Connie...

GOOD on the schedule, sweetie. It seems as tho you are responsible and have good study habits, so we have to worry about one less thing.

By all means, don't quit orchestra if you like it. You'd regret that.

Also, Connie, do you put work off or procrastinate? I know I do that a lot, and it can be a problem. I know your work schedule does not help, but we need to keep stuff from piling up on you.

You already have a list of what you need to do this weekend. Pick the easiest thing and get it out of the way, OR, do the hardest one first... your choice. Some like to do the hard stuff first. Either way, it's progress. Don't waste time and energy worrying. ACT! :)

Now on your vibrato... here's a demo video. See what he's doing? It's from the wrist... some... but his thumb is a pivot and he's rocking his finger lengthwise along the string. See that? It's a lil diff on violin, I suppose, but basically the same. You'll get it! :) Practice the MOTION first, SLOWLY... NO SOUND! Then increase your speed. This is how Marcel teaches me. Resolve all technical issues... then increase tempo incrementally.

And on anxiety... when you begin to get excited, I want you to breathe slowly and deeply, and focus on ONE task! Okay? ONE! And by the time that thing is underway, your anxiety will have been reduced, because your brain can only process one thing at a time. Okay?

We'll work it all out, we will, missy! :grin

TC