| reso,
Welcome to the forum. There's plenty of time between now and March for your playing to improve dramatically if you're dilegent (I pointed out to my McGill class that a three week Christmas break should equal at least 63 hours of practice -- imagine what that accomplishes)
Buy yourself a good metronome (one that clicks and doesn't "chirp" a pitch) and put it on your stand. This will serve as your control.
Do you play the Clarke 2nd Study (or anything similar)? Choose a slow tempo that you can easily manage and play each exercise three ways: slurred, slur two/tongue two, and tongue all. Make certain that your articulated versions flow with the same ease as your slur and concentrate on a clear articulation with an easy, relaxed tongue. Repeat this every day for 20 minutes or so and increase the tempo by one click (and only one click!) every 5th day. You will gain 10 clicks between now and March 1st if you start tomorrow (knock wood).
Resist the temptation to jump ahead at slow tempi. You're giving repetition to relaxation and clarity, not gaining points. Trust the process -- speed will come if you do.
Who said "practice doesn't make perfect. . . perfect practice makes perfect"?
That's the best I can offer without hearing you. Good luck!
EC |