When the Spotlight Finds You Unprepared: Knowing Your Musical Strengths
Hi beautiful and amazing Hive lovers!
Can we talk?
Ok, so how do you feel about singing in a concert that you did not prepare for? Probably because the information got to you late, you will be anchoring the song, or you could not flow with the choice of song due to its genre. I guess you will feel terrible, while I felt worse. This was exactly how I felt during the weekend.
You know, being in the spotlight is every person’s dream, but it is best the spotlight meets you in a prepared state. Just last week I went for choir rehearsal ahead of the Sunday program we have in my church; seeing that my place was a bit far, I got there late, and as a way to discipline me, the choir director instructed me to stand for 15 minutes. Before now, the songs we were to minister were uploaded on the choir social media group; unfortunately, I did not download nor listen to them—meaning whatever they are singing, it is my first time hearing them.
While the rehearsal was ongoing, it was obvious that I do not know the song nor what part I am to sing as a tenor brother. Immediately my choir director spotted me and asked me to stand. Shamelessly, I told him the truth, and it was already in his mind to give me the lead role for the ministration. At this moment I knew that I may end up disgracing both myself and the choir. This is the Saturday rehearsal we are talking about, ahead of Sunday ministration.
The lead role was not my problem because certainly I can listen and learn the song all night, but the choice of song, key, and arrangement of the song was not my kind of niche. I struggled singing along during the rehearsal. The key was too high for me (which is not an excuse for a professional singer, though). I tried all I could but ended up looking like a helpless slain lamb.
This would be my biggest opportunity, standing in the midst of everyone to minister the song, but I did not stand the chance of seeing myself not being at my best. I decided to talk with the choir director after the rehearsal in regard to the choice of song and key. He told me he already thought of someone else before I came to meet him; certainly it has nothing to do with my self-esteem nor charisma. As a musician or singer, we need to understand or know our strength in music. Are you into hip-hop, reggae, Afro, etc.? Just find a niche that spells you out. Sometimes we don’t need to please someone over the detriment of tarnishing our reputation.
I save myself from the spotlight that gives a different perception of me. Yes! A singer, but what kind of singer am I?