Compliments from the "Chef"

I was floored tonight and rather flattered by an unexpected compliment.

First, let me explain my personal philosophy of preparation for a concert. When I know I'm doing a piece of music I first make sure that I'm familiar with the layout of the piece. This includes noting where the chorus enters, where my part (as much as I am able) lies, and where each movement begins and ends. I use sticky tabs and mark each movement's beginning with a number or phrase to help me quickly get to the designated spot when the conductor calls the place. Then, before I sing a precious note, I walk through the lyrics so that I know what I'm singing about and how I think I should respond to the text. If it is in a foreign language, I put a snippet of the phrase for each text above the beginning of the movement. Then, I look through the text and the music only rhythmically - I still haven't listened to it or used my piano skills to help me figure out the music. I check the tricky rhythms- circle them if necessary to make sure I'm paying attention, note where awkward page turns probably indicate I should copy the next page's notes on the previous page. All of this before the first rehearsal. Finally, after doing all of the above, and still before the first rehearsal, I look at the notes - but honestly, not so much. I sight read well and frankly sort of love the challenge of it all.

I do beleive that "sight reading" as well as I do is all a matter of preparation. By the time I get to the first rehearsal I'm very familiar with the layout of the score. Even if I get it later than usual I can still manage to at least mark movements with tabs and not where choral entrances are.

Once rehearsal begins I write down what we will be looking at in upcoming rehearsals when the conductor says so. It really doesn't matter to me if we actually get to it in the next rehearsal - I just know that I have done what is asked of me. Every day, I walk through the specific areas and then I walk through the entire piece. This does not involve music being played or listened to usually. Sometimes it does, more often, I hear it in my head. As rehearsals progress, I'm never without a pencil. I write down most markings - including those not my own, write down special pronunciations, etc. I have a fantastic memory but I have discovered throughout the years that even the most "perfect" memory in the world is no guarantee of brain fade and so, I write it all down. If I don't need it - so be it. I just don't have to worry about injuring my own ego LOL I know I can do it - I just have a fall back.

That's my preparation - and it continues through the last performance. In addition, I take care of my voice, always try to sing properly and play my own game. I'm usually very quiet in rehearsal as I'm totally focused on what I am doing. I seldom do much socializing and I'm really just "in a zone". Needless to say, I love it.

So, what does this have to do with a compliment? Last night, unsolicited and totally unexpected, the lead of our show comes up to me and says "You are so professional. It is obvious that you are prepared and knowledgeable about your music. You put effort, time and energy into your best product - and it's evident." That made me fel very flattered and it felt great. I DO work very, very hard. I don't know if I work harder than others, that is irrelevant. I work hard because I work hard and I need to work hard in order to be satisfied with what I have done. If I haven't brought my best - then I have failed.

It's just nice to have someone notice who doesn't know my work ethic. Makes me realize that it is worth it. That the music and, more importantly, my fellow performers are worth my effort.