but sometimes it helps to show your thoughts in italics.
Yeah, but the prompt box I'm supposed to answer in only allows normal text: no bold, no underline, not italics. :( Yeah.. pretty lame.
Kevin, I tried revising as you advised. Does this sound better?
The beat of my restless heart reverberated throughout my head.
I'm not supposed to be here!
My sweaty hands gleamed from the fluorescent lights as my fingers nervously twitched on the silver.
Of all days, why did she become sick today?
The soloist had contracted the flu last night. Although as first chair I was told to prepare for the piece also for good measure, I thought it wouldn't happen. I was hardly prepared for such an exhibition and hated performing in front of staring eyes; my stage fright and the pressure were excessively nauseating. What if I make terrible mistakes? What if - the lights dimmed.
Oh, no!
Thunderous applause greeted conductor as he majestically marched toward podium and motioned my presence. Reluctantly, I stepped forward and bowed to my doom. My mouth trembled as I slowly held my flute to my lips.
Okay. Take a deep breath. Forget about the audience. Just make the right embouchure, and let the music flow - You can do this!
I began the Meditations. Fortunately, I recalled by heart its mellifluence when the original soloist had rehearsed with us. The euphony of the accompanying harmony soothed me. I closed my eyes and immersed myself into the familiar melodies; I soon forgot my tension and worries...
As I concluded with a smorzando, the audience let out a sigh of contemplative relief. Their heartfelt applause filled me with self-confidence and pride. Since then, through meditation and self-encouragement, I conquered my fear of the stage.
Oh my god! I read that article you linked, Kevin, and it explains that dilemma I've been feeling so well and concisely. I commend that article! :)