The PerformanceThump... Thump... Thump...My blood pulsates rapidly through my veins, trying to escape the confines of my body as I step out onto the stage. The lights are blinding and the audience beyond the polished wooden floor are nearly invisible gray figures for the brightness obscuring them. Their hands move together in applause as I anxiously take a preliminary bow, and I try not to look at anyone directly.I step around behind my timpani, to a place of familiarity. Countless hours I have spent here getting to know them, learning to respect them and how to make them sing. Here, I am confident, safe from the eyes of the audience who have come to hear me play. Safe in the knowledge that I have the skill and experience to turn in a performance worthy of all those who have come to honor me.But I am still nervous.Thump. Thump. Thump.I pick up the mallets and look at the music. It is the same as it has always been, but tonight on the stage it looks frightening