Nordic Trumpet

Hi all,

I'm an amateur lead player playing mostly in commercial/bigband settings. I seem to have this funny thing going on when doing soundchecks 3 to 4 hours before the gig starts. During the soundcheck I usually feel fine, as a matter of fact often I feel in excellent shape before the gig. I try to pace myself saving the energy for the gig, but I still have to play in such a way that the soundmen get to do their job. I never strain myself on the soundcheck, but I may go above high C briefly just to give the soundmen an idea of what's coming.

When the gig starts I seem to have lost a full octave of my range and I know it already on the first tune. I'm not tired at all, but my lips just don't want to vibrate above an A (below high C). I never have this problem when there is no soundcheck.

This is frustrating as h...... It feels like there's a small swelling in my lips causing this. I guess I could still be more carefull on the soundcheck, but I feel I should be able to handle a simple soundcheck. Normally I can play lead for 4 sets (4 hours) without a problem.

Am I the only one with a quirk like this?
Besides being more careful while doing the soundcheck (which I feel I try to be each time), what can be done to prevent this?