Another audition, another post

No, this post is not necessarily going to be about auditions. Although I will say that just as I think I start to get this audition nonsense mastered, I have to go and perform like I did yesterday. Which is to say, not so well. Or, maybe I did better than I thought, and only walked away feeling less than one hundred percent. One more for the drawing board, I guess.
I have decided that I do not like the audition set up at certain cramped, dry and over-used NYC studio spaces. It was crowded, noisy and it made me come to the realization that I don't like to be surrounded by noisy bustle before an audition. While I do not want to be that sit in the corner, ignore her colleagues, snooty soprano type, I will have to start forcing myself to listen to my instincts to stick to myself and my thoughts until after the audition. Whether it was my frame of mind or the commotion in the waiting room, I seemed to carry it in with me to my less-than-perfect audition. Oh well...there are more awaiting me.

Which leads me to another joyous point: I am done with gigs and auditions at least for a couple weeks, which right now, seems like an eternity! (although I did email someone this morning looking for a cancellation on an audition list this coming weekend - no rest for the wicked).
I went out lastnight to a friends' gig downtown and then out for a couple drinks at a lovely bar (recently discovered by moi). It was like heaven - it felt as if I was breaking the rules and being bad. Wow, my life is boring!! CJA said something lastnight that stuck with me though - as much as being a hermit is good for the career, you can't deny yourself the pleasures of going out with good friends, good food and good drinks, which I wholeheartedly agree with. She went so far as to suggest finding those couple places where you feel the atmosphere is nice without being overly loud and obnoxious. So that's my new assignment - I have a couple places in mind that fit the bill already and this new place is perfect - Marshall Stack on the LES. Great beer and wine list, good bar snacks and a "taciturn bartender" (to quote AV).
Oh and don't forget the Sweet Potato Frites with Pink Flake Sea Salt and Jerk Mango Chutney Mayo from Whole Foods Frites Bar on Houston. Just thought I'd throw that in...

Reflections

It seems that this being an opera singer thing leads to a somewhat boring, recluse of a life. But before you think I am seemingly ungrateful for my talent, think again. I have finally (it's taken a long time) come to terms with the fact that to do what I love means having to sacrifice going out, hanging a lot with friends, and most of all drinking... It may even mean having to sacrifice spending time looking for relationships (since I don't do the online thing).

Now, before you say that not all opera singers have to live this way, stop! I have found that I do. My instrument is not ridiculously fragile, but it's fragile enough that I need to take care of it and also need to stay healthy, both physically, vocally and mentally. This may all be extremely boring to you all, but it is a revelation to me, particularly since I'm only now making it priority. Since I've REALLY made this change, everything feels stronger. Yes, my voice gets tired after the choral gigs that I do to make extra money, but now I can at least practice the next day instead of feeling as if I won't ever sing again (dramatic, but that's sometimes how I feel).

However, that doesn't mean I have to curtail all interesting activities. In fact, I visited a new restaurant the other night in the interest of prospecting for my day job. Il Buco - expensive, but utterly delicious. And with a beautiful atmosphere. Gorgeously prepared food - clean, simple flavors with interesting additions. I would be happy to come back any day. In fact, I will this Wednesday. Oh, and they have a gorgeous wine list - mostly Italian.
Ah, but I could go on...this month means a lot of nose to the grindstone: a sing-thru of Le Nozze di Figaro for brush-up purposes (one if my faves), a couple choral gigs, learning music for my recital and most of all, learning the role of Ellen Orford. All daunting, but utterly attainable tasks.