ok I have my first solo , since I never take them since I am a very nervous person, but my part I can play fine by myself, but in front of the rest of the orchestra, I get so nervous my heart beats so fast and hard that it literally cuts off my air, making my solo sound horrible. I am always nervous does anyone have ideas on how I can get around this. Its very frustrated, and embarassing.

Play in front of people as much as you can.
See if some of the people in your orchestra are willing to practice with you.
Take your flute out somewhere public and play solos.

The best thing really is to just play in front of people as much as possible.

Mentally, tell yourself you are going to be great etc etc, not that your so nervous and freaking out and everything.

I have a recital this weekend for flute, and Solo Ensemble next weekend.. I'm getting a little nervous about those

I've played in front of my church TONS of times (Close to almost every week since Septemberish. I'm part of the worship team and I play my instruments and sing with all the songs) It really has helped, but I still get nervous!

And I wanted to add, practice as much as possible (don't over do it though) and just try to be as comfortable with your solo as possible. If you really know the song, your going to be a lot more comfortable/confident playing than if you hardly know it.

uuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuummmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm i'll go with everyone else

STAGE FRIGHT

- first thing to remember, it is NORMAL to be nervous, so make that your starting point, there is nothing wrong with you...

- simulate the situation, perform your piece for family and friends or for you school band or music class.

- be well prepared. practice your piece very slowly and carefully, even with your pianist or other musicians.

- be calm and focused before you perform, avoid unnecessary conversation if it distracts you.

- spend time in the concert hall or performance space before you perform if possible, go out into the audience before the concert to get the audiences perspective.

- remember, if you look relaxed the audience will feel relaxed. If you smile, they will smile.

- focus on the music and nothing but the music. Do so without playing into the music stand.

- If performing from memory, pick a spot to play to, preferably projecting to the last row.

- most importantly, remember that the audience wants to have a good time, be entertained and enjoy the music. If you are worried about mistake counters (those who are keeping track of mistakes), remember that they are indeed a minority, don’t worry about them, feel sorry for them.

- If preparing to play in a recital, select music that you are comfortable with and that you enjoy performing.

- nerves tend to make the heart race, cause shortness of breath and create butterflies. If this happens to you, take the fast movements slower, remembering that the music will sound faster if the notes are clear, rhythmic and in tune.

- be careful what you eat, salty snacks should be avoided as the mouth tends to get dry when one gets a bit nervous

last, but not least, be yourself...

I change the word nervous to energy, which is what it is, there is positive energy and negative, choose positive, if you are prepared, there is no reason for negative energy..I play better when I have this "energy".

I've been playing music in front of audiences for 50 years...still get nervous before every set...sometimes panic that I'm suddenly going to forget something important. I try to focus the nervous energy on the positive aspect of paying attention to what I need to accomplish. As soon as I start playing I get much more relaxed, as I realize that not only can I do it, but it's fun.
Only caveat is when it's too much fun, sometimes I lose focus. Playing improvisational music, I have been known to forget the key right in the middle of a chorus (particularly if playing with a singer who insists on changing the key that I've been playing a particular song in for 30 years)...here is where a good ear helps as I can quickly 'relearn' by listening. Learn to listen carefully and play by ear...this will help you learn pieces and feel more comfortable...

when you are performing smaile and picture yourself back in your home, and try to perform infront of a small audience before hand- like your family and the rest of the orchestra- and most importantly relax and enjoy yourself.


<Added>

*smile not smaile