I have a question about tests in band. I am first chair, but I always get so nervous, and once I got so close to losing my chair. I was wondering if you have any tips?

There is no cure for being nervous except knowing your pieces well and just remember its not the end of the world if you dont do well. Oh yeah and get your daily dose of vitamin B (it helps to calm your nerves).
-Stephen

Practice Practice Practice there is no easy way out not even a lot of talent is good in the long run

sup man, i hear you been having some problems in band, something with being nervouse, i know exactly how you feel, i am trombone player too, and have had the same anxiety you are talking about, i am also a veteran drama student in school, i have been in plays since i was ten, and still doing them right now in high school, everyone gets the "butterflies", it is just the way it is, in fact, if you didn`t get nervous i would be worried. so my solution to your stage fright of band test is to just be familiar with your music, if you foul up, no big deal, just make your recovery, take deep breaths, your brain needs oxygen to think. Carpe diem, seize the day man,, shoot back an email to me if you like, and lemme know how you`re doing, especially this time of year, band concerts, and competitions are just around the corner. talk to you later.

Joseph

My advice for nerves is simply to take a deep breath before you play. Avoid excess sugar and caffeine. Also, perform in front of people as often as possible. I have been known to go get my next door neighbor and convince him to hear me! (Luckily, he likes to hear me practice!) Good luck on your next test!

All right, I know this is kinda wierd and old-lady like, but it helps me to drink tea. I don`t know why, but it seems to calm me down. It might work.