Several of my older siblings were Madrigals in high school. Growing up, this was my greatest aspiration in life. If any of them were performing...anywhere...I did everything in my power to be there. I would sing along to their old Madrigal tapes, and make up my own choreography...just waiting for my turn.
I was slightly disappointed my sophomore year, when I discovered I didn't really love the choir director. But this was NOT a hurdle I couldn't jump. NOTHING could keep me from fulfilling my dream...except, apparently, the afore-mentioned choir director.
That Sunday afternoon is forever seared into my memory...laying on my bed, waiting for the good news that never came. The next day at school was equally as devastating, as person after person kept asking me where my sash was (you know, the cheesy miss america type sash that announces to the world that you are a newly crowned Madrigal). By lunch, I thought I was going to kill myself if I had to tell one more person that I didn't make it.
At the time, I pretty much thought my life was over...my senior year was ruined. If I couldn't sing, what would I do?! Seriously, music was my life (at least, that's how it felt in my dramatic 17-year old mind).
Then I found out 2 other girls (Liz & Stacie), who have AMAZING voices (I'm talking, American Idol material, baby), didn't make it either...are you kidding me?! I decided we should form our own trio. So we did. We recruited THE BEST accompanist ever (thanks Steph), and learned a TON of music! We put together a show, and started singing...a lot. We did Christmas parties, firesides, sacrament meetings, reunions, etc. We had SO much fun! Looking back, I can't imagine NOT having had this experience. These ladies became family to me, and I learned more about life and about myself than I could begin to express.
1. God's plan & my plan are not always the same
2. God's plan is always better
3. it's okay to be sad,
but feeling sorry for yourself accomplishes nothing
4. God can't work in you if you aren't willing to work
5. everything happens for a reason
Now, the reason I chose this flashback is because one of these AMAZING women from my trio, Liz, turned out to be my Flower Mound friend (see below). I actually haven't heard from her in a few years, and have been wondering where she is. I'm so glad I called out my Flower Mound stalker...what a nice stalker to have!
My next step is tracking down Stacie. I haven't heard from her in a while either. Maybe we'll reunite and make an album...or go to lunch. :)
good things...
1. knowing & singing with these women
2. re-connecting
3. life lessons
17 comments:
So glad you found Liz; you guys were amazing and I'm all for you getting together and making an album!
OK, at the risk of sounding incredibly stupid, what's a Madrigal? Is this a Utah thing?
It's a small choir...12 boys/12 girls. They travel all over & perform. Music, choreography--the whole bit. At our school, they were usually all seniors...you had to be good to make it.
Yes, we all knew something was fishy with you not making it.
The 3 of you not only have amazing voices, but have always been amazing ladies as well.
I remember coming to a Relief Society Homemaking performance you guys did and it was SOOO good! I was probably like 12 and I can still remember it vividly. I'd totally buy your album!! Miss you! Love you!
I will have to have Autumn read this post because where you were at 17 she is there now. Music, song, dance, performing is her life......oh also BOOKS! So far she has had only one "major" disappointment - Sophmore year not making th play. All has been remedied this year. You gals came and sang in our Ward, was it for Heather's farewell? I think so. You are awesome!
It sounds like my experience with the chess club...always had the dream...but never quite made it. Just kidding. Actually, it is amazing that you didn't make madrigals--I've heard you sing a time or two and you definitely have an amazing voice. Hopefully the kids will inherit your musical abilities rather than mine.
I love you!
So, that wonderful Sunday morning, I had to sing in a Sacrament meeting with Celena, Carrie, and Heather--all of who made madrigals. All I can remember is trying so, so, so hard not to cry the whole morning. I knew there really was nothing fishy with me not making it, but when I found out that you, Liz and Stacie didn't (and certain other people did--no offense given) well, for some reason I felt a little better. I know that sounds awful, but it's true. Your trio was so good and I always loved to listen to you sing. Best of luck in finding #3! Maybe you can sing at our 20 year reunion! He He!
Sue, I loved your flashback. It is funny how things seem so devastating when you are 17. For me it was when I didn't make sound ideas junior year (I think I actually went home early because I couldn't stand seeing those Miss America sashes anymore) and then I didn't make cheerleader. Double blow to the self esteem. Oh well, in hindsight it didn't make any difference in my life. Somehow the Lord always knows what is best! I wish I could have heard your trio sing. I'm sure you were wonderful :)
Oh, the agony of highschool! I too was devastated by not making Madrigals! I have blamed myself all these years because I tried out as a soprano instead of an alto, knowing that the competition was too steep in the soprano department. I too was suspicious of a few girls that made it. But I've always cherished the memories of Sound Ideas. It was the best year of my life and I loved all of the beautiful music we made.
SOOO weird that Liz was your flower mound friend....I was JUST thinking about her the other day, wondering where she was. I loved that girl!
PLEASE tell her HI for me.
CUTE post...I love the flash back stuff!
Sue, I recently was looking at pictures and saw Stacie in one and thought of the three of you, you really were so perfect together. I haven't heard about Liz FOREVER. I think I saw her at your reception...oh so long ago :). I do love your memory.
thank you for stopping by, I always smile when I see his name on my blog roll because it's the only male name, here is my original post about why I enjoy his blog http://paperglueetc.wordpress.com/2008/11/29/human-beings-arent-so-bad/ I am married to one of "the good guys" myself isn't it great! I pray for you and the kids I was a military wife and it is a tough job especially when they are deployed, thank you for the sacrifice that you and your children make for all of us in the good ole' USA...
We enjoyed being with you tonight. Thank you for sharing the phone. I love you and your darling family.
Love, Mom
What? You didn't love the choir director??? That is so weird! ;)
I absolutely LOVE Liz. I would love to get in touch with her....anyway of letting her know I'm blogging or let me know her blog name. I would love to say Hi to her.
I totally understand how you felt about the director. I wasn't even good enough to make concert choir, let alone anything higher in her eyes. However, my favorite part about senior year was the seminary council firesides, and listening to the three of you sing Hold On. You always did such a fabulous job...I feel so blessed to have been able to witness it time and time again.
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