It was imperative that we had another Composers Club/Operation Smile Concert again this year, due to the amazing success it had in the past. Finding a time to have this concert was extremely difficult, as we were constantly bombarded by different arts and other events going on, which would decrease the importance, and attendance of the concert. For a while, it seemed as if it would not happen. But by the amazing work of my fellow Operation Smile and Composer Club peers, we managed to make it work, making even more money for surgeries than we did last year! I joined Operation Smile at the beginning of this year, as I had become extremely passionate about the club the previous year during the first Op Smile/ Composers Club concert (this is my second year in composers club). I believe strongly in the power of a smile, and how crucial smiles are to mood and the spreading of positivity and happiness, especially too children; smiles are pure beauty, something that everyone has and deserves ans should celebrate. Joining Operation Smile has also given me a chance to be a bridge of communication between both clubs; I am the only person a part of both clubs, so it's been nice to get the ambiance of both clubs. This also created some pressure as Operation Smile began to stress about the concert and asked me questions I wasn't sure of at the time. Fortunately everything worked out wonderfully.
Preparing for the concert was stressful, but fun. I got to work with the wonderfully talent Sofia on the piano and we performed Etta James' classic "At Last". I personally picked this song for its fame, as well as its beautiful feeling of success, overcoming, and new beginnings. The song is obviously romantic in nature, but in this case I interpreted it as the love one has for a child, whether it is yours or not. Children are valued and are a source of joy in society, and it feels imperative to protect them, and keep them happy; I think it is a beautiful thing that Operation Smile does that, and if we can somehow bring out that kindness in everyone through music, I think that is wonderful and it is something that I am proud to be a part of. Sofia and I practiced a lot, mainly focusing on keys and timing, which were the hardest things to coordinate. Ms.Lillis also gave me some great feedback about my voice and how to control it with this specific song. I spent numerous hours looking at the original by Etta James as well as studying Beyoncé's version of it in Cadillac Records; both women sing it in a different, powerful way, as there voices are different, and it was then I realized that I needed to make the song my own, rather than copying either style.
The performance was extremely successful. I was the last to perform which was quite intimidating, but once I got on stage I felt at ease. I was extremely moved by the audience, the song, and the thoughts of smiling children in my head. This song was for them, I wanted people to celebrate smiling, positivity, innocence and joy, everything good in the world. I was extremely happy singing this song, and hoped that it opened up peoples hearts.
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