So, I graduated a week ago. :) By the time it actually came down to it, it didn't feel like I needed some silly ceremony to graduate from high school. The pomp and circumstance felt unnecessary.
I enjoyed the endless celebrating, though. Multiple parties the day before, dinner with the family afterwards, spending the rest of the night with friends. It's been fun.
Actually, blogging about the whole affair seems so much more official than the commencement ceremony felt.
I also had my senior recital of sorts on Tuesday. It went fairly well, although I definitely played better the other four times I played the songs that morning. Having been involved with musical activities the majority of my life, I have developed a general guide to preparing for a performance. And so, I present to you Nina's Successful Performance Strategy:
Beforehand:
1. Practice practice practice! Know your stuff backwards and forwards. And don't practice all at the last minute. It needs to be over time.
2. Don't say the 'n' word: nervous. It makes things worse.
3. Don't goof off or giggle. Stay serious and focused. No fears or tears, either.
During the Performance
4. Think hard about what you're doing. Focus on the technical aspects of your performance.
5. Don't think. Don't watch to see who's watching you. Don't think about the fact that you're actually performing. In a way, go on autopilot and let all that preparation you've done guide you.
6. Never let 'em see you sweat. Don't fidget, don't make faces. Pretend you know exactly what you're doing, even if you don't.
7. Smile and bow.
