Watching “Emmet Otter’s Jug Band Christmas” last night, it sparked a memory from a number of years ago.
Over the years, I have reluctantly found myself on stage in a performance of some kind or another. I say reluctantly because I do not just have stage fright, I get stage terror.
I can only remember a very few times that I was on a stage solo, which was particularly terrifying to me. Groups are somewhat less terrifying; especially if I can hide in the back.
But the memory that was sparked by “Emmet Otter” was one while I was a part of the Rochester Women’s Community Chorus. I don’t remember which song it was, but I played a rub board on the song during one of our concerts.
Over the years, I have been in school bands, and a few chorus groups but never given any speeches or been in a play or musical; and while music has always been a part of my life in one way or another, performing before a crowd has never been a goal.
I was just seven years old the first time I was supposed to sing as a part of a group; but never made it because I was so nervous, I got sick. I knew then that performing was not going to be my forte.
While somewhat less of an anxiety, I have also danced on stage. I’m not sure what prompted that particular insanity; but I entered a talent contest. Dancing was easier to get lost in the music and to rather ignore anything but the music and the dance.
I have many friends who are musicians and performers and will gladly leave any appearances on a stage…or even on the street to them.
feature photo credit: “Emmet Otter’s Jug Band Christmas” Facebook page