Posted by yopasjim on Wednesday, December 26, 2012
My wife (ukulele) and I (banjo) started the Christmas Eve service with "Joy to the World" and "Silent Night". It actually went pretty well...not perfect...but good. I played MOST of the notes...lol. Lots of people said they enjoyed it....so I will take that as being good.
I still can not "get over" being extremely nervous. I can play the songs almost flawlessly when alone...then in front of a crowd my fingers have a mind of their own. There was a guitar player who played a special number along with a bass player and soloist. He has been playing for YEARS in bars and other venues. As we were collecting our instruments after the service I told him he did a good job. He chuckled and said..."I play in a kinds of venues. I play at home without any mistakes. But when I play in church I get so nervous!" I started laughing and saying "I can relate!"
I know that having a certain amount of nervousness is a good thing. But having too much nervousness can cause you to "musically collapse" and this is not a good thing. My strategy is to learn the song as best I can, pray for minimal amount of nerves and have fun.
Thanks for letting me process the experience with all of you!
By the way, I got what I wanted for Christmas: Power Pickin' #1 and #3...some Ross Nickerson "Nick Picks". For my wife I bought her a Fender amp to use with her ukulele...and it has a second input jack. Should I get a mic for my banjo now?
Hope you had a Merry Christmas...and have a great new year!
Remember to watch Bowling Green State University in their bowl game tomorrow! :)
2 comments on “Played on Christmas Eve”
Torben Pedersen Says:
Wednesday, December 26, 2012 @10:44:44 AM
Hi Jim. - Merry Christmas to you and yours. Great that you did it. I`m sure that you, as time passed, and you have done it again and again....you will learn to be relaxed, and just play. - Good you play along with your wife. Then you always can say: The audiens is looking at here..not at me "...and then just play. - I have been playing along with my wife since 1982. It`s great..we don`t need to think, what the other part is playing and singing. it`s very relaxing. Our group name is V?B : = "We are just practising." - When we play for audience, and sometimes play a little wrong..we always say: "Sorry.. But we are just practising." And then we go on playing. - Often the audiens laugh, and the situation are relaxed. (You are welcome to copy the little tricks)
Good Christmas presents, Congrats
Banjo-Man-Dan Says:
Thursday, December 27, 2012 @9:40:32 AM
Hi Jim,
Congratulation, you did it! I can relate to you being nervous and I agree that the more you play with others and in front of others, the more relaxed you will become. Keep playing and happy holidays to you and your family.
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