Reality Bites

It is always a healthy thing to have a reality check once in a while, and recently the Indianapolis Children's Choir experienced a good one. We made the decision to participate in Indianapolis Downtown Inc.'s Circle of Lights program this year. I thought of the audition as a mere formality.

Last week, a nicely worded letter from the Indy Downtown folks informed me otherwise. Lo and behold, we did NOT make the cut.

A qualifier is needed: I was told it was best to audition in person, but they would certainly accept a CD in lieu of our choir being present. Our reputation spoke volumes, and the organizers understood the logistical issues we routinely face in gathering a choir together. So we selected some holiday songs and sent a CD on its way.

Our rejection letter spoke about the record number of acts that auditioned this year, as well as the concerns of staging an outdoor event. I'm sure the thought of herding an entire choir on and off a small stage quickly gave the organizers thoughts of how many things could go wrong on live TV!)

As busy as our singers are during the holidays, this decision, although it stings a little, is probably for the best. My brief interaction with the Circle of Lights process brought a new appreciation for the organizers of this event.

To all the performers who DID make the cut - break a leg! The Indianapolis Children's Choir wishes you all the best! Without a single ounce of jealousy.