Consider Me Assessed

This spring they announced to all the Salt Lake Choral Artist members that we would be required to complete a vocal assessment with Dr. Allred. Essentially this was a re-audition where we would sing a solo of our choice and a section of Mendelssohn's Elijah.

I was particularly nervous to re-audition considering I had never actually auditioned in the first place. In fact, I've never had to do a vocal audition in my entire life. I only started singing in January of this year. What was a nervous baritone to do??

Craig and I have been pounding out our solos for the past several nights. Then we would sing along to our recording of Elijah. Then we'd each complain about how we don't like our own voices.

So last night the assessment finally happened. I was so afraid my nerves would get to me. I pictured the audition and could see myself passing out or choking on snot or something. I was also worried about the nervous vibrato. You know, when your vibrato speeds up to where you sound like Snow White. That's just great. Birds fluttering around my head as I vibrato-ed away.

We drove up to the university and sat outside his office door waiting our turn. I felt like I was waiting for an interview with the bishop or something. I could hear a lady in his office warbling away.

Our turn finally came and I went first. First we did lots of "ma ma ma-ing" to determine my range. Then I sang my solo. My sight reading didn't go great, but I survived. Dr. Allred then had Craig come in and we sang together a section from Elijah. Then I went back to the hall while Craig did his stuff.

While I was waiting, some old guy showed up for his audition. He asked if I'd been in already. I said, "Yes, I'm just waiting for my other half." He said, "Oh, that's great that you and your wife are in the group together." I stared at him for a minute, coughed, then stared at this bug crawling on the wall.

The look on his face was priceless when my "wife" came out. I'm not sure why. Maybe Craig was taller than he expected.

It was actually a good experience despite my terror. My blood pressure should return to normal sometime next week. I always enjoy a good growing experience, especially once it's over.