[TPIN] What does your brain do when you're playing?

[Dave Arndt]

Travis,

That's great!  I'll have to try that technique more often (just don't tell
the wife...<ggg>)

Actually, years ago ('many many moons ago...') I was playing a gig and
noticed a very attractive woman sitting near the band to my left paying very
close attention - to me.  Being the ego-maniac that all trumpeters are, I
returned more then a few glances.  ("Wow...what a great way to make a
living" was going through my mind...).  

After exchange #3 or #4, I heard a mans voice - also coming from my left -
say: "Hey buddy... Just play your horn, keep your eyes on your music - and
off my girlfriend".   The rest of the guys in the band cracked up.
Seriously - it almost derailed more than a few entrances in the score!

I hadn't even noticed *him* before that.  Ahem...

So much for relying on the "sub-conscious" mind for survival!   

Obligatory Trumpet Related Content: "Always remember to concentrate on your
music, technique and breathing when performing... Not (just) the pretty girl
in the audience".  <g>

-  Dave



-----Original Message-----
From: tpin-bounces+darndt=oriongate.net at tpin.okcu.edu
[mailto:tpin-bounces+darndt=oriongate.net at tpin.okcu.edu] On Behalf Of Travis
Wilson
Sent: Sunday, April 06, 2008 3:55 PM
Cc: 'Trumpet Players' International Network'
Subject: Re: [TPIN] What does your brain do when you're playing?

Dave

i agree, fascinating conversation here.
I agree that it is often easier to close my eyes when i am trying to
improvise. (notice the "trying"). But I will tell you this, sometimes it is
much easier if I pick someone out in the audience that seems to be enjoying
things, and then i will look right at them and play. And that is the easiest
time of all to me.

it helps, very seriously, if it is a cute lady that I am playing to. It
becomes a flirtation, like a dance, and I play, and then respond to how she
reacts

hey, I ain't going for "great jazz musician of  the year" here.

Travis


Dave wrote:
>   I also find
> that I do better improvising, if I close my eyes.  My theory is that 
> it's a sensory concentration thing - all I'm focused on is listening in
that case -
> no mental distractions.   This might just be me, though.
>
> Hope this helps.  
>
> - Dave
>
>
>
>
>
>
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>   


--
When the going gets weird, the weird turn pro Hunter Thompson

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