ClarinetMike’s Performing Checklist

ClarinetMike says, "Come to the Orfeo Music Festival in the Italian Alps! Great Performing and Learning Opportunities in July 2016 with Lessons, Coaching and Fun with ClarinetMike!"

ClarinetMike says, “Plan well and perform with confidence!”

Below is a checklist I’ve developed based on years of giving recitals, clinics, master classes, presentations, etc. Every jury, audition, performance, clinic, etc. is different, so focus on the ones below that apply to your situation.

Be Organized and Confident: organized in preparation and confident in performance.
Morning Performances = Get up extra early. (Go to bed early the night before.)
Mentally walk through performing day and concert (or audition, etc.) the night before.
Check weather and dress appropriately. Take trench coat, umbrella, etc.
Wear layers of comfortable clothing for audition, especially in a long audition.
Dress up and have good grooming. This will help even in a blind audition!
Eat good food – especially protein.
Take extra set of music.
Have a short bio ready for introductions.
Carefully prepare all talking during concert. Fit comments to audience. Keep it simple.
Leave and arrive early. Check traffic on Google Maps.
Have good directions to venue (GPS or map). Know precisely where the building is.
Plan for parking at venue. Budget extra time.
Know where you can warm up at venue – on stage is best.
Have concert recorded if possible: video is best! Check weeks before and upon arrival.
2 water bottles & 2 clarinet pegs. One on stage and one for off stage/green room.
Get on stage or in room for sound check before concert – a day+ early would be best.
At sound check, carefully check balance between piano or CD, etc. Recruit a helper.
Make sure tech person is at sound check.
Be very clear with stage crew/usher on stage set up, hall opening time, etc.
Make sure there is no profanity or embarrassing writing on back of music stand!
Make sure page turner is set!! Have a backup plan.
Make sure programs/handouts are put out. Take extra ones in case someone forgets.
No negative comments or looks – stay upbeat, even if feeling sick or upset.
Take extra business cards for meet and greet after recital.
Follow up soon after concert with emails or texts to hosts and other VIP’s you meet.
Reflection. What did I learn today?

[NOTE: This is a modified version of a previously published blog post, see HERE.]

About ClarinetMike

American Clarinetist Michael Dean “ClarinetMike” performs and teaches internationally and across the USA to consistent praise and acclaim such as, “world-class clarinetist and pedagogue,” “consummate performer,” “inspirational,” “outstanding teacher,” “super,” “brilliant performer,” and “one of the best clinicians I have ever seen.” Dr. Michael Dean’s career is headlined by appearances at Carnegie Hall, ClarinetFest, NACWPI, Royal Northern College of Music, and Eastman School of Music, with recent recitals and master classes in Italy, Canada, Spain, Michigan, Ohio, Kansas, Iowa, Louisiana, and Texas. He is currently planning an international recital and master class tour of Israel for spring 2025. He is on the faculty of the international Orfeo Music Festival in Vipiteno, Italy as Clarinet Artist Faculty in Residence. Michael Dean performed with the Paducah Symphony Orchestra for 11 years and has also performed with the Texas Chamber Music Project, Northeast Orchestra, Dallas Chamber Wind Ensemble, Southwest Symphony, Nevada Symphony, Abilene Philharmonic, Abilene Opera, Southeast Chamber Players, Red Mesa Trio, and Duo 35 with saxophonist Todd Oxford. As a clarinet performing and recording artist, he has commissioned, premiered, edited, toured with, and recorded new and lesser-known clarinet works. He is featured on 6 commercial CDs, including the soon-to-be-released Postcards from Silver Lake CD. He is also prominent on New Media, such as YouTube and Facebook. He has given more than 1000 master classes, clinics and performances at universities, colleges, conservatories, festivals, conferences, and high schools. His ClarinetMike Blog and ClarinetMike QuickTips are widely read on the internet and social media and viewed in more than 150 countries on 6 continents. His articles also appear in professional journals such as Southwestern Musician, WINDPLAYER, The Bandmasters’ Review, and NACWPI Journal. He is a past president and former National Board Officer of the National Association of College Wind and Percussion Instructors (NACWPI). A committed teacher and noted pedagogue, Dr. Dean’s students enjoy successful careers as professional performers, educators, and administrators and are consistently accepted into prestigious university music schools. They consistently win awards and distinctions at competitions and festivals including solo & ensemble, all-region, all-state, and various concerto and other competitions. After a successful 20+ years of teaching the clarinet and music at the university level, he relocated to his native Texas due to family concerns. He is currently an active clarinet and woodwind performer, teacher, clinician, and consultant based in Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas. He is also currently studying digital assets and their application to music and music education. Dr. Michael Dean studied clarinet performance at Texas Tech University, University of Texas at Austin, University of Colorado at Boulder, and University of Texas at Arlington. His teachers include Robert Walzel, Philip Aaholm, Carol Jessup, Bob Ackerman, and Jesse Youngblood. He is a BG France Performing Artist and his professional website is clarinetmike.com. Mike and his family live in Hurst, Texas. His family’s Golden Retriever, Nimbus, is a relative of Andy.

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