AH
When music sounds, gone is the earth I know,
And all her lovely things even lovelier grow;
Her flowers in vision flame, her forest trees
Lift burdened branches, stilled with ecstasies.
When music sounds, out of the water rise
Naiads whose beauty dims my waking eyes,
Rapt in strange dreams burns each enchanted face,
With solemn echoing stirs their dwelling-place.
When music sounds, all that I was I am
Ere to this haunt of brooding dust I came;
And from Time's woods break into distant song
The swift-winged hours, as I hasten along.
by Walter de la Mare
THIS IS MY SONG...
Most people are surprised to find out that I did not achieve the vocal quality I have now until I was 25. Before that I struggled. I worked so hard to sound good. I never seemed to get anything I auditioned for, I was never selected to sing solos, I didn't get chosen for the special ensembles, and I was never sure if a performance would be a success or an embarassment.
I learned to practice, I learned confidence and to do my best no matter the outcome, and when my voice reached maturity at age 25 it was like a grand revelation. All of a sudden I started getting everything I auditioned for, all of my reviews and grades came back perfect, and one choir director even tried to convince me to change my major to vocal performance because, as she put it: "People would pay to hear your voice."
Well, I didn't change my major, and no one is paying to hear my voice yet, but this inspired me to keep singing. I sing regularly in my church choir and have directed the church choir and vocal groups from time-to-time. I usually sing as a soloist for church services and events, and I enjoy the growth that membership in a choral group affords.
I have been a member of the following choirs:
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Windward Choral Society 2010-2014
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HPU International Vocal Ensemble scholarship choir 2011-2012
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BYU-Idaho Chamber Choir 2006-2007
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BYU-Idaho Collegiate Choir 2001-2005
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Argyle Seconary Concert Choir 1998-2000
