| dear Mike,
I was going to write last night but this is an important question and I wanted to sleep on it.
Firstly, you're not going through anything that I haven't gone through in the early part of my career. I got to do stuff with a lot of great players, especially jingles and the like. I also felt apprehensive and wondered if I'd do a great job. You should know that each of these fine players you're goin gto work with have been in your position, as well, and would praobably enjoy telling you stories of their first important gigs. However, they'll likely want to tell you after the session not during. It's a head thing.
Secondly, you should know that the only difference between you and these other fellows is time. They've been doing it longer and have a lot more experience. So, let me share a little that you may not have considered.
It goes without saying that you go easy on coffee or anything that's going to overstimulate you. Don't avoid it completely just know how much you need to wake up. The same with foods. Today might not be the best day for the spiciest Mexican or Thai meal you've ever had. You see where I'm going wth all that.
It goes without saying to show up to the session early. You know, the last jingle I did, I had them fax me the music and give me a brief rundown on what I was selling. When I showed up to the gig it was two takes and we were done because I knew the product and what they needed better than they did!
Third, I have a habit of singing mentally while I play. Each and every note, I mean it. I hear the pitches clear as a bell and I have the sense that you can do this, too. You haven't blown it, not by any means. Just flood your brain with the sound of the trumpet exactly what you're supposed to be playing and you won't have room for anything else, my friend. The next thing you know, the gig is over and you have a bunch of people telling you how much they enjoyed playing with you an how much they look forward to the next time.
As Jonathan Kent once said to his son, Clark. " You are here for a reason".
Have fun,
ML |