By Sandra Keifer-Roberts
I need to make a confession.
35 years ago, I was a college student, majoring in voice. I was surrounded by music, and I was gloriously busy with the task of making beautiful sounds that would fill the hearts and souls of listeners.
But something happened, and I decided to walk away from the music program. Actually, it wasn't something: it was a lot of things. I argued with my cellist roommate. I got married. I changed my major to please my employer.
I stayed in the choir one more year, but that was the end of my singing adventure.
Many years later, I enrolled my oldest son in the piano program at The Music Education Center. His younger brother followed. When the boys got older, they sang in the high school choir, and I always looked forward to their performances. The Legacy High School music program is amazing!
Today, my sons are in college, and recently, I decided that I might like to sing again. Was my voice rusty? Yes! I needed some help! So I called The Music Education Center and scheduled an evaluation with Danielle Forbush. As the big day approached, I started to worry. Is my voice strong enough? Will I be able to sing on key? Will Danielle laugh at me?
On the day of my session, I was a nervous wreck. After clearing my throat a hundred times and gulping down water in the waiting area, I saw Danielle motion for me to come into her studio. She introduced herself and described her background as a singer and voice coach. Immediately, I felt at ease. I followed Danielle's lead as she played scales and asked me to make different sounds as I sang:
Moo moo moo moo mee mee mee mee!
Gu gu gu gu gee gee gee gee!
She also shared breathing exercises and other strategies that will help me get ready to audition for a local choir! That's right; Danielle said I can still sing, even after all of these years. All I need is some vocal exercise. (You can imagine the tears in my eyes!) All of her sessions are recorded, and I practice throughout the week by playing the lessons back on my phone.
And this week, we're going to start a new song! I can't believe I'm doing it! Thank you, Danielle!