When moving to the south, snow was not something that I expected to happen quite so often as in the midwest. Two and a half snow days, eight inches of snow and the realization that every business in Greensboro shuts down for snow later, my expectations are officially shattered.
Before the big snow I had the great opportunity to sing in the chorus for Il Barbiere di Siviglia with Greensboro Opera. Getting to share a stage with guys like Andrew Owens and David Pershall was a much needed experience. The whole cast of principles were not only extremely talented musicians, but genuinely good people and great role models for young singers. Seeing how these people who make music all over the world treat others is a great reminder for me that this business is not about impressing people. Impressing people does not make a difference in people's lives, making art, however, does. It's very easy to get burnt out from all the practicing, rehearsals, languages and classes (especially in academia), but being able to create with these great performers was a great refresher for me going into the new semester.
As I am through the second week of this semester (albeit a short two weeks) I am excited to start work with UNCG Opera Theatre's production of Die Zauberflöte. Through this excitment, I find myself battling impatience, always wanting to be one or two (or five) steps ahead. I feel like in this world it is an easy thing to get caught up in, never living in the present. I stumbled upon this quote and I think I'll end this post with it.
"You must live in the present, launch yourself on every wave, find your eternity in each moment."
- Henry David Thoreau