Well, I can say I had a very fun weekend! As I mentioned in my last blog post, I had a performance on Friday night! Long story short, I dressed in traditional Sicilian wear, and sang my heart out to Italian and Sicilian songs. And I have to say...this is the most fun I've had singing/doing anything musical in a long time.
While I enjoyed my undergrad immensely, I almost felt like something was missing. I was in a choir all of my four years, I participated in some shows, and I volunteered as much as I could just to be a part of music! But, I never really felt happy or fulfilled. I started my degree with the intention to one day be a famous singer! (I was 18...what did you expect!?) As I continued through my four years, I found that I considered singing a chore, and didn't really give it my all. I finished my degree, came home...and that brings us to now.
A few months after my return from Queen's, I joined a Sicilian Folksong group. And you know what? I love it. I get to be with people who share in my culture, and who love the songs just as much as I do! For the first time in a long time, I'm singing for me, and I'm loving every minute of it! I took note of that as I stood on that stage last Friday night, in front of a crowd of over 500 people. I was singing for me, and not because I absolutely had to. I found the joy that I had been missing towards the end of my undergraduate career.
So...what were the benefits of my performance? First, it got my blood racing. I'm not one to get stage fright, and instead, being in front of a crowd gives me a huge rush. I was confident that night, again, something I haven't been with my singing for a long time. Second, it boosted my mood. I'm not saying that I was grumpy before the performance, but it raised my spirits and energized me. (By the end of the night, my face hurt and I STILL couldn't stop smiling). And third, it made other people smile! I was in a room full of people who either travelled from Italy, or whose parents had, to find a better life here in Canada. I was singing songs of their youth; songs that engaged them and brought back wonderful memories. (I loved being a part of something as special as that!)
All in all. It was a wonderful experience for me, for the other members in the group, and for all who attended the event. I really do believe that music can bring people together and create a positive experience. Being a part of that group really solidified how much I love music, and how badly I want to teach people how wonderful music is!
As for the next few days...I will be sending out a quick music survey to some of my former music colleagues, and extracting data from that. Additionally, I will be consulting resources (articles, books, studies) to determine what the benefits of playing an instrument can be. All of this should be wrapped up within the next two weeks or so, so I know that there will be a lot of work ahead of me!
Can't wait to let you know how this all progresses!
Until next time...Happy Blogging and Tech-ing!
 |
| Personal Collection (2016). Me and my sister in traditional Sicilian wear! |
No comments:
Post a Comment