Believe it or not I was EXTREMELY introverted early on in High School! I remember the first time I played in front of an audience on the kit and it is one I'll never forget. It had everything you fear as a drummer happen. I hit rims, dropped the stick, sped up the tune (which was Bill Chase's "Get It On") and I thoroughly enjoyed myself! A basket full of dichotomy to say the least. But life didn't end, no one died and a Ham was born!
My parents afterwards were so supportive, God bless 'em. I knew the truth, it sucked. BUT a funny thing occurred, I had made mental notes through it all and set about to improve each area that I messed up in. Of course I had the help of ALL of the Stage band (you suck, don't quit your day job, take up banjo!). I was 15 yrs old at the time, but I was determined to keep my position as the "understudy" for the next year.
The one person that I had wanted to impress was my band teacher, Phil Perales. He gave me some great advice that night. It was simple, but very insightful, "You let the butterflies get away from you." He could tell by the confused look on my face that maybe I hadn't understood him, He continued "Man do you think that you are the only kid to ever have that happen to them?" "You're SUPPOSED to have butterflies before every performance. Just don't get scared!" Now believe me I have had some very scary gigs come along. And you know what- the Butterflies were always there, every time. And they still are. I just don't "let them get away from me."
So if you are in the same position and anyone, regardless of who they are, makes fun of you or laughs. Ignore them because YOU had the guts to put yourself out there. And that's what performance is, putting yourself out there honestly, doing your best. The more you do it, the easier taming those butterflies becomes.
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