So, I went to a Celtic Thunder concert this past weekend- it was amazing, great stage/lighting, great acoustics, looked like they were really having a great time performing. Anyway, I have always loves performing in front of people from ballet shows for the local telethon, dance recitals, singing in school talent shows, doing plays for competitions and just for audiences-I love it all so much, and honestly, on the stage is where I feel most that I belong up there. It's such a rush to hear the crowd cheering and applauding and know-'hey, they're doing that for me, for us!' I love at the end of months and months of rehearsals and stress and tears and fights, after and during that one show, my biggest so far-500 people, it was absolutely surreal to be performing for all the people, I love to see everything come together and at that moment, a standing O is the very best feeling, feels like I'm on top of the world and can do anything at all.

But, I recently moved to a bigger city-more chances to perform, right? Wrong. One of the theatre companies in town has a $900 sign up fee, Nd with 3 siblings who all have activites, that is very unrealistic and too expensive. At school, I take drama, but we do nothing at all! Irks me because I want to perform, and everyone else just goofs off and dosen't want to do anything. I dance but our show isn't till next May.

Above all other types of performing, I love to sing. I'm not bad, not the best professional sounding person but I can defiantly carry a tune. Singing helps me get through the tough times, sad times, it's what I cling to-singing and music. I have never taken voice lessons, too expensive. I have not seen any opportunity to sing for people at all in my area. I perfumed with my church's choir on Sundays for eight years as a little girl. I just want to be able to show everyone why I am so passionate about singing, show them how music can heal the hurt. After seeing the show this past weekend, I felt something I didn't expect to feel-I felt envious of the performers that they were able to do what they love and that I can't also have the chance to share my same dream with people.

How can I find a way to show people this other side of me that I seldom let them see?

Does your school have any chorus classes? Also, I know that a lot of schools around here have A Capella groups too, so maybe you could join one of those.

No, my school does not have any type of vocal performances/groups.

What about putting up some flyers around town for musicians or other singers and try to get a little performance group of your own going?

Call up coffee shops and the like and see if you can put together small performance.

Are there any open mike nights in your area?

Community choirs! My city has tons for youth and yours might too. They are great opportunities for relatively inexpensive vocal training, chances to perform, and even travel and that kind of thing. This is a great time of year to look for them, too, because almost all choirs will do a Christmas concert of some kind.

Two in my city, for example:
www.kokopellichoir.com
www.cantilonchoirs.ca

If you feel comfortable and you'd like to let me know where you're located, I might be able to tell you what's available for you in your area, as I've got a lot of resources in the choral community.

Start up an act and find out if different churches, charities, festivals, whatever, would like entertainment.