Speaking Engagements

I’ve lost my voice. Over the years I had total laryngitis dozens of times. I was in choirs and plays since childhood, and I lectured, taught school, gave presentations and consultations, and I was proud of my ability to “project,” to speak without a mike when none was available. In the summer of 2015, I decided to join a women’s choir that focused on “show tunes,” my favorite. They had an age cut-off of at least 65 years old. To join, I needed someone to recommend me, and I audition with the choir mistress. I realized during the audition that I didn’t do very well. I was embarrassed and surprised because I’d always been a good singer and came from a family of great voices. I went to an ENT to have a little camera dropped down my throat to check my vocal cords. They weren’t in synch and one of them didn’t close toward the middle. Thinking about it, I realized I probably had this condition from birth or at least very early in my life. Choir directors pointed out that I had a “breathy” voice, and a woman who sang next to me in the a Cappella Choir at Ohio Wesleyan told me I should be a “torch singer.” I knew I had that kind of voice … but now I know that not taking care of one’s voice over the years can make the situation worse.