Singing for Domingo (by William)

Whooo Ooo Ooo!  It was finally the Gala night.  We were warming up and rehearsing in the Corinthian Meeting Room at the Millennium Biltmore Hotel for the performance featuring Plácido Domingo.  I was excited to sing for one of the most famous tenors, Domingo.  There were also two opera singers, Susan Graham and Lauren Libaw, performed at the Gala.

Plácido Domingo

The Gala was for LACC fundraising.  A lot of famous people like Domingo were invited.  I couldn’t believe that last year’s Gala featured John Williams.  “Darn!” I cursed at my bad luck for not able to apply LACC earlier because of age requirement.  John Williams composed many of the music for Star Wars.  The Star Wars movies are my favorite.  The Apprentice, Intermediate, Concert, Young Men’s Ensemble, and Chamber Singers were the choirs at the Gala.

My choir, the Apprentice Choir, sang The Chorus of Enchanted Islanders, Puccini’s Turandot, and Here’s to Song.  My favorite was the first song because it was very upbeat.  I noticed Domingo right away.  He was wearing glasses, a tuxedo, and a formal tie.  He was smiling broadly at us.  The Crystal Ballroom at the Millennium Biltmore had balconies and was huge with shimmering crystal chandeliers.  After we sang Puccini’s Turandot, the Intermediate Choir continued by singing Hansel and Gretel.  After that we sang Gloria Gloria, then we retreated back to the Corinthian Meeting room to have dinner. 

Proud LACC Performance

Crystal Ballroom at Millennium Biltmore Hotel 

I chose turkey sandwiches, an oatmeal raisin cookie, lemonade, and a bag of New York Cheddar flavored potato chips.  We also played some games while waiting to sing the last song.  The guests also had dinner in the Crystal Ballroom.  Their meal included strawberry salad, steak, cornbread muffins, and carrot cakes.

Finally all the choirs sang Here’s to Song.  We got a lot of applause and went home for a long rest.  I felt exhausted but proud of performing for Domingo.  I found myself looking forward to the next Gala.  I can practice singing more often to be better prepared.

I am thankful for Ms. Landis, Ms. Brigham, and Ms. Tomlinson for letting us have such an opportunity and for Ann and Kendra for organizing the event.  Thank you.