Many years ago, I auditioned for a part in a musical at BYU where I was going to school. I picked as my audition piece, a song called, “Can’t Help Lovin’ Dat Man” from the musical “Showboat”. I had never seen the musical, and so, when my audition began, I was quite surprised when the accompanist wasn’t playing the music in the up-tempo, quick paced melody that I had envisioned. I was so thrown off, that I had to ask to have the accompanist begin again, and though I asked if she could play the song at a quicker tempo, I did terrible on my audition. I’m afraid a lot of the blame for my not getting the part, I attributed to that accompanist and her not being able to play at the right tempo for me.
Several years later, I watched the musical. I was dumbfounded when I heard the song I had sung years before. Instead of the up-tempo, catchy song that I had envisioned, it was instead a VERY slow dramatic song, and which, to be perfectly honest I didn’t care as much for. I finally understood why the accompanist had assumed I would want to go at a slower tempo.
Fast forward MANY years – This last week, I had the “opportunity” to play for the Middle School musical auditions. I was surprised when I was asked to play “Can’t help lovin’ dat man” for the girls’ auditions. It was so ironic. In addition to bringing up these old, forgotten memories, I got to play the song over a hundred times at every tempo you can possibly imagine. Each one sang it differently, and because of my previous experience, I made my best effort to stay with whatever tempo they started at. It wasn’t easy. I had to just laugh when I couldn’t get it quite right. I hoped they would forgive me when I wasn’t able to do it perfectly. Probably most of them were too nervous to even notice. I thought they all did great. It takes a lot of guts to get up there and audition.
I got to play for my son’s audition as well (though not that particular song!). He did great, and got to go to call backs on Friday. Tomorrow we’ll hear if he got a part. He says he’ll be happy even if he only makes it into the chorus this year, though of course he’d love a bigger part. He loves to perform just as much as me!
Lindy Kerby
Lindy Kerby is an Inspirational Speaker, Singer/Songwriter, and Mentor.
She has written or worked on over 300 songs and has three inspirational music albums. Lindy loves helping others discover the songs of their heart and help them find the hope, courage and confidence to share those songs with others. Lindy is mother to 7 children and has one beautiful grandbaby.