Ol' Man River . . .

[Hope]

Hi Everyone! 

 

I know I've been absent awhile.  Buddies from Facebook know I'm still alive -- I've just sadly neglected my friends here and I'm going to change that.

 

I wanted to let you know about a special event coming up for me:  The Portland Opera posted an open call on Facebook to audition to be in the chorus for their upcoming production of "Show Boat"... just request an invite via email.  So I said - what the heck, did it... and was selected to audition on December 5.  I sang "Something Wonderful" from "The King and I"... a very beautiful tune -- and NOT "Ol' Man River" as was Shelby's suggestion... .

 

I guess I did a decent job of it because on January 12, I received news that I will be one of the six mezzo-sopranos they need for the chorus!!!!    I have NEVER done anything like this before and I'm so excited!!!  A month ago, they sent the contract, paperwork, etc.. (it's a nicely paid gig, too!).  They've since sent the final staging and music schedule and I also got measured for costumes - at that time, I picked up my music.. so it's feeling more and more real. 

 

I'm so happy that they don't interrupt any meeting night except one in April and a performance in May.  The performances run May 1, 3, 5, 7 & 9... and my family is coming out to see the final show on the 9th -- including my brother, Michael.  Old timers here have heard me weep and moan about how my favorite brother will never visit me... well at last, he is!    AND... he will give our Sunday talk that weekend!!!

 

Rehearsals began last night -- it was truly amazing!   You know what's gonna be interesting/challenging?  Singing in "Negro Dialect"!    "Dey" not "they", "dem" not "them, "I is" not "I am"... "Colored folks work on de Mississippi, colored folks work while de white man play..."       This will be epic... 

 

Here's a review of the San Francisco Opera's production from last year -- just to give you an idea of how Portland's may be.  I'll keep you guys posted with adventures and photos that I can manage:  http://ww2.kqed.org/...t-shows-em-all/

 

I'm looking forward to being busy doing something so enjoyable.  I don't have any hobbies and I love to sing more than anything else I know how to do.  I will pray to keep a level head and stay true to my mission. 

 

Even though it's been nearly a year since I've been back in, my steps are not as steady and firm as I'd like them to be.  Depression and doubts about my self-worth are regular companions.  But after a fairly raggedy start to 2015, I really hope to get myself back together with Jehovah's help.

 

[Dustparticle]

 

Hi Everyone! 

 

I know I've been absent awhile.  Buddies from Facebook know I'm still alive -- I've just sadly neglected my friends here and I'm going to change that.

 

I wanted to let you know about a special event coming up for me:  The Portland Opera posted an open call on Facebook to audition to be in the chorus for their upcoming production of "Show Boat"... just request an invite via email.  So I said - what the heck, did it... and was selected to audition on December 5.  I sang "Something Wonderful" from "The King and I"... a very beautiful tune -- and NOT "Ol' Man River" as was Shelby's suggestion... .

 

I guess I did a decent job of it because on January 12, I received news that I will be one of the six mezzo-sopranos they need for the chorus!!!!    I have NEVER done anything like this before and I'm so excited!!!  A month ago, they sent the contract, paperwork, etc.. (it's a nicely paid gig, too!).  They've since sent the final staging and music schedule and I also got measured for costumes - at that time, I picked up my music.. so it's feeling more and more real. 

 

I'm so happy that they don't interrupt any meeting night except one in April and a performance in May.  The performances run May 1, 3, 5, 7 & 9... and my family is coming out to see the final show on the 9th -- including my brother, Michael.  Old timers here have heard me weep and moan about how my favorite brother will never visit me... well at last, he is!    AND... he will give our Sunday talk that weekend!!!

 

Rehearsals began last night -- it was truly amazing!   You know what's gonna be interesting/challenging?  Singing in "Negro Dialect"!    "Dey" not "they", "dem" not "them, "I is" not "I am"... "Colored folks work on de Mississippi, colored folks work while de white man play..."       This will be epic... 

 

Here's a review of the San Francisco Opera's production from last year -- just to give you an idea of how Portland's may be.  I'll keep you guys posted with adventures and photos that I can manage:  http://ww2.kqed.org/...t-shows-em-all/

 

I'm looking forward to being busy doing something so enjoyable.  I don't have any hobbies and I love to sing more than anything else I know how to do.  I will pray to keep a level head and stay true to my mission. 

 

Even though it's been nearly a year since I've been back in, my steps are not as steady and firm as I'd like them to be.  Depression and doubts about my self-worth are regular companions.  But after a fairly raggedy start to 2015, I really hope to get myself back together with Jehovah's help.

 

Sis, I was wondering about you. I and we are glad to hear from you and don't forget we have Jehovah, Jesus, and Jehovah's Organization. Stick to these three and 2015 will get better.

[Beggar for the Spirit]

Hi Sister Uani,

 

So glad to hear you are doing well and

congrats on your being accepted to "Show Boat"!

 

You mentioned that you sing "mezzo-soprano",

that is great! Maybe you can have someone record your

performance and then post some clips on here for all of us to see?

 

Many months ago you had commented on a post that you had been a Singer,

and so I wondered about your career and what type of singer you were?

So I sent you a PM back then to ask you. It may still be in your "Messages"?

But anyway it interested me because I also did some singing but

in no way do I now have the self-esteem to try to sing in front of others again.

So proud of you!

 

And now I am going to live vicariously through you!  )'>

Please update us whenever you can.

[MizPeg]

 

Hi Everyone! 

 

I know I've been absent awhile.  Buddies from Facebook know I'm still alive -- I've just sadly neglected my friends here and I'm going to change that.

 

I wanted to let you know about a special event coming up for me:  The Portland Opera posted an open call on Facebook to audition to be in the chorus for their upcoming production of "Show Boat"... just request an invite via email.  So I said - what the heck, did it... and was selected to audition on December 5.  I sang "Something Wonderful" from "The King and I"... a very beautiful tune -- and NOT "Ol' Man River" as was Shelby's suggestion... .

 

I guess I did a decent job of it because on January 12, I received news that I will be one of the six mezzo-sopranos they need for the chorus!!!!    I have NEVER done anything like this before and I'm so excited!!!  A month ago, they sent the contract, paperwork, etc.. (it's a nicely paid gig, too!).  They've since sent the final staging and music schedule and I also got measured for costumes - at that time, I picked up my music.. so it's feeling more and more real. 

 

I'm so happy that they don't interrupt any meeting night except one in April and a performance in May.  The performances run May 1, 3, 5, 7 & 9... and my family is coming out to see the final show on the 9th -- including my brother, Michael.  Old timers here have heard me weep and moan about how my favorite brother will never visit me... well at last, he is!    AND... he will give our Sunday talk that weekend!!!

 

Rehearsals began last night -- it was truly amazing!   You know what's gonna be interesting/challenging?  Singing in "Negro Dialect"!    "Dey" not "they", "dem" not "them, "I is" not "I am"... "Colored folks work on de Mississippi, colored folks work while de white man play..."       This will be epic... 

 

Here's a review of the San Francisco Opera's production from last year -- just to give you an idea of how Portland's may be.  I'll keep you guys posted with adventures and photos that I can manage:  http://ww2.kqed.org/...t-shows-em-all/

 

I'm looking forward to being busy doing something so enjoyable.  I don't have any hobbies and I love to sing more than anything else I know how to do.  I will pray to keep a level head and stay true to my mission. 

 

Even though it's been nearly a year since I've been back in, my steps are not as steady and firm as I'd like them to be.  Depression and doubts about my self-worth are regular companions.  But after a fairly raggedy start to 2015, I really hope to get myself back together with Jehovah's help.

 

Just remember, Sis. You can be your own worst enemy, telling you who, and what you are. First of all, you were drawn by Jehovah, and He knows you are valuable to anyone who hears your beautiful voice. So go easy on the self doubts, one of Satan's tools to rob you of your joy!

Have fun with your new endeavor, work hard, and who knows, you might even be able to Witness to someone who is being "drawn". And don't forget the power of prayer! 

[well]

Agree with Neil! Would like to see you performance! 

Edited March 18, 2015 by ivy

[RaymondG]

Here you go...

That's a pretty serious version of 'Old Man River'!

[Hope]

Thanks Everyone!  I'll post what I can -- they're pretty strict about any performance recordings getting out...

 

Neil -- I've now seen your message; I'm sorry I didn't respond earlier.    I've never really had a "career" singing (I'm an executive assistant).  But I *can* sing and I used to sing in a jazz band made up of brothers over ten years ago.  I just sing in the car or in the house, now...  Here's some stuff on YouTube, though:  https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=uani+tillmon

 

I applied to audition for this show on a whim - there was a open call on the Portland Opera's Facebook page; I requested an audition, they called me, I sang "Something Wonderful" from "The King & I" and they selected me!     So, I'm totally geeked!  And delighted that my one worry - that there would be attractive male singers there who would be distressing - is assuaged; the one's that aren't old are gay.     So YAY!