Preparation=Productivity (for the Drumline Member)

prep·a·ra·tion: the action or process of making something ready for use or service or of getting ready for some occasion, test, or duty.

pro·duc·tivity: yielding results, benefits, or profits

As a member of any performing organization, one of the first things you learn is that how you prepare for a performance will directly relate to how precise, powerful and, (above all else) entertaining that performance will be.  For the performer this seems to be a fairly obvious path to success:

• Repetition leads to consistency.
• Consistency provides comfort and confidence in your performance.
• Confidence makes the act of performing appear effortless to the audience.

Yet repetition without structure or analysis can cause performers to learn bad habits and improper techniques that can lead to poor performance(s) and possible injury.  During rehearsal that responsibility falls on the instructional staff/director/coach/etc... but what can you do as a performer to set yourself up for success?

photo credit to icanhascheezburger.com

STEP 1: Listen to your body

It is staggering how much mental, physical and emotional stress we put our bodies and minds throughout day to day.  Sitting in a classroom or cubicle for 8-10 hours a day contorts your spine and neck, slamming a fast food for lunch or an energy drink before rehearsal upsets your stomach and leaves your body infused with sodium and yellow dye no. 5 and staring at a computer monitor or cell phone screen throughout the day adjusts your eyes to focus on things 2 feet away from your face.

By the time you arrive at rehearsal it takes a good hour just to shed all the trauma you've accrued through the day!

To put yourself in the best position to rehearse or perform at a high level you must:

• Get a good night's sleep: everyone has a different sleep cycle but typically 6-8 hours provides enough time for your body to "reset" from the previous day.  No caffeinated product or "energy" drink will replace allowing your body to rest and heal for the night.

• Eat something light and nutritious: this is another step that sounds obvious but is constantly overlooked.  During the course of the 2010 indoor season alone I've had four incidents where students get "sick" because they didn't eat anything before rehearsal.  Ideally some fruit or vegetables and a piece of toast with some peanut butter will carry you to the lunch/dinner break.  Also, be mindful not to OVER eat... you'll find running around with a full stomach will put you down just as fast as not eating at all.

• DRINK WATER (A LOT OF WATER): as with the aforementioned energy drinks, the majority of what I see students put into their bodies these days is dehydrating them faster than walking across the Sahara in a neoprene suit.  Drinking water not only refreshes your body but also will clear your head. (Hint: water contains oxygen, oxygen helps to make your synapses fire at optimum levels, drink water!)

• Stretch before any physical activity (this includes drumming!): there's a reason that almost every drumline in the world starts their day by playing a legato stroke exercise at around 100-120 bpm, it loosens up your muscles & tendons to perform more demanding tasks throughout the day!  So take the extra step and stretch your hands/forearms before you even get to practice!  (here's a PDF that has some basic hand/forearm stretches that you can do before playing).

It is also critical to stretch your legs, back, groin, etc... before you start marching or even standing and playing for extended periods (for front ensemble members or concert situations).  Being stiff or sore will only distract you from the task at hand!

STEP 2: Clear your mind of all distractions and focus on the task at hand

• Know the material that is going to be covered at rehearsal (and if you don't know - ASK!): In my opinion the number one time sink in rehearsals is having to TEACH or RE-TEACH a segment that was either covered at a previous rehearsal or to be learned at home.  It has been said before on this site but it bears repeating:

PRACTICE (aka. "Learning time") occurs on YOUR (the member's) TIME

REHEARSAL is meant to cover what you've learned with THE ENTIRE ENSEMBLE and address global issues and programming.

If you aren't sure what is going to be covered at rehearsal or are having trouble working through a section in the music: ASK SOMEONE FOR HELP!  Start by asking someone in your section, or your section leader and work your way up the chain from there if need be.  I guarantee your instructor(s) would rather answer your question right away instead of taking time at rehearsal and making the entire ensemble wait. 

• Bring a good attitude (and HAVE FUN!): the best part about going through the above steps is that you can step into any audition, rehearsal or performance situation relaxed, without anxiety and ready to throw down! 

eP

Follow-up Q's

What do you do to prepare yourself for rehearsal? performance? auditions?

How do you change your routine for each situation?