Yesterday was an emotional roller coaster. Thursday night, I hardly slept at all… maybe 5 hours tops (which some people I know are lucky to get in a week ;)). Being off stage for almost a year and a half created a huge amount of excitement and at the beginning of the day a little nervousness which I know surprised even me but several things throughout the day alleviated that fear. By the time I was ready to leave for the theater, I was ready to go… physically and mentally. Adrenaline still there but the fear I seemed to be feeling was gone (if indeed it was fear). I arrived at my designated time and was soon joined by my accompanist and my cousin who joined my coach and I in a trio. I ran through just two of my more problematic numbers and waited on the other two participants to arrive to run through my pieces with them.
With a half hour to spare and the first audience members began to arrive, I headed backstage to put the finishing touches on my attire. While it does still fit (a fact that amazed my pal :)), I need to use suspenders to hold the pants of my tux up. Thankfully, I have lost some weight since my days with the BGSU Men’s Chorus. Moments before I went on stage, my best friend, third brother, and mentor came back and led one of my traditions: the pre-show prayer. Unfortunately for both of us, he and members of his family have been really under the weather for a while so he had to leave. But I was SUPER glad that he came behind the curtain for a pep talk, prayer, and hug (don’t care if I catch whatever they are having). I’m sorry they had to miss it knowing how much they have meant to me in the past 6 years but their health is so much more important.
A little high school game on the BGSU campus with a victory meaning a trip to the state tournament, kept all but 7 of my immediate family members from attending but what I had left was an audience full of wonderful friends plus my two sisters and 4 of my nieces (Kyli came down to the stage after I completed the show and gave me a hug). The music was great; however, I hope no one asks me to emcee an engagement in the near future. I am so better suited to a scripted show than attempting to offer extemporaneous (there’s your .10¢ word of the day) comments between songs…. Awkward to say the least. But the duet and trio of the evening went remarkably well and my solos went as well as I could hope. I am told that video clips are ready but either my cousin goofed on my email address or there was a goof up along the way somewhere. In either case, when I get them I will post them (maybe those awkward extemporaneous comments scattered throughout were omitted). I detest watching myself on film (most of the time). I can handle Morat from time to time but that is about it.
Unfortunately, the Bulldogs were defeated in the Regional finals but what a season the guys had! Thanks once again one and all for joining me and participating in my journey!
I was informed that there is a bit of a problem with the clips… so bear with me 😉
Sorry… been canceling everything lately; guess 5 kids IS a germ fest as I’ve heard before it happened. I don’t know what Luke’s excuse is though – he seems to be the healthiest of the bunch and I can barely type this because I put him down to do it and he’s screaming – no way he would have let me sit down to watch a show 🙂
Glad it went well for you.
Glad to hear that the big guy is doing well considering the concerns you had been having! Just work on the rest of youse ;).
Sorry I wasn’t there, but I think that was expected. 😉
Congrats, and I look forward to the clips should they arrive.
Totally understandable, D! Let’s see… in the other 9 items in my inbox…. Nope… Spam from one of our fellow tangenteers who left us long ago. An ad for the coming HArry Potter 31 disc Wizard Collection (which I WILL NOT be spending $400 on), and an email about Evita and Death of a Salesman back on Broadway. But no clips.