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After moving from NYC to CLT and settling in, I felt ready to pick up a hobby. Just before Christmas, I found myself thinking, “I really miss singing. I wonder if there are any caroling groups?” I posted on Facebook, and a Carolina Voices member invited me to see The Singing Christmas Tree. Little did I know, this experience would change my life. I decided it was the perfect date night for my husband and me, even splurging on a fancy new dress and planning dinner after the show. Walking into the theater, I thought, “This feels just like the Rockettes and Broadway shows I’ve been missing.” By intermission, I had already signed up for auditions.

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“I really miss singing. I wonder if there are any caroling groups?”

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From the start, the CV family was warm and welcoming. The audition process was nerve-wracking, but they boosted my confidence, and all the skills I hadn’t used in 10 years came flooding back. The first rehearsal was just as nerve-racking, but everyone wears name tags, and seasoned members go out of their way to make you feel welcome. I quickly bonded with another newbie. After practice, a seasoned member, Dawn, invited us to Angry Ale’s, an unofficial post-rehearsal spot where we play music trivia, have a drink, and bond more (which is now one of the favorite parts of my week). I quickly found that my social media skills filled a niche within CV, making it an even more enjoyable creative outlet. It felt great to use talents I thought I had forgotten.

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Now, I’m preparing for my first official Tree, and this time, I’ll be on stage while my husband watches from the audience, ready for a fancy dinner to celebrate afterward. But now, I’ll be surrounded by 100 of my closest friends and a supportive community. I can’t wait to inspire new singers to join—maybe even you! So, that’s my perspective as a newbie—but I can’t wait to hear yours!