I couldn't believe I was invited to sing at the very first Portsea Carnival back in August. This was something brand new for me, and I was very excited for it. The carnival was organised by a group of mums as a way of bringing the community together. It started at the John Pounds Centre where everyone was dressed in their carnival outfits, dancing, laughing, drumming, before the actual parade started, and everyone, dressed in all their amazing costumes, began to move down the street.
I was going to perform once everyone had arrived back at the John Pounds Centre and I was asked do perform a twenty minute slot, so I looked through my repertoire. Well, no set of mine is complete without “Pie Jesu,” so of course I put that on the list, along with “O Mio Babbino Caro,” another favourite of mine. I wanted to have a bit of variety, so I put in “Music and Me” by Michael Jackson, one of my favourite songs from my all-time favourite singer, and I also added “Moon River” to my set as I was learning it, and it's one of my Mum's favourite songs, so I wanted to sing it for her.
The last song, also becoming a bit of a signature piece for me, was “Time To Say Goodbye,” I love ending my sets with this songs, as the crowd always seems to love it, and I love singing the long, high note at the end.
As well as practising every day, I picked out a nice dress to wear, and also designed this poster. I like the pink music notes. What about you?
The last song, also becoming a bit of a signature piece for me, was “Time To Say Goodbye,” I love ending my sets with this songs, as the crowd always seems to love it, and I love singing the long, high note at the end.
As well as practising every day, I picked out a nice dress to wear, and also designed this poster. I like the pink music notes. What about you?
Finally, the day arrived. I put on my dress, curled my hair, warmed up, and Mum and I headed off to the John Pounds Centre. Unfortunately, Dad and Molly couldn't make, but they both wished me good luck.
We arrived where the celebrations were in full swing. There were stalls selling candy floss, ice cream, crepes, and lots of other yummy treats; there was a big area full of tables and chairs, where lots of people were sat, chatting and snacking, and at the far end was the stage, in front of another seating area.
We made our way through the crowd and met up with the organiser and the sound man, before I quickly made my way upstairs to do some extra vocal warm ups. After that, it was time to sing.
We arrived where the celebrations were in full swing. There were stalls selling candy floss, ice cream, crepes, and lots of other yummy treats; there was a big area full of tables and chairs, where lots of people were sat, chatting and snacking, and at the far end was the stage, in front of another seating area.
We made our way through the crowd and met up with the organiser and the sound man, before I quickly made my way upstairs to do some extra vocal warm ups. After that, it was time to sing.
Arriving home after singing.
I stepped onto the stage, and launched into my first song “Pie Jesu;” Mum said that when I started singing, everyone stopped what they were doing and just stared. I didn't notice anything, because I was focusing on the beauty of the song, but I did get a great big clap at the end. I then sang “Music and Me,” and then “O Mio Babbino Caro,” which the audience seemed to really like. Next came “Moon River,” which was definitely a crowd favourite; I could see a little group of elderly ladies singing along, which was so sweet. I could also see a little girl, who had been running around and playing, stop in front of the stage, watching me. It was so cute.
I finished my set with “Time to Say Goodbye,” naturally, which was another crowd pleaser; a lot of people looked like they were enjoying this one. The little girl was dancing and spinning around as I sang; it was adorable. I got a big cheer when I finished, and I thanked them for listening, and went over to where Mum was. She said that it was the best that I had ever sang, but she always says that; it's what Mums' do!
A man came up to me and congratulated me, saying that “Time To Say Goodbye” had made him cry. It makes me sad when people cry, but Mum and Dad tell me it's a good thing, as they were obviously so moved by the performance. I try to look at it like that, and not as a bad thing.
We hung around for a while, chatting to people, and Mum got me some candy floss, yum, before heading back home.
I have uploaded a little montage of my set for you all, which you can view below, and we have also added some pictures into the gallery. I hope you enjoy watching.
I stepped onto the stage, and launched into my first song “Pie Jesu;” Mum said that when I started singing, everyone stopped what they were doing and just stared. I didn't notice anything, because I was focusing on the beauty of the song, but I did get a great big clap at the end. I then sang “Music and Me,” and then “O Mio Babbino Caro,” which the audience seemed to really like. Next came “Moon River,” which was definitely a crowd favourite; I could see a little group of elderly ladies singing along, which was so sweet. I could also see a little girl, who had been running around and playing, stop in front of the stage, watching me. It was so cute.
I finished my set with “Time to Say Goodbye,” naturally, which was another crowd pleaser; a lot of people looked like they were enjoying this one. The little girl was dancing and spinning around as I sang; it was adorable. I got a big cheer when I finished, and I thanked them for listening, and went over to where Mum was. She said that it was the best that I had ever sang, but she always says that; it's what Mums' do!
A man came up to me and congratulated me, saying that “Time To Say Goodbye” had made him cry. It makes me sad when people cry, but Mum and Dad tell me it's a good thing, as they were obviously so moved by the performance. I try to look at it like that, and not as a bad thing.
We hung around for a while, chatting to people, and Mum got me some candy floss, yum, before heading back home.
I have uploaded a little montage of my set for you all, which you can view below, and we have also added some pictures into the gallery. I hope you enjoy watching.
Until next time,
Lauren xx