Date sent: Thu, 20 Jan 2000 18:00:42 EST
Subject: Re:Depressed in Miami, et al....
To: vocalist
Send reply to: VOCALIST <vocalist>

OK, I'm becoming less of a lurker and more of a participant to this list.
Some of these posts are absolutely irresistable. Here comes another true cab
driver story(yawn)
In 1978 I was sent to Symphony Hall in Boston to pick up Arthur Fiedler. He
was going home, and did not live far from there in Brookline. Despite his
reputation as a curmudgeon, I took the chance and engaged him in
conversation, first asking him about the Fourth of July concert(this was in
March) and then about his TV commercial, just small talk.
Somehow the conversation turned to whether or not I had any musical talent(if
you hear my speaking voice, it gets rather obvious) and I told him I sang. He
asked me if I was currently studying and I told him I wasn't at the time. He
asked my age, I told him 24(see where this story is going yet?). He asked me
if I had any plans for a career in singing, and I told him I was seriously
considering it. Here comes the punch line....
He said "You'd better get on your HORSE then."
Point is , there is a consensus of opinion ,especially in the older members
of the musical community, that if you want a professional career in music you
better start young. That does not, however, excuse the behavior of the
educator who IMNSHO is stepping on the dreams of a young student. He should
be shot and pi**ed on.
Depressed- don't let one idiot change your goals and dreams . Smile and move
on to someone who does want to help you.

Richard Meredith
Baritone extrordinaire
Quincy, MA