Prairie Bagpipes

I often read a traditional Scottish music forum at "Foot Stompin Celtic Music." There are a lot of performers who log in to banter back and forth. It is sometimes rude, but usually pretty funny and informative. Many of the regulars posters are also regular performers or enthusiasts on the Scottish music scene, so the banter and chat can be good.

Today, I read a post about "Stage Fright," which has been a subject at band for years, and which was a major factor in our crappy play at the Worlds last year. I wanted to refer you to the post, because it covers lots of ground, and there is one particularly good post from Margaret Stewart [a well-known Gaelic singer]. http://www.footstompin.com/forum?threadid=47721

Of course, I am an expert on stage fright. Or in other terms, maybe you could say, "I'm in recovery." There was a time [pre-1978...you know, before most of you were born] when I couldn't compete without throwing up somewhere. I would routinely dry heave while tuning up. What happened? I simply decided to stop. When I went to Scotland, and got the chance to play with a really good band, I knew that I either had to do it, or not, and that there could be no middle ground.

Since then, I still get nerves, but I can channel that into play, and it has become an enjoyable experience. At the recent Kansas City contest, I was nervous as hell all day, but knew I was well prepared, and I really enjoyed playing.

So why am I telling you this? I think a few band members need to make a decision about how they want things to go on the field, and then make it real. But maybe start with the forum postings above, and see that you are not alone, and that there are lots of ways people try to handle it. In the end, of course, we can't be successful as a band until you sort it out.