There are many preparations that go into a musical performance. First the musician must practice the piece he will perform. He should know the piece inside and out, be familiar with every section, with every note. Now certainly he can perform without having a total grasp of what he’s playing, but it won’t sound as good. I know this from experience. Getting deep into the music and understanding the style of the composer, what he was thinking when he wrote it, why he wrote it, and how he wanted it performed are keys to a better performance. This all takes preparation; research, listening to other recordings, and practicing using what you have learned.But even with all of that preparation, a performance can go wrong. There are other areas of preparation besides the music itself.
A musician must be prepared mentally. Some musicians get into the “zone” in which their sole focus is the music and performing it in the moment, not being affected by any other outside distractions. Others simply cannot do this and must work to calm their nerves as much as they can. Both of these examples require preparation.
A musician must also be prepared for changes in the environment, things that he cannot forsee will happen, and deal with them on the fly. I was the student conductor of the men’s chorus at my university, and one performance I was conducting, a member of the choir who was considerably late came running down the aisle from the back of the church all the way to the front and joined the choir hufffing and puffing IN THE MIDDLE OF THE SONG. This was not how we practiced it. A musician must be prepared to handle these situations the best way that he can.
As I look ahead to the Race, I see that these three ways of preparation can help me get ready for my journey.
I can practice. Physically preparing my body for the rigors of backpacking and hiking is one way. I can learn languages and practice using them so I can be ready to communicate. I can study my composer, the Lord. I can look at what He’s done before, how He’s asked others to perform, try to discern what all He wants accomplished on this trip, and prepare myself for it.
I have to get into the “zone” so my focus is on this trip, what needs to be done, and how to accomplish it. If I can’t find the “zone” then I need to ask the Lord to prepare my heart and calm my spirit for the work that needs to be done.
I can prepare for the unexpected. How do you prepare for the unexpected? It takes both practice and focus, along with adaptability. Experience can help some, but alot of it is just flying by the seat of your pants.
Right now I’m in the practice phase, and working up getting into the zone. Soon I’ll be performing for an audience of One, relying on His grace and mercy, and what I have practiced and prepared for. Peace.
