The Journey of Singing: From Childhood to Adulthood

The beginning of one's musical journey is often marked by early experiences, and for me, that marked the start of my lifelong love for singing. It all began when I was a little kid, participating in my mother's church choir, a musical environment that reshaped my understanding of the world around me.

Early Beginnings

How old were you when you started singing? I can trace my first singing memories back to when I was very young. My mother, who was in charge of the children's choir at our local Episcopal Church, made sure I was part of the group. At that age, I rarely got to perform solos due to my anxiety. However, the opportunity to sing with my parents, who were both active in the choir, was a cherished experience that nurtured a deep love for music.

The Choir Tryout

One pivotal moment came when I was around 6 years old. My father, who was a baritone in the choir, decided to put me in a tryout for a spot as a soprano. I thought it was an exciting idea to sing next to my father, and I took the challenge seriously. The choirmaster, A.J. Strohm, tested my vocal range, and I was pleased to find that I had a good memory and the ability to mimic songs easily.

The test was about hitting notes on the piano, and I found it much easier than reading the lyrics. In fact, I remember that the easiest part was hearing a song once and then repeating both the melody and the words. With such a supportive and relaxed attitude, I was naturally drawn into the choir. After some time, I was one of the soprano soloists, which was a remarkable achievement for a child my age.

Acting and Public Performances

As I grew older and my parents divorced, I immersed myself in stage acting. I loved the complete transformation it allowed, where I could embody any character and escape from 'being me.' This period of my life was a chapter of exploration and self-discovery. I took it to college level, and during that time, I was involved in numerous children's theater productions. My mentor and director, Ellen Dow, played a crucial role in this phase, helping me refine my skills and providing guidance on various stage productions.

Community Theater

Living in Los Angeles, an area rich with entertainment venues, was a dream come true for an aspiring performer. While it was amazing to be surrounded by theater, I found it slightly sad that the local children were not exposed to live performances. Through The Community Theater in Rogers Park, I was able to bring live music and theater to the children, sparking their interest and imagination. It was heartwarming to watch them sit and stare in awe during our performances, and it was an awakening experience for those children and their parents alike.

Challenges and Continued Passion

After college, my passion for acting and singing diminished. A combination of my mother's health issues and the need to find a stable job left me with the "Paper or plastic ma'am" job rather than pursuing my theatrical dreams. Today, at the age of 65, I occasionally sing in the shower, a testament to my lifelong love for music. Despite the challenges, the ability to hold a tune rekindles my childhood memories of singing with my mother and father in the choir.

My story is an ode to the early experiences that shaped my journey as a musician. Whether I'm crooning in the shower or enjoying a quiet moment, the memories of those early days in the choir remain a cherished part of who I am.

Keywords: singing, vocal range, perfect pitch