Personal Narrative: My Vocal Ensemble

I went into the most influential audition of my vocal career completely blind. Third block on a dreary spring afternoon, the promise of Friday dangling in the air, the room frigid as I contemplated something that would change the course of my life as revealed in hindsight. Vocal Ensemble had been something I considered going out for, tossing around the notion in my head; however, it would require introverted self to put aside my fears of judgment, which was a battle that could never be won. My heart was pounding in sync with the ticking of the clock, time was running out; it was now or never. I was clueless as to what a scale should sound like, let alone the section of a piece I had never seen in my life and would have to conquer. At stake was making a fool of myself like never before in front of my favorite teacher and peers. Utter humiliation. But something inside me willed me to raise my hand and go for it. My personal philosophy is that I would rather try and fail than not try and be haunted by the ghost of what could have been; the pain of missed potential is worse than the pain of rejection. Trembling, I made my way to the front of the room, choking out my name for the recording before the scales began to play. Somewhere in the midst of the anxious turmoil in my mind, I heard a voice singing in perfect harmony with the piano. Slowly, I became self-aware, processing the fact that I indeed was singing;
Disbelief washed over me my name was listed my name amongst those who were victorious at securing a place in the ensemble. Out of around 80 who auditioned, only 20 got in. I had the potential inside of me for this, and for once I did not hold back, as I have not since then; I have found my calling in life amidst the most amazing vocal experience and a chance to pursue my passion with dedicated musicians like myself. Sometimes in life, you just need to go for what you want, you may just surprise