Oops

I cannot believe I didn't post between the hearing and the production and now another 3 weeks later I'm finally updating. I am so sorry but have documented things between the two events to help make this post more accurate and come easier to my mind.

Well after the hearing I was greatly relieved but also realized the work I had to do. I quickly found a pianist to play for me so I would be able to conduct the group from the mock pit we would be using at the front of the stage. Because the hearing went so well I wasn't planning on many rehearsals inbetween the two times however it ended up being fewer than I planned and that worried me. We only got one Saturday rehearsal in due to conflicts of club inductions. Clubs are a great thing to be involved in and I did not want to make anyone miss that.

Because of the lack of Saturday rehearsal the dress rehearsals the nights before show were crucial. The only other rehearsal between dress and the hearing was crazy. People had conflicts, those that were there weren't there mentally 100% and I was truly concerned. To help ease my mind, and the mind of my professors I met with each instrumental group on their own to work on conducting (since I would not be playing anymore but conducting) and to check minor notes and such. That was very helpful especially for those ensembles with more people.

Dress rehearsal number 1 came and most everyone was there (which was a concern of mine). I know everyone, including myself had busy schedules, so that last show week was so stressful. Even before the performances I had the poster/flyer and programs to get finished. Luckily, because of my computer skills those were easy to do. After dress rehearsal number 1 I felt alot better but of course still had nerves. My parents got into town on the Friday before the performance so between entertaining them and getting ready for the final run-through I was pretty uneasy. However after the last dress rehearsal my cast and crew and company put my mind at ease. I don't think I could've asked for it to go much better.

I know show is always different and better and full of energy more than an rehearsal so I knew that would come together. It was show day and everyone actually got there pretty close to time. Costumes looked great, people were ready and very attentive which made for an easier day. We ran through every song and the leads, while not on stage, ran lines which was helpful. Had I had an assistant director or something they would've been in charge of that but luckily I had that awesome of a cast that did it on their own. They were/are great!!!!

It was time to open doors and I was nervous. I had already seen one professor and others came to see me in the green room to make sure things went well. I was ready. Right at 5 I made the call to my stage hand to turn on the lights, made my opening announcement (which was a little intimidating), and began the show. That first down beat was so nerve racking - I felt like everything was going to go well or not depending on how well it started. 1-2-3-4 (breathe) and we were off.

It went great!!!! A few slip up on lines but that was it. We had a little lag longer than I wanted. I did add some lighting touches we hadn't worked on and it turned out to be better than expected. As the time went on I felt more and more at ease. Once we were done with "Paris" (the last song before the finale, and the song before all the dialogue) I was very at ease. Even if they messed up lines I didn't care - I'm a music major and the music was going well. Butterflies swarmed inside as the last song beginning came up. I stood from my chair, hands at the ready, and we were off. Volume was great, energy was FINALLY there from the chorus. We end with the descrescendo-ed chord from the brass and it was done. I sit back down and the curtain call begins.

One of my front row instrumentalist tells me they were already standing behind me, I couldn't believe it!!!! It made me feel so proud. I started tearing up from excitement and awe. So much work went into it and it turned out great and every one was so appreciative. I oddly did not go onstage because moving through the pit was difficult but my acknowledgment and applause was more than I expected or could ask for. Family and friends presented me with flowers to show their gratitude. I had so many hugs and congrats, some from people who I hoped would come but were unsure. Even from some friends who weren't huggers or people I expected to give hugs- they came and talked to me. It made me feel so good. Seniors from all disciplines came and saw how a music major can do a senior project and I think I got a new found respect from them. I could've stayed and talked to people all night. I am so proud of everyone involved and it could not have gone any better I think.

Hard to think less than a year ago I only had this silly idea in my head and now I am looking back and how it all actually came together. I have learned so much from this project and can't wait to take what I've learned and my gifts and abilities into a job hopefully within the year.

I doubt I'll make any more post unless something odd happens. Thanks for your interest and support (whoever is reading this).

I could never have done this alone!!!!!