Laura B SS Chapter 12

Laura B
Chapter Summary: As human beings, we often try to come up with excuses for when things are not going exactly as planned or when a mistake is made. It can take a lot of humility to take responsibility for ourselves. However, learning to take responsibility is crucial if we are to become successful singers and successful in life in general. We must take responsibility for our voices, for the practice that we put in, for our repertoire, and for our preparedness in learning it. In taking responsibility for ourselves, we also must strive to be true to ourselves in every way and not compromise our standards. However, we also need to learn when to swallow our pride. When a composer or director says something that we may not agree with but in the long run will not be detrimental to us, we must learn to just bite our tongues and follow their instructions. We also must learn to say no when those instructions would put is in a place that would be harmful to our voices as well as our values and emotional well-being. When saying no, we must do so in a humble, gracious way. Preparedness is also another show of humility and respect for our colleagues, because it shows that we honor their time. No matter how long it may take for us too feel prepared, we need to make sure that we plan our time so that we will be prepared for the first rehearsal. We should also be kind and generous to our colleagues through seeking to help them. All in all, we should know and come to terms with the part that we play, and with humility, do our best in each role that we are given.
Key Concept: Taking responsibility for yourself is essential in finding your authentic self.
Key Terms: personal responsibility, la voce, preparedness,
Making Connections: This was a humbling chapter for me and a good reminder of why it is important to consistently be prepared for every part that we play in life. I know that I have missed out on opportunities simply because I was not prepared for them. I am making a goal with myself that I will be a consistently reliable and prepared person, in whatever responsibilities I am given.