Month: December 2014

I just handed in my plan for a possible new book, and I’m convinced I’ve come up with a great idea. Let’s hope my publisher thinks so too! Also, my holiday cleaning is done, and my one area which I always decorate for Christmas is decorated! So right now I’m in a great mood, feeling very hopeful, and I’m going to celebrate and treat myself to a nice day or two off.

How shall I begin? Okay, I have to swim which is half a nice thing, but also half exercise unless I make myself swim at an easy going pace. So my first goal is to swim like I don’t have to and can take my time. Then, maybe I’ll buy a Christmas wreath and watch some Christmas movies. I really feel like walking down 5th Avenue taking pictures of all the holiday windows, but it’s about to rain. That will have to wait for another day.

Everytime I walk into the Rite Aid I normally shop at I come face to face with this guy. And every time I do I am startled. Every time. For just a split second he seems real and he doesn’t seem friendly. He looks like he’s about to punch or tackle you.

Santa: Just stop right there! What do YOU want?
Me: Nothing, I swear. Just picking up some shampoo, Santa.
Santa: No. Go away. Get out of here. But first, fix my feet.

Our performance last night went quite well! No mistakes that I picked up on. (I’m sure we all made our own personal flubs, I know I did. My apologies to those around me.) This is a screen grab from a short movie I shot at the end, that’s why it is so grainy. But it was so glorious, and I just can’t get over the fact that I get to do it all again, in just few hours!!

Life is good. Especially for those who sing. And play an instrument. And conduct.

I posted a few days ago about how I was anxiously waiting to learn where I’d stand in the concert. Most people like to be in the front, and I’m often in the back, but that was okay. I said:

“My only preference is to be surrounded by singers. I want singers behind me and on either side of me, so I can be right in the middle of the harmony. When you’re in the very back row or on the end of a row there are fewer singers around you and you just don’t get that same resonance with your fellow singers.”

My spot is pictured below. Not the back row, but the end of a row!! There were only two places I didn’t want to be and I got put in one of them! What were the odds?? Look at all those other spots. AND, I’ve got a soprano beside me and a soprano behind me so I don’t get to be in harmony with my fellow singers.

That said, I’ve had worse spots. There are a lot of great singers around me (including the sopranos). Also, I’m close to the people who are singing a beautiful quartet at the performances. Their voices are absolutely exquisite. And it’s the holidays and I’m singing great music, so what am I complaining about?? Nothing. I’m good.

Thank you for asking Kate Campbell (the Music and artistic director for: Rogue Community College Chorus, 3 Rivers Chorale and the Bethany Presbyterian Chancel Choir) and singers! I am really happy for the opportunity to share this fun tip.

Here is a link to the amazing Cyberbass site I’m using in this video.