I feel nostalgically melancholy today. I am remembering a time, about a decade ago, when I seethed with frustration surrounding a disappointing rejection my daughter suffered through. When I requested an explanation for the rejection, the response I received accused my daughter of “not being dedicated enough.” In my mind, “not dedicated enough” became “not rich enough” because the evidence supporting that theory appeared overwhelming. Other more affluent students with less talent and training achieved admittance, while my daughter was passed over.
Across the intervening years, I’ve watched and listened to my daughter devote countless hours in vocal training and coaching, music studies, daily practicing, auditions, rehearsals and performances. Her perseverance, tenacity and, yes, dedication, knows no bounds. Her vocal coach is amazed out how extraordinarily large my daughter’s voice is, the largest she has heard. I weep with pride, joy and love when I get a chance to hear her perform.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vism9va0CBk]
She recently performed the Contralto solo in several performances of Handel’s Messiah. My only regret is I couldn’t afford to fly to Seattle to listen to it live.
Next week, my daughter flies to New York for her last audition of the year. To date, she’s flown over 20,000 miles this year for auditions, all across the Continental United States: from San Francisco, to Chicago, to Houston, to Chicago again, to New York, etc. etc.
Where are these other ‘more dedicated’ students now? Personally, I could care less.
Break a leg next week Rachelle!