Im very curious to find out how all you you guys practice and prepare for playing your various instruments.
I myself play Trumpet and practice while listening to a CD/recording of somebody else playing the song, and then try to mimic it, once it sounds like a direct copy I start adding my little "twists" to it.
The way I prepare is in my opinion, quite interesting little habit that will probably kill me off before i'm 20... Because the higher notes, and longer notes of trumpet require a lot of air, I hold my breath. I practice holding my breath while in my pool (3 and 1/2 minute record

), and during class (hehe...). I have to admit that I seriously believe that doing so has enlarged my lungs and made me play better. Also when nobody is looking I practice blowing air out my mouth for looooong periods of time.