Roxi’s first big audition
japra | Mar 19, 2009 | Comments 18
Roxi has an audition this afternoon. It’s in London for a prestigious music university that offers Saturday classes for youths. She’s trying out for the 2009-10 school year*, by the way.
We got the letter for this audition about a month ago, the same day we saw Carmen. What timing, right? We get home from seeing one of the word’s most popular operas in one of the finest theatres in London and waiting for us inside the mail slot is a letter for Roxi’s voice audition. Excitement! How thrilling! Yikes! Only three weeks to prepare two songs and a poetry reading!
Roxi has worked hard with her voice teacher to polish up two songs. We’re trying not to be nervous, but the nerves are there. Luckily Roxi has some experience in channeling that kind of adrenaline into energy for performances. And she is looking at this more as a small performance, rather than an audition, which somehow makes it better for her. Me, I’d rather just hide under a pillow. I’m learning a lot from her. In some ways, she’s a lot smarter–and braver–than I.
*Now I know you are thinking: ‘Didn’t she say they might be moving to another country?’ Yes, but remember, it’s not for certain. ;-) We applied for this audition before we knew about our potential move (but knew there was a good chance we might be moving into Central London this summer). I asked Roxi if she wanted to cancel the audition. She said wanted to do it anyway just in case we don’t move and also for the experience. Nerves of steel, that girl.
About the Author: JaPRA is an expat Texan living in England with her husband (Mr. DJ), their 17-year old daughter (Roxi), and their dog Trudy.
Go Roxi Go!
My son once played a solo piece in front of his whole school – I would have had a heart attack but he just nailed it – where did these kids come from?
Jeepers – I got nervous just reading this post!
Nerves do get in the way. You can’t avoid it. My daughter is sitting her piano exams today as I write and I can’t wait to call my wife up to find out it all went. My son sat his piano exams last year for grade four and I was pacing the hall outside the examination room like a maniac. I wish your daughter the best of luck.
Many thanks.
Greetings from London.
I’m echoing Emm’s thoughts. Good luck to Roxi, sounds like it would be great just for the experience. Wow.
What what a time of stress, you must be so proud of your daughter. When my daughter performs, she studies vocals in high school, I feel as if I'm going through it all with her…but too much…I have to learn to disconnect and just let her have her own experience. Roxi is the best! How brave to go forward eventhough the move may take place. Excellent spirit! <3
Best of luck Roxi. Hope you are awarded a place. Japra you must be very proud !
Break a leg, Roxi! What a great opportunity. I hope all goes well.
I miss my days of studying piano, but I’m not sorry to be done with performing in front of judges!
Break a leg Roxi!!!!!1
Julia–Our children are brave and amazing.
Emm–I’m glad it’s done! The first one is always the hardest.
A Cuban in London–I know your daughter will do well! Roxi sits her first ever drama exam later this month and her first ever voice exam in May. She’s done piano exams before in the states, but I think the level exams are harder here.
Christine–Yes, it really was something. Just the warm up was intense!
Cynthia–Thank you! I am glad to know I am not the only one who feels like this. I am generally ok with the school productions. It’s the unknown that are scary. It usually is the case, isn’t it?!
Barbara–I am proud of my girl. She’s a wonderful person.
Anne–I think it was ok. She said the sight reading caused her a bit of trouble. She can do it, but she got nervous. Anyway, she said that she was glad that she did the audition, even if she doesn’t get in. She has two exams coming up before the end of school, so this audition was good experience.
Anonymous Friend–Thanks :-)
That is the kind of gumption it takes to be an amazing performer. Good luck to Roxi! She sounds amazing.
You guys are both amazing!
Out of the mouths of babes…and teenagers! Miss Roxi has no doubt added this to her amazing list of accomplishments and has now moved on to the next challenge. Nerves of steel, heart of gold, platinum brains! wooHOO! Mimsy
i’m so happy for her!
she seems like the only one in
the family who has enough guts to do that xD
Yay, Roxi!
Whether you stay or move to the Netherlands, it was a terrific experience for her. Thanks for sharing it with us.
My son will be auditioning next year when he hits high school. Do you think Roxi would be willing to share a few tips?
Alyson–I think so too!
Laurie–Thank you ;-)
Mimsy–Too sweet! Yes, I think just trying this will give her more confidence to tackle the next big thing.
Hannah–Yes, she really believes in herself. I’m taking notes!
Fantastic Forrest–I think she’d probably say (serious) practice makes perfect and “go for it”! Does your son act? Sing? Play an instrument? All of the above? I am totally loving all of these performers. It is so great for kids to get out there and show the world their talents, don’t you think? I think applause is an addicting thing, though. It’s one of the reasons Roxi prefers stage to film ;-)
Oh how wonderful! Great good wishes Roxi and break a leg.
Moannie–Thank you, you’re so kind :-)