I have a habit (probably not a great one considering everything I really need to be getting done). I spend part of my morning catching up on news headlines and reading any new blog postings from friends on my list. There was a definite theme happening today as several of my friends posted their thoughts and feelings about being part of a small musical production we are working on (The Parable of the 10 Virgins). The really funny thing is that they all seem to think that being nervous or "twitchy" is because they have never gotten onto a stage before. So, I thought I would post my comments and thoughts so that they know just how normal this is. Here is MY reaction to being asked to be part of this production:
YIKES!!!!! People around here seem to think that I have this gorgeous voice and really, if someone who had actually had voice lessons came to listen they would probably fall over laughing. Honestly, it has happened before. Not only that, but people really seem to miss that I am seldom right on key (certainly not when I am singing for the first time) and the only thing I do really well is sing loud - which can also be a problem in groups since I tend to stand out which is not a great thing. I can get around all of that, usually, or at least in my own head which is where the real battle with a performance takes place, but for this production we are using pre-recorded accompaniment. That means that I have to mold my voice to a certain "style" or at least that is what I feel I have to do because I have these women looking at me with the expectation that I will show them how it is done, and let me tell you that at least 8 of them can sing better than I can in this forum. So there!
Now that I have taken the time to react, here is what I have done about it .... just put it out of my mind. These lyrics I have been given have the most amazing message in the world. I know that whether or not I am off-key or too "operatic" for the recorded style, if I just loose myself in those lyrics I will have all of the choirs of heaven to pad out the difference. So that is what I am doing (for those of you who are still working past stage nerves) ... just focusing on the lyrics. I promise you that when it comes to performance night, I will have an upset stomach and my right eye will more than likely twitch to the point that I will be convinced that the people in the front row will believe I am winking at them, but when it comes time ... those lyrics will be all that I see. Ladies, it is going to be great!
So, I don't think it's so much never having been on stage before, more like I think I stink. And it's obvious. I'm counting on your help to make me a star! Oh and I can breath today, so I can joke about it again.
ReplyDeleteOh and I must be one of the two who can't sing better than you....
ReplyDeleteAll I have to say is: Shutup you stinker!!
ReplyDeleteOkay, I was laughing at your post, and then I read the comments- funny!
ReplyDeleteGood to hear your point of view, and since I know you are not a liar (aka: overly nice and will say my butt looks skinny even if was w-i-d-e) I will accept your thoughts as sincere.
In school, whenever there was a play to read in class, my hand always shot up to be the narrator. If I wasn't picked for that, I tried to hide. Narrator's get to state facts. If you as the narrator this time didn't have to sing THREE songs, I'd fight you for it. Just kidding.
My left eye twitches.
I too like the play and the message behind it. I feel like I can relate to all the virgins and it has moved me. I also think when it is my turn to sing the other ladies better have a good position because my legs are going to shake that stage like crazy and I don't want to knock anyone out of thier positions.
ReplyDeleteI shake too, and Angie told me once that if you dance around, or even more around while singing it will distract from mistakes you make. (I think that's what she said) I also think it's all about confidence. It's like beauty, it's how you carry yourself. Confidence is beautiful, AND sexy! Singing must be the same if we are confident then people will THINK we can sing. (Easier said than done!)And you can always FAKE confidence, I know, I do it all the time!
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