Mark wiped his hands on his pants, then cringed as he thought about his performance. “I spent an hour ironing these pants so the creases would be decent,” he sighed to himself, however, he was not sure it was worth the effort. Standing nearby the curtain, he listened to the people entering the theater. Wondering who might be in the audience made Mark more anxious, so he walked farther backstage. Students were everywhere; some pacing like him, others simply waiting. None of them appeared as nervous as he felt. Mark searched for an abandoned corner where he could be alone for a moment. 2
He found a step by the emergency exit where it was quiet. Taking slow deep breaths, he closed his eyes and concentrated on the music he would soon perform. Mark began playing the violin when he was eight. Five years later, he was about to give the most important performance of his life. This was not just any performance. This performance was for the most prestigious recital in the state, one for which he had to audition. If he did well at the University Recital, there was an exceptional chance that he would be accepted to the university’s music program when he graduated from high school.
3
The notes of his song were playing in his head for the third time when his instructor, Mr. Walsh, found him. “What are you doing? You’re on stage next. Are you okay?” Mark’s throat was too dry for him to answer even though he tried. He followed Mr. Walsh to the stage. His hands were a little shaky. He brushed himself off and cleared his throat.
4
“I’m nervous about my performance. What if I make a mistake?” he finally managed to croak.
5
Mr. Walsh took him by the shoulders. “You’ll be fine. All you have to do is go out there and play. Don’t worry about anything else. There will be other recitals.”
6
Mark waited for the applause for the previous performer to fade away. Mr. Walsh gave him a nudge, and he walked carefully to the center of the stage. Momentarily blinded by the lights, he forgot what he was supposed to do. Then the people in the front row came into focus. He saw their enthusiastic smiles, and he smiled back. Slowly, he raised the violin to his chin. His bow slid gracefully over the strings, filling the theater with rhythmical sound. The smile stayed on Mark’s face as he played, knowing that this was what he loved to do. As Mark played, the expression on his face clearly showed the love he had for playing the violin.

What does Mark do to calm himself before his performance?

He finds an isolated area.

He listens to the audience.

He worries about his music.

He thinks about the university.