Dalt wrote:
"Any tips on how to mentally prepare for things like this? Concerts
standing at the front of the stage in front of a couple hundred
people are fine, but this gets edgy [auditions]."

First of all, Dalt, we admire how you used the shaky tone for a vibrato effect.
This is like making lemonade from lemons. One time I messed up part of an
exposed horn part in concert by improvising, adding a turn to embellish the clam
that I made (lipstick on a pig technique). So, adapting and improvising on the
spot is a good craft to have for your horn playing.

Avoid nervousness by: playing in front of similar situations as often as you
can; be well prepared with your piece so that you are confident and have some
reserve-- meaning you can still play it on a bad day or if you are tired; learn
to feel excited about wanting to play for people because you want to express
your music to them-- sort of the horn equivalent to people who love to talk all
the time (are they nervous? No!). Don't fret about missed notes, the audience
doesn't notice them as much as you do. And, don't let playing horn become an
ego thing; then your ego won't get crushed. Just enjoy playing.