#performance pitfalls

Ask the questions: 

Did you put on your best show? If yes, then the loss doesn’t matter. If no, then put on a better show next time. 

What is your band’s history competing? If you’re a new band, think of it as a learning opportunity. If you’re an experienced band with a winning streak, accept the break in the streak and make sure the next one is even longer.

Is this going to affect the grand scheme of things? Most likely it won’t, but if it does, consider the nature of your band. Not every band is suited to compete and that’s okay. 

Why did your band compete in the first place? Was it to get a feel for the rest of the band scene or to have another shiny trophy in the display case? Most band directors will not intentionally set their students up for failure. 

Cry. Just go somewhere private and whip out the tissues. Whether or not you do it with other people is up to you.

Tell yourself ways that the situation could have been worse. Maybe you could have missed that set or been mowed over by a bass drum. Even if it seems like the end of the world, remember that it could have been way worse. 

Know how far you’ve come. Could you do what you did a year ago? Probably not. If you could, you probably couldn’t have done it under the same circumstances. 

Find out where you can improve. For example, focus on having a more even stride or a better attention position. If you’re a senior, help the freshmen and give them your tips and tricks.