Common courtesy

[ehpianist]

You know, it would be nice if people who asked questions in this forum about upcoming events such as, oh, I don't know, auditions, recitals and back pain for example, and who received many detailed, time-consuming and well-written responses from many forum members, would at least have the courtesy to report back on the results.

Sheesh!

Elena
https://www.pianofourhands.com

[abe]

I have an audition on teusday (for a school concerto concert), and then a competition of Wednesday. I'll let you know how they go!

Oh an also, I did have some back pain back in June, which had me worried, but it went away.

[ehpianist]

Glad to hear it.  Where are you auditioning? Eat a banana (supposedly contains natural beta-blockers) before the audition and if you get the chance do some excercise. Good luck!

Elena
https://www.pianofourhands.com

[e60m5]

Does the banana thing really work?

I haven't posted any threads regarding my auditions coming up, but when I do, if I do, I will most definitely report back with feedback. I feel the same way, that if members take the time to post a constructive and well-thought-out response, the original poster should have the decency at least to acknowledge the post.

[puma]

I started eating lots of bananas due to stress as a tip from my doctor and I find it works.  They are rich in vitamin C ( which reduces free-radicals and is an antioxidant), and contain lots of NATURAL sugar.  If you're a smoker, bananas are also a plus.  In regards to your particular question I couldn't see why it would hurt - although I'm not sure about the beta blocker thing.   But doctors trained  in holistic medicine and natural remedies propose eating bananas as a way of calming down nerves and reducing stress.  There are reports that substantiate their claims.  Whatever calms you down (try to avoid excessive alcohol and drug intake as that will mess up your muscular coordination) - and remember to get a good night's rest!  Good luck!

[ehpianist]

I have read in many places that bananas have natural beta-blockers.  worth a try and at the very least they don't have any negative effects!

Good luck with your performances, Abe and e60!

Elena
https://www.pianofourhands.com

[abe]

Thanks, EHpianist!

Well, I just got back from my audition, and it went all right. I was auditioning as I said earlier for a concerto concert that my school orchestra does every year...usually like 5-6 soloists (any instrument) are chosen out of how ever many audition, and each plays w/ the orchestra at a big concert in May. I auditioned with Mendelssohn PC no. 1 in G-minor, first movement. I didn't eat any bananas, but it turned out to be all right, becuase I was surprisingly calm and relaxed. I told myself I wouldn't be nervous, and it worked mostly. I'm for the most part happy with how I played, although some of the arpeggios weren't as clear as I usually can get them, and on one run near the end I faltered (which is unfortunate b/c I practiced that part a lot, and is really impressive when played cleanly).
I don't think I'll be chosen this year (i'm only a sophmore) not because of technical problems but because there were two other piano auditionees (in addition to several others on various other instruments), both seniors, trying out both on the Greig Concerto (movement 1). One of them is my brother, who played the Greig very well IMO, and should be chosen over the other (who didn't play it quite as solidly). I mostly just want my brother to be chosen, I won't be too disappointed if i'm not chosen...however, the audition was still a good experience in prepping me for a competition I have tommorow. I know now that I won't be nervous, and that helps.

Anyway, that's my report for now, i'll probably have another one tommorow after the competition! Sorry for the long post...

--Abe