beginnings

After my graduation with a B.Mus in Voice Performance in December, I was ready to conquer the world. Everyone in my family received the "dream big" gene from our darling mother. We also all thrive on travel. It was a hard realization a bit later that everything in the world requires money. Yes, of course, I knew this before, but now that I am supposed to support myself, being without funds, without a job, and a large "to-do" list, was quite difficult to deal with.

I decided to take a step and attempt part of my list--have a career in singing. Back in September, I heard of the auditions for the Mikado with the Gilbert and Sullivan Opera Company that were to happen on January 9th and 10th. I had hoped to audition, but I didn't think it was actually going to happen. With my desire, seeking wisdom, and encouragement from family and friends, I flew up that weekend to audition. It was a bitter cold weekend in Chicago, but the atmosphere was inspiring. Audition day came, and my friend came with me to UChicago for support. I sang "Were I they Bride" from the Yeomen of the Guard which is another Gilbert & Sullivan operetta. It wasn't a horrible audition, so I had high hopes. A day later I returned home to NC, and anxiously awaited a response from the company. I heard back 5 days later saying that they would love to have me sing in the chorus. I was extremely happy to finally be in a show, but there was a problem....the chorus roles are non-paid, and as I stated before...I have a need for funds, plus I would need a place to live. For a week, I searched and searched and contacted friends. Nothing came. I began to wonder if this was a good choice to make or if God had something else planned. Rehearsals were to begin Sunday, January 24th. Saturday the 23, with a sick feeling all day on not knowing what to do. I wanted to stay and be here for my mom and family, but I still knew what a grand opportunity this would be--to have something on my resume! After much consultation with my mom and family on what to do, I decided to not go, and I told friends of this decision.

Sunday came. I realized what an incredible opportunity this would be, and that it would be extremely rude to turn them down now. With some encouragement, I decided to make the trek up to Chicago and stay with a couple of friends for a little bit of time, pray, and search for a job/housing. The 13 hour drive turned into 15 hours due to hitting snow storms in Indiana. I was so thankful to our wonderful Heavenly Father that I wasn't one of the 5 cars and 2 tractor-trailors that had slid and crashed off of the road.

Tuesday evening was the first rehearsal, and since then I have had a second one on Thursday evening. As strange as it sounds, it has been amazing to work with all good singers. I'm used to choirs where you hear a random awful person. I'm super excited to get to know more the cast. It has been so wonderful to drive to the rehearsals--driving past the gorgeous city lights reminds me of my beloved NYC and my hopes to move there someday.

Still no job yet...and looking/applying very much...but I have 2 rooms for rent that I'm going to check out this evening and tomorrow afternoon. They seem like fantastic set-ups!

I have an audition for "A Tale of Two Cities" the musical Sunday night, and an audition Monday evening for shows with Light Opera Works for the summer time (Yeomen of the Guard, Carousel, Annie Get Your Gun, etc). I will be working super hard! Updates will come.

Hope the weekend is marvelous for all.

Best,

TLE