Practicing performing is an important part of practicing the music.
The notes and rhythms, the articulations and dynamics, the very music means very little if you can’t effectively deliver it to your audience. For me, that means engagement.
For me, as a 10/10 introvert, that means pretending to be less introverted than I am. I’d say 80% less introverted. Which to me translates to around 20% less introverted for the typical ensemble member.
Is it disingenuous to engage in showmanship and acting in a musical performance? Shouldn’t we let the music “speak for itself”? While that’s a defensible philosophy, in my experience it’s worth giving the music a little extra help getting to the audience.