Carnegie Hall

It may be the best performance space in the world. Famous people from all over the world have sung there. The stage is even has a copyright! And everyone knows the joke "How do you get to Carnegie Hall? Practice, practice, practice." It's the dream of every young musician to one day perform in Carnegie Hall in front of a packed house. And that's exactly what I got to do last night, and what I'll get to do tonight, too! The chorus I'm in this year, The Juilliard Choral Union, performed last night with the New York City Pops in their Christmas concert, under the direction of Skitch Henderson. Yes, he's still alive. He's 86. He shushes the orchestra and chorus loud enough that those lucky enough to sit close to the stage (rich bastards!) can hear him. He calls the chorus the 'chor' like the Corps of Cadets. He never takes the same tempo twice, and likes to draw out phrases for so long that sopranos could quite possibly pass out. Quite a character, I'd highly recommend reading about him. He is fun to sing for, as he is genuinely impressed with what the chorus does, and when a piece is over, he says over his shoulder 'That's it!' so everyone can start clapping! So funny!

We only sing a couple of songs in the whole show. But it is such a cool experience to be up on that stage! And it is humbling at the same time. I had a great time! And, to top it all off, I get to do it again in January! Next time is the Brahms' Requiem with the Juilliard Symphony Orchestra. Twice in 2 months; how lucky am I? Our director, Judith Clurman, said last night before we went on stage; "It's CARNEGIE HALL for God's sake! Smile and enjoy it!" That's exactly what I did, and it made the experience that much better. Who would have though that a simple girl from a tiny town in West Texas would be singing in Carnegie Hall! That's enough to make you smile right there!