> 1. I can make mistakes and the audience doesn't stand up and walk out
> 2. I did NOT allow myself enough practice time
>
> Diane:
Sometimes, it seems like no mater how much practice time you allow, it's
never enough, because you allways find something else to nitpick on the
piece. It sounds like you learned a lot and will be able to
incorporate this experience into your next performance.
There are certain things that you can never anticipate in performance,
but don't let it throw you off. Kim Rowe mentioned brightly colored
carpet that made strings disappear, I had a case where I did a wedding
in front of the alter rail which was beaded maple - yep, all those
lovely vertical stripes in exactly the same color as the gut strings, I
spent half the time not looking at the harp and the other half playing
slower than normal just to be able to pick the strings out -- reminded
me a lot of triple strung harps -- where am I!!! I ended that
performance with a terrific headache.
I guess what I'm saying is don't let anything throw you - you ARE the
professional harpist -- go for it!
Robin