Learning to Sing

28 Learning to Sing I've always enjoyed singing, but I'm very shy. So when I heard that our church needed a female singer for the choir, I thought, " This is my chance to be a singer, but as part of a crowd. " I didn't want to be in the spotlight. But once we got started, the choir master said we would have a few practices, and then I would have to do a solo. The word “ solo" sent chills down my spine. I had been nervous all week about having to sing in front of these other singers. The night of the first practice, my mouth was dry and my stomach was in knots. I felt as if I might be sick. I saw the church, but I couldn't go in. When I got home, I said to my mother, " I don't want to be in some silly choir. " My mother knew I was lying. That night after dinner, I was doing the dishes with my father, and the doorbell rang. It was our choir leader. “ Cathy, " she said, “ if you won't come to me, I'll come to you! Put down that dish towel and come over here. "

She sat down and gave me the music. At first, I sounded like a croaking frog. I took a drink. “ Louder, " she said with a smile. I took a deep breath. She said, “ Don't let your fear keep you from being all you can be. " That made me think. Finally, I let it all out. I sang loudly and clearly. I was amazed. I had never sung in front of a person before. It felt really good. “ Cathy, " the choir leader said. “ I have some good news and some bad news. The good news is that you're part of the choir. The bad news is that you will be the soloist. You're too good to be in the back. Can you do it?" My stomach tightened into a knot, but deep down, I was happy. I had taken a big step in my life and it was because of singing. “ Yes, I can do it, " I said. And I was right. I could.