I have a solo contest on Tuesday and I was wondering if anyone had a few tips for my performance of Flight of the Bumblebee. I realize that I have sections down to a performance level, but playing through the entire thing without stopping is difficult. Near the end, the section that goes an octave higher, starting on the high Eb, for a line sounds like mush and I can't seem to articulate well enough to make each note come out individually instead of in a big mash.

I know two days before contest is a little late to ask for a few words of advice, but hopefully someone else has played this or has any words about it. I'm playing the version from the Rubank Flute Concert and Contest Collection book and, even though I had this song to performance level two years ago, I'm just not up to par this year.

Thanks!

practice very slow and in small pieces, i.e. 3-4 notes at a time, practice your chromatic scales a lot, use the RH Bb lever as much as possible

I have just recently played this piece for a solo contest as well, and had the same problem. I would have to agree with Patrick and also say to use the 1st and 2nd holes for the E-natural so it is easier to play faster.

i got the piano part on this site and been practicing. OMG iT"S SO cool. just playing for fun, so kinda stinky. but some parts i play ..BEAUTIFUL. i. love. flute.

Thanks for the help, guys! Patrick, your trick works beautifully! Turns out the contest was pushed back a few weeks (we got there and they told us to turn right back around and go home; a judge couldn't make it and they cancelled it for that day... gah) So, turns out I have more time to practice!

I've realized Bumblebee is more of a warm up than a work for contest. Somethings you've just got to find out from experience, I guess.

Thanks again!