My passion in life, before I lost my voice, has always been music. I sang in church. I sang in school. I sang at home. Many of my happy memories of the past have to do with music and performances.
My high school class had 800+ members. Edna Ruth Wood was the choir director and task master. It was well known that you couldn't get a berth for a solo performance unless you took voice lessons. I did. My voice teacher was a professional coloratura who was well known in the Jewish community of Oak Park, IL, in particular, and in Chicago (at Mt Sinai Temple), in general.
I got lucky. After auditions, I was awarded the solo in the Sophomore spring program. Two songs: one, plus an encore. It went swimmingly. The other music teacher was heard to say, "What breath control!" when I performed. It was a great day for me.
In my old age, I listen to songs endlessly...but only those that I consider perfect. Perfect songs are a blend of lyrics, background, and vocals. The two biggest in my estimation are "Evergreen" by Barbra Streisand, and "If I Can't Love Her" from the Broadway version of "Beauty and the Beast" There are others, of course. But if you choose to listen to my choices, please listen to the background as much as the meaning. I also love the Black Eyed Peas performance at Oprah's flashmob deal a year ago.
God is still at work in my life. Even though I can no longer sing, I cherish the music that life produces.
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