My older sister recently introduced me to what she calls the “The Snowflake Principle.” The first snowflakes that fall seem so insignificant. They melt almost soon as they touch the ground. As more follow, however, the earth cools and the snowflakes begin to stick. And as even more fall, they grow in number until they blanket the earth.
The small and simple choices we make each day are like those snowflakes. One small decision can seem insignificant. But that decision made again and again, day after day, multiplies until it changes us or those around us—and often both. So we must make sure that our small, daily choices align with our big picture goals—whether that’s improving our health, getting out of debt, or landing a first (or fiftieth) singing gig.
In Megan Gloss’ interview with the winners of the 2015 Classical Singer Competition (p. 30), three young singers’ answers beautifully illustrate this principle.
Young Artist Winner Zoie Reams says, “People say that luck comes when preparation meets opportunity, and I think this a pretty good recipe for success.”
When asked what advice she has for other young singers starting out, Musical Theatre High School Winner Milla Guerra says, “Practice, practice, practice.”
And the Classical High School Winner Virginia Mims answered the same question by quoting her mother (who, incidentally, sang opera at the Met), “I have the same advice that my mother gives me all the time: To be a great singer, you also have to be a great person. Spend time on yourself. Personal development is a huge investment in your singing. Taking care of your body and your soul with things like working out and figuring out what kinds of hobbies you have other than music help each one of us understand ourselves and our bodies more. Also, being the best colleague, no matter what the setting is, will always go a long way. Take the time to be friendly, to open the door for someone, and to share a laugh. Be the best person you can be.”
Preparation. Practice. Personal development. These small, daily choices will help lead these young singers to active and fulfilling careers. The proof is in the pudding, so to speak, when examining the careers of two more established singers also featured in this issue.
Baritone and Boston native Andrew Garland (p. 20) epitomizes the above advice from Mims’ mom. His manager, Robert Mirshak, says he was drawn to Garland not only for his amazing voice but also the personable, friendly guy that he is. That “realness” comes out in his interview with Jason Vest, and you can see it in person at this month’s Classical Singer Convention (pp. 60–89). Garland and Mirshak will meet with attendees to share their music and business insights.
Mezzo-soprano Carin Gilfry is forging a remarkably unique career made possible by her varied interests and wide skill set, not to mention daily hard work and determination. In addition to an active opera and concert career, Gilfry does voice over work. From recording audio books and video games to producing her own children’s YouTube shows, Gilfry discusses the many ways she makes a living with her voice (p. 34).
A snowflake by itself is such a tiny, insignificant thing. But when it’s joined by hundreds of thousands of other snowflakes, it is earth changing. The daily decisions we make again and again, while seemingly small and unimportant, can actually be life changing.
