Yesterday I had my audition for CIM’s fall opera production. We’re doing three acts from three different operas: La Traviata, Der Freischutz, and Hansel and Gretel. I had been working very hard on the audition pieces and knew the inside and out. However, there were still quite a few technical points that I have just learned that I really wanted to implement. Mainly a completely relaxed throat, steady non-pulsing breath, and light legato lines. I could do all of them in lesson when I was concentrating hard, but often when I tried to perform, and add on the acting, one or all would go out the window. I was worried about how the audition would turn out. Mr. Billions has been so supportive and complementary lately, telling me twice this past week, “Wow that is the best I have ever heard you sing” and then a few days later, “No, that is the best I have ever heard you sing.” Now, coming from a man who does not compliment frequently nor frivolously that meant a lot.
I spent the hour before the audition, miming and doing a lot of silent concentration. I went in, sang my heart out, and came out feeling very satisfied. I was able to stay in the character while my mind still constantly checked my technique. It was euphoric. I finished happy, but then, the critic that I am, within a few hours I began to doubt myself. Had it been as good as I thought. Had I just been so wrapped up in the performance that I was unaware of many things that had gone wrong? I even had a dream that the opera director told me it hadn’t gone so well. So you can imagine my delight when I found this e-mail this morning:
“Brava! Wow!
Kjirsti, that was a fine performance. I was so happy for you. Your concentration was awesome! No decisions have been made, but you should know that if you continue to have your mind that locked in you will be be a successful singer. I only wish I had a recording of today. As I said, there is a nobility in your sound when you are your best; I heard that today.
Think hard on your mindset today. That concentration will take you far and give you contentment and security.
Thank you for giving us a fine musical and vocal experience.”
CB
Who know what will happen. (If I don’t get in, I’m joining a soccer league!) But regardless, I’m calling this audition a success.
8 responses to “Mr. Billions, you made my day!”
Wow! Congratulations, Kjirsti! I’m really happy for you and proud of you, too. Can’t wait to see you tomorrow.
How wonderful to be able to pull it all together. Congrats on your focused preparation and performance.
Also wanted to say how wonderful of Mr. Billing to take the time to give you encouraging feed back.
It can make a real difference to those around us when we remember to share with others the great things we notice them doing. I sent a friend a two sentence email this week. Her response was immediate and extremely appreciative. It made me think how easy it would be to make someones day if I were just a little more focused on others and prompt in sharing the good I see all around me.
Congrats Kjirsti! One of the things I love and admire most about you is your ability to focus and improve yourself. You are so good at setting goals, and your concentration and determined work ethic have made you successful in so many parts of your life. I’m so glad you were pleased with your efforts. As always you inspire me to set specific goals and to give all my effort to accomplish them. Love you!
This made me cry. (I was already in the crying mood) You have some much to offer the world you just need to find it within yourself and it will start to flow out. I hope this is the begging of a new phase in your music and yourself. I love you and was so excited to ready this. I’m overjoyed for you.
You need to print this email and put it on your mirror. Use this to counter act you cant teach if you cant sing 🙂
Kjirsti, we are so proud of you! We too wish we had a recording of your performance. Come to think of it, that would be a great Christmas present idea.
Thanks for sharing your success. Do you think the scarcity of Billion’s praise increased its value? Perhaps this is further evidence that I’m a cynic, but I would much prefer to wait for truly earned complement. In any case, congratulations.
P.S. We are getting excited to see you after Christmas. We’ve already got a few ideas of things we’d like to do with you.
Kjristi, That’s tremendous news! I’m so excited for you. What an accomplishment. Please don’t join a soccar league and deprive the world of your amazing talent!! 🙂 I would be sad. Love you lots.