How to Overcome Stage Fright: The First Note Is the Bravest

Stage fright: The First Note Is the Bravest

The Bronto Brothers had played on big stages, small stages, wooden stages, and once even on a floating dock that creaked in the middle of a lake. Raptor Rex knew the glow of stage lights the way some dinosaurs knew the warmth of the sun. He stood tall at his vintage gold microphone and felt at home.

But this afternoon, Rex was not the one stepping into the spotlight.

The band had been invited to visit Willow Creek Elementary for music week. Folding chairs filled the gym. A banner stretched across the wall: Spring Concert Tonight! Paper music notes hung from strings overhead.

Near the edge of the stage stood a small green Triceratops named Oliver. He held his trumpet in both hands. His frill trembled slightly.

Rex noticed.

Oliver’s teacher was adjusting sheet music on a stand. “You start the show tonight, Oliver. Remember, just like rehearsal.”

Oliver nodded, but seemed distant.

Rex walked over, careful not to loom. “That’s your solo piece?”

Oliver swallowed. “Yes. I can play it. I just… I can’t play it here.” He glanced toward the empty rows of chairs that would soon be filled with families.

Rex followed his gaze. “The chairs look louder when they’re empty,” Rex said calmly.

Oliver blinked. “What?”

“The room is still now,” Rex said. “But your brain is already imagining the commotion.”

Oliver looked down at his trumpet. “What if I miss the high note?”

“Then you miss it,” Rex said simply. “And you play the next one.”

Oliver’s frill twitched again. “But what if everyone hears?”

“They will,” Rex said. “That’s what concerts are for.”

Oliver looked at him, confused.

Rex crouched so they were eye to eye. “Listen carefully. When I was your size, my legs used to shake before every show.”

“But you’re Raptor Rex.”

“I am,” Rex agreed. “And I still feel nervous. I just learned what to do with the feeling.”

Oliver shifted slightly closer. “What do you do?”

Rex held up one claw.

“First, breathe.”

He inhaled slowly. His chest expanded. He counted softly. “One… two… three… four.” Then he exhaled just as slowly.

Oliver copied him. His shoulders lowered a fraction.

Rex held up a second claw.

“Find one friendly face.”

Oliver frowned. “What if I can’t see anyone?”

“You will,” Rex said. “There’s always one. A grandparent. A friend. Someone in the front row. Play for them.”

Oliver nodded.

Rex held up a third claw.

“Play the first note.”

Oliver stared at his trumpet. “The first note is small.”

Rex continued. “Small things are manageable. Once you start, the rest will follow. You know it!”

From across the stage, Groovy plucked a quiet bass line. T-Rhythm strummed gently. Thumper tapped a soft rhythm on his drumsticks. They were not performing. They were simply filling the gym with calm.

“Feel that?” Rex asked.

Oliver listened. The sound was even. No rush. No panic.

“That’s what steady feels like,” Rex said. “You don’t have to wrestle the nerves. You just have to move with them.”

Later that evening, the gym was full. Parents waved. Programs rustled. The lights dimmed.

Backstage, Oliver stood behind the curtain. The trumpet felt heavier now. The audience buzzed like a swarm of insects.

His legs trembled.

Rex stood beside him.

“First breath,” Rex reminded quietly.

Oliver inhaled. Counted. Exhaled.

“Find one friendly face.”

The curtain parted.

Oliver stepped forward. The lights were bright, but beyond them, he saw a small dinosaur near the front row holding up a handmade sign: “Go, Oliver!” The sign wobbled in the air.

Oliver focused on that sign.

“First note,” Rex said softly from the wings.