Ithink music definitely is a big part of my life, as I say in the first video. I perform in theatrical shows all the time, I listen to my Ipod all the time, and I watch music-based TV shows, such as Glee. I listen to a lot of different types of music, varying from operas and musicals to pop and hip-hop. Probably half the music I have, the singer doesn't really have any talent. I just find it a great beat to dance to (that's something I really enjoy to do too) and so I get it. I've been buying a lot more great songs though; songs with beautiful, luxurious voices singing and using their voices well. Such as Lea Michele, who, like I said in the video, was in the Original Broadway Cast of Spring Awakening as the main character Wendla or as Rachel in the new hit TV show Glee. 

 

I think opera comes as a bit of a surprise for most people, and actually not too many of my friends know how much I love it (then again, I don't think I've ever talked about it with anyone). It's just something that's a passion of mine. I actually remember seeing Carmen for the first time at Opera Theater when I was 10 years old and I fell asleep because the person in front of me was really tall. I woke up near the end of the 3rd act and the show was over. At least the tickets were free. I saw it last summer when my sister performed in it and stayed awake the entire time. But, not including Carmen, I have really enjoyed opera, like I said in the video. La Boheme is a classic. There are many other great ones out there, I'm sure; I find it very funny that some famous movies, books, and plays have been put into opera form, such as Romeo and Juliet, Beauty and the Beast, and Hansel and Gretel. They end up being really great too. But, favorites include La Boheme, Madame Butterfly, and Anne Karenina. 

 
As a person growing up in the fine arts with theater and all that, it comes as no surprise that I enjoy musicals. Sure, I do have my share of those I strongly dislike (Annie Get Your Gun) and those that I really love (Jesus Christ Superstar) and then there are those in between, but whatever the case, I always love to go see a show at the Muny or wherever. I love performing in them more though and if I could perform in every single show I could, but that is impossible, seeing as how there are at least 10 shows every weekend and I could not do that many shows at one time. But, whatever, anyway, I really enjoy musical theater.


 I think some stuff I didn't talk about was how music is a big part of my faith. I attend youth group every week or so, and we always have music at the masses and at the prayer nights. I really think the music helps me get into the Mass because it's catchy and it's directed towards the Lord. Double Win! I definitely really enjoy a few songs below by some really great Christian artists, such as Casting Crowns and Matt Redman. They really inspire me and make me think twice about my career choice: do I want to sing on Broadway, sing opera, or sing for the Lord? Honestly, right now, it's a difficult choice, even though it seems fairly obvious. I know God will lead me in the right direction though and tell me what's right for me to do. Maybe I'm not even supposed to sing at all. But, it doesn't stop me from doing it ever. 

 

 Often, this wonder and awe saves me. I get caught up in the stress of daily life so much that I forget the beauty of it all. Theater reminds me when that happens. It helps me catch up with life. 


The…below links are some links that I really think help show what I find wonder and awe in....…

 As Long As You're Mine - Wicked Original Broadway Cast https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z4tWBetHvsA

 East to West - Casting Crowns https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WyoVJfADlwo

Who Am I - Casting Crowns https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CT7x3VnrqbA

 Give Me Your Eyes - Brandon Heath https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OihvG607W-c

 Hold My Hand - Adam Bitterhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TMOyMr66YRE

More Than Anyone - Gavin DeGraw https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=obcWyK_u9vg

Never Say Never - The Fray https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hzXUy0nljEw

 Outside Looking In - Jordan Pruitt https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rKg_yzoCzRU

 You Never Let Go - Matt Redman https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SIAdgLR1ZGw

 Preview of La Boheme http://www.opera-stl.org/VIDEO/MEDIA-Boh-Trailer.html