Nervous Singing The National Anthem
Speaking of the National Anthem, I recently sang it before my nephew, Philip’s final college baseball game. I was surprised by how nervous I got. The seniors on the team had missed graduation earlier in May because they were away playing games. This last game, Senior Day, was the stand-in for their graduation.
I have sung the National Anthem many times. I was not expecting to be nervous and I didn’t plan appropriately. I realize there were several factors I could have considered. My sisters and family were in the stands. Philip had invited and arranged for me to sing. I had to warm up in the car. And I assumed the song would be second nature to me. As my father always said – never assume!
In fact, due to unexpected allergies, I developed a sore throat, which left my voice husky and unpredictable. As I practiced behind the locker rooms, my mind blanked on the words. I had to sing earlier than I was originally told, leaving me slightly ungrounded. I felt like I couldn’t relax into my breath. Have you ever felt like that?
This experience taught me NEVER to assume I really know a song. I still need to practice – words, tricky intervals, phrasing, meaning and breath. Reinforcing mental and physical memory will calm performance anxiety. I need to get centered before performing – no matter how difficult or ease the music. I need to breathe into my body and the present moment. Then I can open the channels for sound.
My nephew and family loved having me sing. And I loved being able to add something special to the day. I also re-learned the value of revisiting the basics.
my nephew Philip pitching
It is so true that even seasoned performers are subject to the same nerves as anyone else. Possibly because we have the need to always sound good (those comments we get at the end of a concert “Great, as always!” add pressure) but also because we don’t always spend as much time as we’d like practicing each piece or song, even if we do preach it to our students. I know I am not the perfect role model for that! I can imagine standing in front of a stadium and singing a song many have not done justice to, with family and friends around, would be nerve racking no matter who you are! And not to add any undue stress for next time, but knowing how beautiful you always sing under pressure, I’m sure you were great as always!!!