Couple of things to consider when preparing for a concert:
- Make sure you're in the right key. Yeah, I know this sounds like a no-brainer, but it's a good idea to check yourself, especially if you're performing a piece that has key changes. Time signatures are usually more obvious.
- Keep up with accidentals. Particularly in long measures, an accidental early in the measure is often missed when you get to the end of the measure. Remember, they apply to the whole measure.
- Are you using the correct articulation? It's easy to be sloppy when playing in a group. Generally, the more separation the better. The larger the group, the longer the notes tend to get, so your staccato needs to be super short. Be sure to cut off notes under a slur preceding a staccato. Two slurred notes and two staccatos should be "te-ot-tot-tot" not "te-ah-tot-tot."
- Make sure you tune up! Be sure to tune yourself at a decent volume, too. Usually concert A is a good tuning note for most instruments. Don't tune to a note that is typically out of tune on your instrument. Check with your teacher if you don't know...
- Play softer than the lead in your section so you can tune to them. Just because you tuned up doesn't mean all your notes are automatically perfect. Listen and adjust accordingly.
- Watch the director. If anything needs attention during the performance, the director will let you know (louder, softer, faster, slower). Strange things can happen during performances. Pay attention!
- Concentrate! It's easy to mess up in the excitement and nerves of a performance. Zero in on your own performance and do the absolute best you can.
- Make some beautiful music. This is what it's all about...and it's what everyone came to hear.