Notes From Alaska: Sara's Singing Debut!

Since last August both Bill & I have become heavily involved in Sara's ice skating club, the Anchorage Figure Skating Club. Bill is actually sits on the board as the Vice President and I acted as the Co-Chair for advertising & solicitation. The AFSC has put on this annual Fur Rondy On Ice Show for over 42 years now. This show features local amateur talent, in addition to bringing in professional guest skaters. This show is quite a production and can only exist through the help of volunteers and donations. It amazed us both the work involved in making this large 5 show - 3 day event happen. Just to give you an idea, this show takes over $37 K to put on. Truly amazing.

Every year the Ice show has a different theme....this year the theme was entitled "Dreams". This was Sara's second year performing in the show. This year she appeared in the opening number, her group number and also the finale. In addition to this, Sara was given the opportunity of singing our National Anthem for all 5 shows. How this happen, was Bill & I were talking amongst ourselves trying to come up with ideas as to who we could get to sing the anthem...and Sara turned to us and asked if she could sing it. She knew it would be a bit scary, but she really wanted to help out the club and contribute if they could not find anyone else. So one evening she auditioned (all stuffed up of course as she was getting over a cold) and sang her little heart out to the board members. They looked at one another...and said YES; lets let her sing.

Sara has had absolutely no formal training with singing. She sings in the bathroom, sings to the guinea pig and just sings to sing. The only thing we did for her was arranged with her school music teacher, Ms. Spackman to practice pitch and tone with Sara about 1 day a week for 10 minutes, one month before the show. That was it.

She literally blew people away and many were amazed with her range for such a young kid. Not to mention her inner courage and bravery to get up in front of 300+ people for each of the 5 shows was an accomplishment in itself. I cried of course the first time she sang it. I would offer her water, hugs and words of encouragement prior to her singing...but sadly after the first time...she looked at me and said..."OK Mom I'm going go sing now"...and she was off, leaving her poor emotional Mommy.

Below are several pictures from the show, ending with the video that I was able to download. RE: The Video...not the best clarity, but the sound is OK. You can enlarge the screen if need be. Turn UP your speakers and enjoy.

GREAT JOB SARA!!! We are so proud of you:)