Let me tell you something about me. I am a proud singer. I am a tenor, sing in four languages, won several vocal competitions, have sung in (and continue to sing in) amazing choirs and have had countless solos. Yet there are also times I am locked in my dorm and just sing to calm myself down. I drive my family nuts with constant outbursts into song. Yet, people never understand what singing has really done for me. Well, that story is going to be answered here.
When I was five, I had a habit of trying to learn words to songs. However, because of a speech impediment, I commonly fumbled making syllables to make intangible sounds (to which family still tease me on it). Yet, harmony with my sibling at a bake sale at my school saw potential in my musicianship. From that simple bake sale, my mom tried to constantly get me and my sister to harmonize.
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My grandmother also saw my singing. In her car, she always had the classics playing. She had me listen to Frankie Lane, Perry Como and Dean Martin. She at least had to play "Mule Train" or "Rawhide" twice on my way to daycare and a few times on the way to school. She instilled the classics at a young age. These classics have followed me ever since.
Flash forward to 2008. I discovered a song called "Everything." Never knew the words, but that didn't stop me from singing. Years later, I would discover that it was written by my biggest inspiration, Michael Bublé. It was there that I discovered how important music was. Retracing constant memories of singing, I tried learning the Great American Song book. I also further learned more songs from Martin as well as Frank Sinatra, Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons, Nat King Cole and the list goes on.
I also started singing show tunes from a young age as well. I remember listening to Wicked when I was about 7 years old and always loved hearing "Defying Gravity." Again, to the previous theme, I never remembered the words but always knew Idina Menzel's descent into heroism "So if you care to find me..." My theatre love grew until I was able to audition for shows in middle school, high school and college.
I was also fortunate enough to have lessons with an amazing teacher, who taught me every thing I know. From the languages I sing (German, Italian, Spanish and some French) to the techniques I've adapted and I could never be anymore thankful.
What really drove me to write this was a recent experience. Yes I have done choirs before. I sang in both middle school and high school, yet it wasn't until I arrived at Marist where I realized what singing really means to me. When I walked into the choir room the first few days, I was like a kindergartner lost without a mother to hold onto. It wasn't until I sang and learned music that I found my place. It wasn't until I was taken under the wings of a collegiate choir director and found my place in Chamber Choir on my first semester that I realized the chance I was given. It wasn't until I met my friends and section mates that I found community. It wasn't until I was given the chance to sing my first solo where I realized my talent was there. Because of my first semester of college, I realized why I sing: a sense of belonging
So if you ever catch me in an outburst of song: think of this. Think of a bond, a talent and an experience that is given to an 18 year old. It may be different than what you are used to but it means a lot to me. This is why I sing. Now if you excuse me, I'll be preparing for my next concert.
