How to Prepare for a Marimba Performance

Marimba performing requires a lot of work from the entire body. It's very important to warm up all your limbs before a performance.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Music Stands
• Sheet Music For Marimba

1. Stretch your fingers out. This is especially important if you're performing a four-mallet solo.

2. Run through all 12 major scales in all octaves of the instrument. If you have a five-octave marimba, pay special attention to the lower scales.

3. Rehearse your performance. Reverse performance order is suggested for mental preparation.

4. Stretch your arms and legs briefly to prevent cramping.

5. Make sure you have at least 15 minutes before the performance to rest and relax.

Tips & Warnings

• Avoid overpracticing on the day of the performance. If you run into too many snags, mental errors are likelier to occur.

on 11/22/2005 To get the nerves out, eat bananas. I heard it works, and if it doesn't, maybe you'll fool yourself. Make all the crucial decisions before the recital day (concert dress, mallet choice, etc.). Don't bother changing anything the day of the performance. It will make you more nervous, and much more likely to mess up.

If the opportunity arrises, make sure yuo have a dress rehearsal in the hall you plan to perform in. You'll get a good idea of acoustics and can make the necessary adjustments.