Where Has the Summer Gone?

Ok, to be fair, I was on vacation for a week in the beautiful Smoky Mountains (and the chokingly hot Raleigh area), so maybe that's why it seems like the last week of the summer semester got here pretty fast. Still, I am a little bit boggled that we'll be starting a brand new Fall semester after Labor Day. That means I've been working for Singers Forum for 6 years! My first class, Voice Technique with Liz Russo, was in January of 2002. I got laid off from my event management job in 2003 and still wanted to take lessons, so I called up Margaret Curry (who was the registrar and Work/Study boss as well as almost everything else at SF back then) and she took me on to work the front desk. Eventually, as Margaret took more time off to work on her acting career, I came on as an employee. I made the mistake of letting the powers that be know that I had some computer skills, and the next thing you know, I was working full-time!

A lot has changed at Singers Forum since I walked through the doors at the old 19th Street location, but one thing that is really the same is the start to every new semester. New classes, new ideas, new students... there's always an air of anticipation, change, and growth. I love seeing new faces come through the door at Open House, as much as I enjoy getting calls from current and past students signing up for another session. I especially enjoy seeing people try many different teachers and their reactions to the different styles. Actually, you can do that at Open House for free.

You know, we've always had free one-on-one consultations, and I just took it for granted, until I told someone else that we do that. His eyes opened wide and he said. "You've got to let everyone know about that." I suppose that all of the things we do take for granted around here - our great space, really talented teachers, and relaxed environment - are actually our greatest assets! Sounds obvious when you write it out, but when you're in the thick of it, sometimes it's hard to see the forest for the trees.

Anyway, those are my thoughts for today. Hope to see you soon!