Today was the day. After months if practicing, I can finally perform my Ensamble and my 4 mallet solo for band. My percussion section and I were the first to play in front of judge 7. My role in the Ensamble was to play the bongos. The music for the bongos was not difficult at all, in fact it was very easy. The first note was a great one, as well as the rest of the notes we played. The rating we got was an excellent, the best rating you can get. Judge 7 had very good advice. We played better than I expected. Actually, it was the best we’ve played.

Next was my 4 mallet solo. The song was incredibly difficult and it was almost impossible to hit all of the right notes. I worked many hours on this solo, trying to get down the complicated parts and hitting the notes accurately. I had the same judge, judge 7. Fear gripped my heart as I played the first notes. I was doing quite well until I got to the second half of the piece. My heart dropped, as I hit wrong notes, each one following another. Nerves and dread took control of my body. I kept playing wrong notes. I was absolutely terrified.

I finished the song, shaking. My judge had very reasonable advice. For example, if I practice to fast, I’m basically setting up myself to inaccuracy. I came out of the room, disturbed about my performance. I told my friends I did terrible. I was very worried about my results. Finally, after what seemed like hours, I got my results. I got a good, the second best rating. Although I didn’t get a bad rating, I felt disappointed in my perfomance.