Chapter Five: Auditioning for the Queen

So now I started to get the scoop. I was getting all the official info on Sweet Adelines International, about contest every year in Philly, about the regular schedule of events and performances the chorus had. And also getting the info on this new entity of Harmony Celebration.

My next big step would be my audition into the chorus. The two songs I had to learn were If I Give My Heart to You and How Many Hearts Have You Broken? (which I would later come to find out are some of the most popular songs in the organization.) Just to give you a taste of my madness you should know that I listed to the bass learning tracks so many times that when Sabrina and Steph went to audition, they basically had to un-learn the bass, and then work on their parts.

And then came the fateful night, the night of my audition (dum dum duuumm!!) To be honest, I was so nervous that I'm not even sure who sang in my audition quartet. I want to say it was Faith on tenor, but I could be lying and it might have been Audrey or Alice. I think Ms Peggy Bastone was singing lead, but theres a chance it was Jean. And as for who sang baritone? Umm, Donna maybe oh jeeze, I was standing next to the tenor, so the bari was on the other side of the world from me. And then of course there was my very own bass section leader who listened to me, the one - the only (my favorite two time Queen) Ms Jeannie Froelich.

It was, as I'm sure any barber-shopper could tell you, the longest and fastest few minutes of my life (much like a contest set, eh?) But much to my delighted surprise I passed! Ms Jeannie informed me that I had made it through and done a wonderful job. I couldn't believe it, I passed my audition the first time out?!!? It just goes to show you that hard work pays off, that we're always getting better... or maybe just that I lucked right out - but I was thrilled!

At the next rehearsal I was presented with my official Harmony Celebration Name Tag in front of the whole chorus by President Pat and given a big hug and a standing round of applause. Now thats what I call a welcome! {It should also be noted then I then proceeded to wear that name tag on everything I wore for a week straight}