Nervous about an audition?

Question

I'm 14 and i play the flute and the piccolo. I'm auditioning for a youth orchestra , and I'm really nervous. do you have any tips on how to get over my nerves?

Answer 1

Just remember that everyone else there is nervous even if they don't show it. When you are there just relax and as long as you practiced, you should be fine.

Answer 2

Just practice, practice, practice. Thats all you can really do. but make sure you dont get too tired of playing, before you audition. Make sure you have memorized any hard parts, and can play your audition piece without any mistakes.  

Answer 3

I've played for auditions, concerts, competitions, and so I tried out a whole bunch of things to forget being nervous.

Always remember to breathe. It seems unnecessary to ‘remember', but there were times when I realized I was holding my breath! Breathing fills your body with oxygen, which it desperately needs in times of stress. If you hype out and freak, you'll most likely deprive your body of the oxygen it needs.

Eat a banana. It helps! Don't eat it right before you audition though, but at home before you leave.

If you are auditioning at around the same time a bunch of other people are, don't try to guess other people's level of playing. It'll throw your concentration off, and make you more nervous. Instead, look casually at them as if they're just standbyers, and it might boost your confidence up.

Of course, the only real way to lower your nervousness is to prepare really well. Make sure your parents know the directions to get to the location, arrive at least 15 minutes before your audition time to get used to the environment, and arrive with confidence after practicing well for weeks/days.

Good luck!