Chuck Kane Memorial Golf Outing
Attending Northeastern Illinois University has opened my mind and my world! So, when Madeline Nelson, Associate Director of Development, approached me to contribute an OperaGram.com® in Person to an auction on the Annual Chuck Kane Golf Outing that benefits one of its many scholarships, I jumped at the chance.
The highest bidder arranged for me to deliver a birthday greeting to an elementary school Principal during recess. The first thing I heard a child shout was “Look! A Viking!”.
Screaming ensued like I’ve heard only at an Adam Lambert concert as I walked across the playground to the Principal. It was recess, after all 😉
We all sang at the top of our lungs. When I asked who among the kids wanted to be an opera singer, they all screamed again – all but one, that is, who said “not me!”.
One of the teachers commented on how amazing she thought it was that anyone’s singing could be heard over so much screaming. Who knew a solid vocal technique would carry my voice on a playground without electronic amplification?
Getting out of the playground was challenging as the children pressed up against me. I thought of jumping over them like a rock star in a mosh pit, but thought my operatic weight would crush them. So, I fist-bumped my way out like I was running for public office. It worked!
Next elementary school delivery, I hope to find a pair of the glamorous ear plugs Adam Lambert wears on stage.
I laughed about the delivery it all the way home.