From: r.capik@worldnet.att.net   
      
   kateh wrote:   
      
   > Our kids really love playing music *and* they honestly enjoy playing for   
   > people........not a shy one in the bunch, but they just get   
   > ........so-darned-serious-looking on stage.  Any ideas on how to lighten   
   > them up?!   
   >   
   > What do *you* do ....to get pumped up before a performance?   
   > Any tricks of the trade you folks would like to share?    :)   
   > KateH   
      
   I don't play an instrument but have spent some time on stage.   
   I've also been producing a weekly local bluegrass show for   
   several years, so I've observed a fair number of acts.   
      
   That said, two things come to mind. One is that inter-song   
   banter helps break the ice and set a mood. So maybe something   
   where the kids interact with each other while tuning or introducing   
   the next song.   
      
   The other thought comes from my experience singing, where one's   
   facial expression affects the vocal quality. Don't know if that has   
   a similar effect for musicianship, but I've noted that many chamber   
   music artists are quite animated and emotional during performances.   
   IMHO high energy music requires some movement.   
      
   Later...   
      
      
   Ron Capik   
   NJ Pinelands Cultural Society   
   <  www.AlbertHall.org  >   
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    * Origin: you cannot sedate... all the things you hate (1:229/2)