Singing For oneself

Last night I listened to someone singing the Star Spangled Banner. Let's face it- it is complicated to sing and unless you have great talent you would never be able to do it justice. lol I just place my hand over my heart and spare my "neighbors" the screeching of my voice. Yes my voice is terrible when attempting to put it in the flowing motion of a tune.

Do you think I kid you? Well, I do not. I tried out and was accepted in my high school's singing group - our glee club. Twice a year we would put on concerts along with the school band. All the singers (which there were about 100) would dress up in gowns (and suits for the guys) , wear our hair up, and have our faces made up and march on the platforms to sing the night away. We sold tickets and because there were so many of us we were always sold out for performances on two nights for each event.

I remember my first gown. It was a beautiful pink satin, empire waist, and the top was white fluffy stuff (ok I have no clue about material) and had these little pink seed pearls or something all over it. And I think there was some shear material over top the pink satin. I wore my hair in beehive (and you have to be kinda old to know that style) and had some pretty pearls included.

We had been practicing for months. Our director forced us through so many songs and we did them over and over and over again. I had looked forward to the first night (I was 13). I had always wanted to be a singer in any fashion. So I practiced and practiced until my family yelled at me to shut up. lol

The night came and in the backstage area, the glee club director pulled me off to the side. "Gayle, you are to just move your lips. Do not sing out loud." this was five minutes before we marched out in front of the 300 people that had paid money. Now after having found inner strength from secret club fiasco, I merely glared at her and replied "sure." but i was not just a go along girl anymore. So I marched out on the platform and sang with my body and face. I was easy to pick out. I exaggerated every note, every beat and caused my director to glare at me. It was disconcerting to the audience as well as those standing and singing around me. I had no fear that my parents would be mad because they never attended anything I did, only my brothers. I was totally on my own. Needless to say, I left an impression on my director. She pulled me aside after the concert and demanded I not do that the next night. I said, "Oh do you wish for me to sing now?" She relented. the next night I sang and loud too and after the concert I walked up to her. "I quit. That should make you happy. You were mean and cruel to do what you did. I shall never admire or respect you again." I walked away. Don't forget I grew a spine in sixth grade.

Afterwards, the director kept trying to be pleasant every time she saw me. I just kept a blank look on my face, I never smiled, nodded, or acknowledged her efforts in any way. I also did not speak harshly or unkindly to her or about her. I did tell the story with great relish to a few friends years later.

I still cannot carry a tune but had I not been accepted at tryouts I would have realized that sooner and not caused pain to anyone.

NOw this teacher is the one that taught music appreciation to all 12 grades. One day I will tell the story of the piano lessons. lol not today.

So, should our guys be willing to sing aloud about their alliance and the "directors" of the world be damned? Should they not be so secretive? Should they use their entire bodies when revealing the truth? lol we shall see. we shall see.

till tomorrow. I am off to look at KarenA's next post she sent me to look over (the funny story!)

gayle