If I had a prize...

The "guess what instrument Alana used to play" contest has resulted in a tie: Albone and Shawn were both equally close (but slightly too specific!). I was a percussionist from the ages of about eleven through eighteen, with some relapses here and there. I've trained on everything from snare drum to bass to vibraphone to marimba, and marched for several years with either the bells or the glockenspiel. Honestly, if I could afford to keep playing, I would--I loved creating music on those instruments, keyboard percussion and timpani in particular. When I think about the skill I used to have--all of which is now ten years out of practice, and am sad that I didn't make the opportunities to pursue them further. As it is, it's easier to carry around your equipment as a singer, and sadly, I haven't done much of that lately either.

One of my voice instructors, the illustrious (and influential on my life) director and composer Jerry Custer, made a point of saying how making music is good for the soul. I think telling stories is good for the soul, too--but perhaps I ought to make a bit more effort to try to do both!