The last 8 months
It's hard to believe that it has been almost 8 months since I have written anything here. So much has happened, yet I haven't recorded my thoughts. Some may be for the best as opinions have changed over time. That might also be a shame. Well, I'm going to try and catch up now, at least a bit.
The last thing I wrote was that I was getting ready to head to Milwaukee. Well, at the end of September, I did just that. My car was packed with all of my things and I left Memphis. The drive was quite boring through Illinois. I knew there would be corn, but not that much. I stayed with a friend for a couple of days before moving into the condo I've called home for the last 8 months. It's a nice building, though walking through the halls reminds anyone of The Shining. Even a murder story to go along with the thought.
It has been a nice place to live. Hell, it's been fantastic. I didn't have to pay for rent and housekeeping came once a week to clean up, change my sheets and bring fresh towels. It's been a little like heaven. There are plenty of cheap places to eat in the area. Being near a college campus helps that. I was very happy in my new environment and ready for my new job.
I don't remember what I've said previously about what I was going to do in Milwaukee, so I'll say it again. I moved here to be a young artist. Well, studio artist. Not that I know the difference. It's basically an apprentice. It's the stage between school and being a professional. I came to have the opportunity to perform on a regular basis and learn about being an opera singer. There was a large audition process of which I was one of four people chosen for the program.
The three others have been fun and interesting to work with. Some personalities are meant to go together and some aren't. I think that we all did the best we could to have fun and enjoy singing together. There have been laughs and tears, glares and smiles. Overall, it has been a great experience being here. I have learned a lot through all of the performances. We did concerts, galas, children's outreach programs as well as hours of coaching and training.
Unfortunately, it wasn't all positive. Most of the people I had to work with were very passive-aggressive. This lead to several misunderstandings and talking behind others backs. Also, feedback was a rarity. Not that I am tinkerbell and need constant applause to stay alive, but some constructive criticism would be nice. I also had 4 bosses. Each one in charge of different aspects of my job. This was only really frustrating because it became more of a power struggle rather than utilizing us. Some of the issues throughout the year were resolved, but many of them glazed over.
We recently were told who is and is not coming back. We all reapplied for the program, but knew that we may not get back in. At first, I really wanted the offer, but as time went on, doubt entered my mind. By the time they were going to make the announcement, I decided I did not want to return. Their comments during the one-on-one meeting confirmed my feelings. They gave me a miniature evaluation, but also said I would not be appropriate for next season. It took a lot of stress off of my shoulders. I really didn't want to have to turn them down, but I know I have to do what is best for me.
So, with that, I am moving back to New Jersey. This time, I am going to Jersey City. A couple of friends had a room open up not too long before I realized I didn't want to come back next year. I have a place to live starting the middle of June and hopefully a good word for a job waiting tables. I know, it's not singing, but it will pay the bills. Being close to New York City is what I need right now for training, for auditioning and for performing.
Well, I've written a lot for now. I don't want to write about everything at once. Got to save some for tomorrow. But I do hope to start writing more on here. I know I need to write more about the last 8 months, but just need to write more in general. I hope everyone is well. I look forward to seeing my Jersey peeps soon.
The last thing I wrote was that I was getting ready to head to Milwaukee. Well, at the end of September, I did just that. My car was packed with all of my things and I left Memphis. The drive was quite boring through Illinois. I knew there would be corn, but not that much. I stayed with a friend for a couple of days before moving into the condo I've called home for the last 8 months. It's a nice building, though walking through the halls reminds anyone of The Shining. Even a murder story to go along with the thought.
It has been a nice place to live. Hell, it's been fantastic. I didn't have to pay for rent and housekeeping came once a week to clean up, change my sheets and bring fresh towels. It's been a little like heaven. There are plenty of cheap places to eat in the area. Being near a college campus helps that. I was very happy in my new environment and ready for my new job.
I don't remember what I've said previously about what I was going to do in Milwaukee, so I'll say it again. I moved here to be a young artist. Well, studio artist. Not that I know the difference. It's basically an apprentice. It's the stage between school and being a professional. I came to have the opportunity to perform on a regular basis and learn about being an opera singer. There was a large audition process of which I was one of four people chosen for the program.
The three others have been fun and interesting to work with. Some personalities are meant to go together and some aren't. I think that we all did the best we could to have fun and enjoy singing together. There have been laughs and tears, glares and smiles. Overall, it has been a great experience being here. I have learned a lot through all of the performances. We did concerts, galas, children's outreach programs as well as hours of coaching and training.
Unfortunately, it wasn't all positive. Most of the people I had to work with were very passive-aggressive. This lead to several misunderstandings and talking behind others backs. Also, feedback was a rarity. Not that I am tinkerbell and need constant applause to stay alive, but some constructive criticism would be nice. I also had 4 bosses. Each one in charge of different aspects of my job. This was only really frustrating because it became more of a power struggle rather than utilizing us. Some of the issues throughout the year were resolved, but many of them glazed over.
We recently were told who is and is not coming back. We all reapplied for the program, but knew that we may not get back in. At first, I really wanted the offer, but as time went on, doubt entered my mind. By the time they were going to make the announcement, I decided I did not want to return. Their comments during the one-on-one meeting confirmed my feelings. They gave me a miniature evaluation, but also said I would not be appropriate for next season. It took a lot of stress off of my shoulders. I really didn't want to have to turn them down, but I know I have to do what is best for me.
So, with that, I am moving back to New Jersey. This time, I am going to Jersey City. A couple of friends had a room open up not too long before I realized I didn't want to come back next year. I have a place to live starting the middle of June and hopefully a good word for a job waiting tables. I know, it's not singing, but it will pay the bills. Being close to New York City is what I need right now for training, for auditioning and for performing.
Well, I've written a lot for now. I don't want to write about everything at once. Got to save some for tomorrow. But I do hope to start writing more on here. I know I need to write more about the last 8 months, but just need to write more in general. I hope everyone is well. I look forward to seeing my Jersey peeps soon.