The holly and the ivy
When they are both full grown
Of all trees that are in the wood
The holly bears the crown
What? You don’t still have your elementary-school recorder?
Many people assume that those of us who stand in front of people and perform have never had to deal with nerves and the like. That we were just born with this “look at me” gene. Well, not necessarily. At least not for me. I suppose there may be some predisposition, but I believe that confidence can also be nurtured. Consider this.
I grew up in Nashville, the capital of the state of Tennessee. When I was in the 4th grade our governor was future state Senator Lamar Alexander and our music class was invited to play at the Governor’s Mansion during a holiday open house. The class would sing a Christmas carol, with a select few accompanying the singers on RECORDER. (I know, right?!).
I was chosen to be one of the elite recorder players (recordists?). I was really nervous about it. I didn’t know anything about particularly about Alexander. I just figured that he was a famous person and he lived in a MANSION!
The night before the performance, I remember going through the McDonald’s drive-thru with my dad and he told me how the governor puts his pants on one leg at a time. I didn’t know what my dad was trying to say, but I thought it was funny to think about SUCH A FAMOUS PERSON in his underwear getting dressed.
We talked more over milkshakes about what this meant. It ended up being very helpful and I absolutely ROCKED “The Holly and the Ivy” in front of the governor. In his properly-worn trousers. I was sure to check.
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