This may not seem like a big deal to some but, to me, it is.

A few months ago, my music director asked me if I was planning to join in for this Christmas show called The Seven Noels. I had seen an email prior to that asking for interest but it led me to believe that only members of the choir were needed for it. Was I wrong! I immediately told him I would and the countdown began.

To play Meymandi Concert Hall was, quite possibly, a once-in-a-lifetime experience for me. Opened in 2001, the venue is the home of the North Carolina Symphony and has featured a number of incredible performers, including Renée Fleming, Yo-Yo Ma, and Randall Goosby.

The concert featured a host of choir members accompanied by a beautiful orchestra from folks in the community. There was a mixture of carols and a performance of the holiday classic “Sleigh Ride” prior to a 13-piece cantata written and conducted by Pepper Choplin. The evening was filled with stunningly beautiful music that, I hope, filled audience members with joy for the holiday season. You definitely missed out if you were not there!

I’ve attended many performances as a patron of the symphony but never performed on that stage. While sitting in the violet colored seats of Meymandi, I would find myself daydreaming the chance of being a member of the symphony at some point in my life. It’s pretty doubtful I would ever make it so this is most likely as close as I’ll get. And this was a true concert as well, complete with your boy all dressed up in a suit and bow tie.

I’m forever grateful to my music director, Pepper Choplin, and the outstanding folks at Duke Energy Center for the Performing Arts for inviting us to perform. This experience is one that will never be forgotten.