Posts
"Being fascinated by the freedom of America, where all kinds of opportunities wait on ambition, I chose music, a field I have never exactly belonged to before" inform Yutaro Bannai, State University of New York at Geneseo.
 |
| Photo: The Japan News |
I found a poster for auditions for the Geneseo Chamber Singers. No, I had not previously cared for instruments, ensembles and orchestras. I also believed that music requires much knowledge and training from one’s childhood. So, it seemed totally impossible to begin to sing from college — but it turned out I was absolutely wrong. The poster said all interested students, even those who have no experience, are welcome regardless of their major and level. So, I decided to use this opportunity. Indeed, about half the students were novices.
The next day, I entered a waiting room for the audition and was astonished to see about 50 students there. The director, Dr. Gerard Floriano, asked me to sing the national anthem of America as a requirement! I was so bewildered that I could barely sing neither the lyrics nor the melody, so I thought my audition was over. But how gentle and benevolent he was! He understood I am an international student from Japan and allowed me to sing any songs I could, even Japanese songs. Two days later, I was so excited and pleased: I had passed the audition! Today, even if I am the only international student in the chamber choir and struggle to speak English well, I am one piece in the creation of a beautiful harmony, and not only for English songs, but in German, French, and Italian, too.
Read more...
Source: The Japan News
