Hello, and welcome to “Three Tips for Performing Well in Your Ensemble”! Many musicians believe that a certain level of pain, nervousness, and excitement is part and parcel of performing well. However, it’s entirely possible to perform from a place of joy and calm, and that’s what we’ll explore today.
I’m Erin Brophey, Principal Oboe of the Saskatoon Symphony Orchestra and a Sessional Lecturer at the University of Saskatchewan.
So, why am I sharing these tips? It all stems from my own journey with the oboe. I grew up in a remote area of Northern Ontario, surrounded by beautiful forests and crystal-clear lakes. While this was a perfect setting for piano and choir, it was a challenge when I started the oboe. With no nearby professional oboe players and limited resources, I struggled with a non-functioning instrument, poor reeds, and a lack of information. There were many moments I nearly gave up, feeling disconnected from the sound I admired in recordings.
Now, 25 years into a fulfilling career as a performer and teacher, I’ve realized that my struggles didn’t have to be so intense. That’s why I’m doing these presentations—to help you navigate your oboe journey with a bit less difficulty.
I also created an online oboe program called The Oboe Path. This six-month program features group online masterclasses, personalized feedback, and a customized plan to help oboists play with joy and ease. It fosters a community of like-minded players, providing both accountability and inspiration. Through personalized feedback and a tailored practice plan, participants can fit their practice into their busy lives. I’m passionate about The Oboe Path and excited to share it with you.
Let’s dive into today’s topic: three tips for performing well in your ensemble.
Tip #1: The Relationship Between Reeds and Performance
One key to enjoying rehearsals and concerts is to separate yourself from the role of reed maker during performances. Once you're in the rehearsal or concert space, focus solely on being a musician. If your reed feels slightly off, adjust your playing technique—like lipping up or down—rather than fiddling with the reed. If you’re not a reed maker, choose a reed before rehearsal starts and stick with it. Constantly switching reeds can create anxiety about your sound, so find one that works and commit to it.
Tip #2: Preparation
Being well-prepared is crucial to performing with calm and confidence. When I haven’t fully prepared a piece, I tend to feel nervous. Life happens, and sometimes rehearsals are less than ideal, but always strive to be as prepared as possible. Understand the piece, practice rhythm, intonation, and technical passages thoroughly. This preparation helps you feel centred and ready, reducing performance anxiety.
Tip #3: The Moment Before Your Solo
The anticipation before a solo can be nerve-wracking. To stay grounded, immerse yourself in the music around you rather than just focusing on counting rests. Listen to the other sections—cellos, timpani, strings— and let their music help you stay connected to the moment. Knowing the 20 bars before your solo inside and out will help make your entrance feel natural and less stressful. Embrace the moment and let it bring you joy and calmness.
I hope these tips help you in your ensemble performances. Thank you for joining me for “Three Tips for Performing Well in Your Ensemble.” Let’s strive to be the oboists we aspire to be—playing with joy and ease.
Take care, and I look forward to connecting with you soon!
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