BALL GAME Everyone has been betrayed by their nerves at least once in his life.
I began taking violin lessons when I was 5. While I enjoyed playing in groups, I quickly learned that solos threw my bodys normal operation into a spastic fit. My fingers would turn icy and Id clench my teeth as all my fear of failure bounced around my brain like ping pong balls.
Playing a string instrument when your limbs have become simultaneously leaden and boneless proves to be antithetical to producing a good sound. Id try and play normally, but the bow would bounce and my fingers wouldnt always land where the notes on the page dictated they should. I always ended a solo performance red-faced and promising myself Id only play in groups where I wasnt the primary focus of attention.
That same internal 5-year-old who couldnt perform in front of crowds felt similarly anxious when I watched a video of a boy named Ethan singing the Australian national anthem before a baseball game.
The video, put out by ALBtv.com on YouTube, has gained viral status because of Ethans ability to power through his bodys duplicity. Whether the yips were a nervous tick or just an untimely case of the hiccups, Ethan is a hero to all of us reluctant performers.
I have no doubt hell live to sing again, although I dont know how you can top such a perfect rendition hiccups and all.
I began taking violin lessons when I was 5. While I enjoyed playing in groups, I quickly learned that solos threw my bodys normal operation into a spastic fit. My fingers would turn icy and Id clench my teeth as all my fear of failure bounced around my brain like ping pong balls.
Playing a string instrument when your limbs have become simultaneously leaden and boneless proves to be antithetical to producing a good sound. Id try and play normally, but the bow would bounce and my fingers wouldnt always land where the notes on the page dictated they should. I always ended a solo performance red-faced and promising myself Id only play in groups where I wasnt the primary focus of attention.
That same internal 5-year-old who couldnt perform in front of crowds felt similarly anxious when I watched a video of a boy named Ethan singing the Australian national anthem before a baseball game.
The video, put out by ALBtv.com on YouTube, has gained viral status because of Ethans ability to power through his bodys duplicity. Whether the yips were a nervous tick or just an untimely case of the hiccups, Ethan is a hero to all of us reluctant performers.
I have no doubt hell live to sing again, although I dont know how you can top such a perfect rendition hiccups and all.
