...practice...

With performances coming up this weekend, the majority of my free time has been dedicated to practicing.

Yulia, my accompanist, and I were able to steal a few moments before teaching this afternoon to work out some of the kinks. For the accompanist, this is a challenging song, because it frequently flips between time signatures. We had to patiently sift through all that more than once, and it still needs work.

I have a love/hate relationship with performing. In all of the plays and shows I've ever done, I've always wept bitterly before going out onstage, terrified of the attention, the stares, the potential for failure. For my college senior recital, my advisor sent me to a doctor for heart pills, because he was so terrified I wouldn't make it through. I obviously survived, but I've lived in fear of performing for too long.

I have opted out on more than a few of these performances, much to the chagrin of some of my colleagues (I'm looking at you, Mort!) So this year, I'm putting myself out there and I'm going to do it, even if I choke. I guess it's all a part of life, and perhaps it will make for a good story.

I still have a long way to go before Sunday. If I can find someone to record it, I'll post the finished product then.

Is there something holding you back? Are you ready to let it go?

Update: Wanted to share a video of our practice but it's not ready yet, according to Vimeo. Will post soon!