Date sent: Sat, 15 Jan 2000 10:47:53 EST
Subject: Another question and whining
To: vocalist, Uranal-at-aol.com
Send reply to: VOCALIST <vocalist>

Dear Sara,
When I was in high school I got placed in the Minnechorale as a msitake -
at least according to the choir director. He never gave me a solo - that is,
until AFTER I won the NYSSMA competition and was accepted as a voice student
by Elenor Steber.
In college I was rejected twice by the Tigerlillies (female acapella
singing group) because my voice was too big and I would "have to face the
other direction" anytime we sang. Meanwhile, in the choir, I never - not
ever, got ONE solo. And, I had to stand in the last row (and I'm 5'2")
Now - as an adult, I make ALL my money as a professional singer. I just
finished 2 years singing Carlotta in the German production of Webber's
"Phantom of the Opera" and right now I am singing Sharon in Hartford, CT's
production of "Master Class" - a role I covered (and performed over 100
times) on Broadway for 2 years.
If you want to be a singer - this kind of $%*-at- strengthens you and
teaches you to work still harder. And, I must add - it does not go away.
Learn to deal with it now, and you'll be able to survive more easily if you
do decide to pursure a career in music. I wouldn't be as nearly good as I am
now if I hadn't had setbacks. And I know that I can and will continue to
grow.
This business is tough - as Maria says in "Master Class" - "it's a
terrible career..." But it can also be incredibly rewarding. But - you never
get the good without the bad. Hard lesson to learn - but worthwhile.
You can email me privetly if you like...
Lorraine Goodman