Article October 11, 1999 Issue

SELF-CONSCIOUS?

Clare G. Turner

For several years I had taken voice lessons and sung in choruses, progressing to the point of being able to sing increasingly challenging music in more demanding groups. To sing a solo, however, felt like a giant leap. Yet I had a deep desire to feel free enough to sing one.

While on vacation I attended a church service, during which the solo portion of the service was omitted. Afterward I learned that they had not had anyone soloing there for some time. So I considered the remote possibility of singing occasionally for this church, even though it was located several hours away from my home.

I asked for an audition while I was in town. Right after the audition, I was asked to sing the following Sunday. This took me by surprise, because I had been considering starting several months later. But, to my amazement, I heard myself answer "Yes." Driving back, I wondered how I had ever agreed to do this, especially with only three days to prepare and no means to practice with accompaniment until Sunday morning. But the desire to proceed outweighed my doubts. The whole pursuit simply felt right.

Send a comment to the editors

NEXT IN THIS ISSUE

Article

Safe in the city alone at night? Yes!