostly -- or to put a more "professional" spin on it, let's call it "networking"!) just doesn't work for me because of (a) it gives the wrong idea to bandmates/club owners/potential future employers (no comment if it's as bad or worse than permanently announcing your presence by a cloud of pot smoke like some jazz/funk "musicians" I know!) (b) screws up my rhythm (c) needing to hit the toilet every few minutes to urinate is kind of lame.
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.it's just a foul odor.
Doesn't really even smell like booze or wine -- it's just a nasty smell that sort of gives away your game from a mile down the street.
Yes it certainly is. Now imagine a drunk, hung over group, that just ate lasagna with too much garlic all blowing hot foul air from their bells right behind you as you all play Pachebel's Cannon, or Sleeper's Wake ... it's hard to keep from turning green... sometimes it makes my eyes water. lol. I politely offer mints...breath strips... They help, a little.
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Yes it certainly is. Now imagine a drunk, hung over group, that just ate lasagna with too much garlic all blowing hot foul air from their bells right behind you as you all play Pachebel's Cannon, or Sleeper's Wake ... it's hard to keep from turning green... sometimes it makes my eyes water. lol. I politely offer mints...breath strips... They help, a little.
You're cracking me up, man. That is too much!
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You're cracking me up, man. That is too much!
Well thanks 8)
Just keeping it real... people tend to think that each performance is ethereal and spiritual and some really are...but sometimes it's also pretty ugly. Lol. I pass the time by trying to calculate exactly how much I am being paid per note struck...or exactly how I will spend the money once this hell is over.
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I'm not sure if this was said in this thread but eating bananas help reduce stage fright. Not just before a performance, but almost daily.
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I wonder what Alistair might have to say about Sorabji performers who have to control whatever bodily functions for several hours performing Opus Clav.....
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I would have to recommend beans and other gassy foods so you often have to stand up a bit (to fart) during performance thus play more energetic and with more emotion.