Susan-Marie,

First of all, it is not Stage Fright (that would keep you off the stage completely). As many have said, most performers find that they cannot eliminate nervous energy. Seasoned performers feel it. Like others I find the first song the hardest.

There are many practical suggestions in the above posts. I would add (or echo) these. 1. If you can get a practice in at the venue, do so. This is a way to get some comfort with the location. At the very least, get there early enough to "check it out." 2. Make sure you understand your place in the program. This can eliminate one more source of anxiety. 3. Practice, practice, practice. 4. Add safety nets (music on stands, plans for what to do if you err). 5. Do some vocal warm-up exercises in the "green room" (or a nearby bathroom). It is not fair to you or your voice to hit the first note without a warm-up. Some light calesthenics or stretching will help your whole body as well. 6. Eliminate as many other stressors as you can. Be early, have a full tank of gas, have a check list of what you need to take to the performance, etc., etc. Anxiety and nervousness are cumulative. The more sources you eliminate the better you can deal with the ones you know will arrive.

It is truly an honor to be asked to sing at a special ceremony by those who have heard you sing before. As Mick has said, "Revel in that honor." The visualizations of successful performance which he suggested are powerful techniques that many athletes and performers find useful. Develop a simple relaxation technique and practice it daily. Yoga breathing is one I use. Choose one you can use on stage while you are being introduced.

Everyone finds their own way. These are suggestions that I and other performers have found helpful. Like many other tasks in this world, you will get better by doing it. Please, keep on singing and taking on challenges.

Roger in Baltimore