We all have a bad rehearsal. Our head is just not in the game. The bow is flopping and squawking. The left hand fingers seem sluggish. Oh, and the conductor's tempo is nearing the speed of light that leaves you in a cloud of dust.
You feel me?
Who's been there?
That was me. Last night. Ugh.
A few times I just stopped playing so I could take a second to slap myself straight (all in my head, of course). I would start back on a downbeat and dig in harder with more concentration. And by the end of rehearsal I just hung my head and snuck out without looking my stand partner in the eye. She made a lot of excuses for me last night. But really, it had nothing to do with her and all to do with me. I just wasn't up to par and couldn't pull it together.
So what can I do to remedy this? How do I come back from this for next week's rehearsal? How do I go back to the front stand with my head held high and a crisp approach to the music in order to lead the rest of the section?
Practice.
And a lot of deep breathing.
Today, I'm shaking off the shame of a fantastically calamitous rehearsal. I'm going to tune up my cello, play a few three octave scales, analyze my posture and thumb position approach. I'm going to mark up my music with fingerings, bowings, and words of encouragement. ...And a few pairs of eyeglasses to remind me to LOOK UP!
For my students:
1. Choose a passage (listen to it/find a recording)
2. Clap and Count (write in difficult rhythms)
3. Pizzicato
4. Add the bow (with correct bowings)
That's the method. I won't attempt one step until I've mastered the step prior to. Neither should you.
Need some advice? A word of encouragement? Some help finding a good recording? I'm here to help. Leave a comment. I'll get back to you when I take a stretch break.
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