Singing for My ...

I landed in Dublin this morning at 8:10 a.m.; an hour early. I was surprisingly wide-eyed for having slept only a few hours. The first destination upon arrival was immigration. I was well prepared for this experience, having read the the University of Limerick's handbook for international students quite thoroughly. I had all my documents organized in folders, contents labeled on the front, in anticipation of requests for proof of acceptance to the University of Limerick and documentation of how I was going to "keep myself" for the year.

This information was at my fingertips. I easily produced the letter of acceptance, along with proof of tuition payment and my income statements. I had my picture taken by one of those high mounted cameras that takes you at angles that are not flattering to anyone. I tried to look down, not up. The immigration official then asked several questions about the MA Ritual Chant and Song program. He had never heard of it. What did it entail? How much was the tuition and so forth? He then asked me if I knew any Gregorian chants! I offered up Salve Regine, which I had learned for my March audition. And then... he actually asked me to sing it. Why not. I was totally into the immigration moment and so standing at the booth, with a line of people behind me anxiously awaiting their turn, I sang, without hesitation a few lines of Salve Regina. That was it. The agent was convinced it was for real, nodded his approval, conceded that it wasn't bad for so early in the morning, stamped my passport, and waved me on. Before I knew it I had officially stepped into Ireland, having publicly performed my first chant and having sung for my supper!

I arrived at my hotel in central Dublin about 10 a.m. I am excited, over joyed to be here, and I feel truly blessed for the opportunity to fulfill my heart's passion for chant and my lifetime dream of earning a music degree. The Universe has lovingly conspired to bring it all together and I am so grateful.

Stay tuned!