I have a vague memory of Kelly from my BYU choir days. She was in Singers, so we must have passed each other every day between Singers and Concert Choir. And we must have passed each other during every concert the two groups did together.
This Christmas season, she and I have been asked to dust off our talents and perform at several events together. (It really makes me sad that we didn't have the excuse to sing together before now. Six months wasted!!!)
We have practiced a few times together already, and performed one song tonight.
Singing with her is the funnest thing I have done in years!
Our voices match so well that when we are singing the same pitch, you can only hear one voice. When we practice, we don't have to learn notes or rhythms; we get to work on phrasing and dynamics and technique and interpretation!
Because she received the same degree from the same school from the same teachers (went through the same refiner's fire, the same heartaches), I feel valued by her in a way that no one else can. And because we became friends long after the fact, there is no competitiveness. Only camaraderie.
She also teaches me about great humility. She asked me to come listen to her practice an aria from the Messiah. She wanted my "expert" opinions and constructive criticism. LIKE SHE NEEDED MY HELP?! She has a beautiful voice and would do just fine without me. But she invited me anyway, and I felt valued.
She is a kind, gentle, spiritual, generous person. I really look up to her.
I guess I am still too prideful since I still need to feel valued and validated. But I feel grateful to now have a tangible example in my friend of confidence with humility.
7 comments:
I likey this post. I love you, Bri. You're amazing.
What a neat experience and a wonderful friend. I'm so happy that she has helped you feel valued! I have always admired your talent, abilities, and strengths as a singer and vocal performer. I love you and I'm proud of you.
I'm glad for you. It's wonderful to have a friend like that and have so much in common. I'm glad you get the chance to sing and have fun performing. You'll have to let me know when there's something Greg and I could attend!
A couple of weeks ago, they called me to be the ward organist in the Harrison Bay ward, and chorister for the priesthood. Well, y'all may know how I appreciate good music. So last Sunday I chose "Awake Ye Defenders of Zion". I was over at the church practicing my songs, and needed to sing this last one, since we meet in the cultural hall and don't have a piano. I realized that I would have to sing out since I knew not everyone would know the song. So I warmed up and got my voice where it needed to be, and let'er rip. I can fill the chapel, but I need refinement. I missed having my wonderful family to help teach me. Anyway, on Sunday, it ended up being a combined meeting, so I wasn't prepared to sing that strongly in front of the whole ward, but it was the song I was inspired to use for this meeting, and so I went with it. When I started the song, everyone was so shocked, that I was singing a solo. They were all finally in there by the last verse. A number of people came up to me later, and said they never knew I such a great voice and could sing. (I don't think I do), but I said, "yeah, I get it from my wife and daughters." Thanks for rubbing off on me. I would so like to hear you sing with your friend. You just don't know how I love to hear a well sung and nuanced song. Singing is the only thing that can reach in and vibrate the soul of another, in such a deep and profound way. I love it when you all get together and sing.
I'm really glad that you can use your talents! And I'm glad there isn't any sense of competitiveness. I hope your various numbers in the next few weeks go well!
Brianne-
Thank you. You made me cry. I too value our friendship and am uplifted and filled with joy when we sing together, or just hang out! Thank you for your kind words.
Love,
Kelly
This is such a sweet follow up to to some prior posts about the slow process of settling in. Thanks for sharing the happy parts of the continuing story!
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