We're coming down to the wire. Lots of nitpicking in rehearsals, enough to make one a touch nervous. But we'll be fine, more than fine, we'll be great. And I'm really hoping I can sing some of those 16th note runs. Yikes.
There is a country song by Toby Keith, "I ain't as good as I once was." I can relate. In high school, I was at the top of the choir peak. Sang solos, in the elite choir, performed in all the musicals. I felt like one talented motherfucker. Then I went to college. Still good, but not at the top anymore. Lots of talented musicians, amazing singers, and auditions were competitive. But I was OK with that. I was a nursing major, and was happy to be singing in a choir. I'm a terrible practicer, and I knew enough about myself to know I lacked discipline to be at the top. Then nursing school took over, I could no longer sing, and six years passed.
Then I got into Tacoma Symphony Chorus. Full of music majors, music teachers, music professors, music directors, private voice instructors. The music was hard and practice went fast. Now I have to practice, and I still feel like I'm nowhere close to the skill I used to have. Frustrating. I have an image of myself as an AMAZING singer. The reality is, I'm pretty decent. Catch me on a good day and I'm damn fine. But I sing next to some outstanding vocalists...and they keep me motivated. I walk away from rehearsal knowing, "I've just got to get this right!" It's a mental challenge, not being "the best." I really enjoyed being the best. But I like the hard work as well. I like rising to the challenge, finishing a concert, and thinking, "I did really well. I worked so hard and it paid off." And I really like the my director doesn't give me dirty looks anymore because I'm practicing.
So it's going to be a great concert. Our soloists are wonderful, including several good friends. I hope ya'll can make it. It should be magical.
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