January 28, 2004 at 10:29 PM

A Big Orchestra In Town is holding auditions in March and because I’m insane and because I’d desperately love to be a part of that group, I’m giving it a go. Needing all the encouragement I can find, I have taken to heart a quotation I came across on the wall of my yoga studio. (They abound there – walls overflowing with wisdom!) I think it describes a healthy outlook for anyone undertaking an audition, recital, major performance or even for someone just starting to play the violin:

“Until one is committed, there is hesitancy, the chance to draw back, always ineffectiveness. Concerning all acts of initiative (and creation), there is one elementary truth the ignorance of which kills countless ideas and splendid plans: that the moment one definitely commits oneself, then Providence moves, too.

“All sorts of things occur to help one that would never otherwise have occurred. A whole stream of events issues from the decision, raising in one’s favor all manner of unforeseen incidents and meetings and material assistance, which no man could have dreamed would have come his way.

“Whatever you can do or dream you can, begin it. Boldness has genius, power and magic in it. Begin it now.”

-- Goethe

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