Tom
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- Jan 13, 2005
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Following up on the sans voice topic, this evening was the first paid concert for The Delta Strummers, our local ukulele band. I started the afternoon with a 'raspy' throat after spending several hours 'talking' with someone in the neighborhood who'd called and asked for help, and was convinced I wouldn't be able to sing. I still wasn't in good voice during warm-ups immediately prior to the show. The backup plan was for our Music Director, an accomplished singer and musician who was going to accompany me on the uke, to sing in my place.
When it came time for the finale (yours truly singing God Bless America), he introduced me and stuck a mic in my hand. I said something about not having sung in public for several months but I'd give it a try, and put the mic aside. I had no idea what would happen until I opened my mouth for the first note. Suffice to say that the whole room was on their feet singing with me. Several folks strategically placed throughout the room, including in the back, said it was dead on and didn't lack any volume or projection. Whew!
A number of audience members approached us all afterwards to express their joy and appreciation. We had as much fun performing as they had listening.
If this comes across as 'bragging', I apologize, because that is not my intent; I feel blessed to have been given this instrument called a voice, and that it performed flawlessly this evening. No shouting or screaming necessary, just using the head and chest cavities in the way they were designed. I also feel blessed to have a long-time friend/acquaintance who is a very talented musician/singer, music teacher and music director, who has given so much of his time to the musical growth of this group over the last year.
As for the rest of the show, the entire band did well and had a good time. I know I screwed up on a couple of numbers, but nobody in the audience seemed to notice. Our hula dancer, as usual, captivated the audience for the three Hawaiian numbers. Our Music Director's solo was a credible performance of Israel Kamakawiwo 'Ole (IZ)'s version of Somewhere Over The Rainbow.
We've been approached for more paid concerts at other venues. They should be fun and will help grow the group musically, but won't be done at the expense of the freebie shows we put on for various assisted living places in the surrounding Delta area.
When it came time for the finale (yours truly singing God Bless America), he introduced me and stuck a mic in my hand. I said something about not having sung in public for several months but I'd give it a try, and put the mic aside. I had no idea what would happen until I opened my mouth for the first note. Suffice to say that the whole room was on their feet singing with me. Several folks strategically placed throughout the room, including in the back, said it was dead on and didn't lack any volume or projection. Whew!
A number of audience members approached us all afterwards to express their joy and appreciation. We had as much fun performing as they had listening.
If this comes across as 'bragging', I apologize, because that is not my intent; I feel blessed to have been given this instrument called a voice, and that it performed flawlessly this evening. No shouting or screaming necessary, just using the head and chest cavities in the way they were designed. I also feel blessed to have a long-time friend/acquaintance who is a very talented musician/singer, music teacher and music director, who has given so much of his time to the musical growth of this group over the last year.
As for the rest of the show, the entire band did well and had a good time. I know I screwed up on a couple of numbers, but nobody in the audience seemed to notice. Our hula dancer, as usual, captivated the audience for the three Hawaiian numbers. Our Music Director's solo was a credible performance of Israel Kamakawiwo 'Ole (IZ)'s version of Somewhere Over The Rainbow.
We've been approached for more paid concerts at other venues. They should be fun and will help grow the group musically, but won't be done at the expense of the freebie shows we put on for various assisted living places in the surrounding Delta area.