Music memories

Music plays an important part of my life.

I recall the neighbor lady who mom and dad would hire to babysit us on occasion. Once they left for the evening she would put on the soundtrack to Doctor Zhivago and sit on the couch and cry. I still hear that score and can see this sad, lonely woman sitting there sobbing.

Mom gave me the soundtrack to Fiddler on the Roof one year for Christmas. I remember the amazing thrill the french horns gave me during the L'Chaim section. I've probably performed in over 100 performances of this show (at various theaters) and I still get the same thrill.

I was assistant director for a production of The Marriage of Figaro as a student a KU. I remember a dress rehearsal when I heard the full orchestra live for the first time and how enchanted I was. To this day, if I hear the overture, I have to find a copy and hear the whole show. Please don't play the overture for me! (It's over 4 hours of music!)

Also at KU--I played Pirelli in Sweeney Todd. To this day it remains one of my most favorite musical theater memories.

I know almost every song that Stephen Sondheim has written. Sunday in the Park with George changed my life. I still hear the main arpeggio and I am swept away to that amazing place that only Sondheim can take me.

I sang over 13 years with a lovely church choir in Wichita. How lucky I was to get exposed to a rich repertoire of meaningful music.

Just a few amazing memories.....and now, I make more, with a new choir....in a new place.

PAX!