Embracing the Unexpected: A Serendipitous Journey in Music
When I was growing up, I always dreamed of becoming a pediatrician. But somehow, I ended up in the world of professional music. Life has a funny way of orchestrating the unexpected, weaving a symphony of experiences that shape who we are. For me, this symphony has been a series of accidents and serendipitous choices, leading me down a path I never envisioned. As a performer, teacher, composer, show/event curator, choral conductor, and, more often than not, a musical/vocal director, I reflect on this journey with a sense of wonder and gratitude.
My journey into music didn't start with a grand plan. Instead, it was a series of small, seemingly inconsequential decisions. As a child, I was forced into singing (or welcomed, depending on how you look at it). I can still remember the hours spent listening to and singing gospel music, accompanied by an upright piano, in the front room of our home. Curious and eager, I began to tinker with the keys, creating rudimentary melodies that filled our house with a cacophony of sound — most undeniably horrible. I would play through sheet music and sing at the top of my lungs. Every style of song imaginable was in my repertoire. It's too bad YouTube wasn't around then, or we would have more side-splitting videos of me than one could stomach. These early experiments were far from the polished songs I try to sing and create today, but they ignited my passion.
I never set out to become a musician; it was an accident born of curiosity and a love for recognition and the magic of music. However, looking back, I realize that my career has been less about meticulous planning and more about embracing the unexpected. The accidents and choices that have shaped my path have taught me invaluable lessons about resilience, adaptability, and the beauty of uncertainty.
After all, the most profound moments often arise from the unplanned and the unforeseen. My journey with music is a testament to the power of embracing these moments, allowing them to guide us to places we never imagined.
The Unplanned Conductor
When I started studying music formally in college, I was focused entirely on singing and had little interest in conducting. But fate had other plans. One day, just before a significant collegiate performance, our university's conductor had to leave because his son fell ill. In a desperate attempt to save the concert, my professor asked if I could step in.
With a mix of trepidation and excitement, I took up the baton (figuratively speaking). The performance was far from perfect but marked a pivotal moment in my life. I discovered the thrill of leading a choir and the joy of bringing a composition to life through collaboration and interpretation. It was an accident that opened a new dimension to my musical career, one I had never anticipated.
That day, I realized I have a gift for bringing people together to create a musical moment that is thrilling both personally and artistically. This experience highlighted our innate need for artistry and how deeply fulfilling it is to feed that need. As an adult, this has extended into my work with events and experiences. I love to lead people to see that we are all part of a much more significant story.
The Unexpected Role of Musical Director
Besides being a vocalist, my journey has also led me to the role of a musical director, another unplanned twist. A theater group approached me, needing someone to oversee the musical aspects of their production. Initially hesitant, I accepted the challenge, thinking it would be a one-time venture. Instead, it became another facet of my musical identity. What started with The Addams Family evolved into a journey through the worlds of Matilda, Mean Girls, A Christmas Carol, Anastasia, and Finding Nemo.
As a musical director, I learned to navigate the intricate interplay between music and storytelling. Working closely with directors, actors, and musicians, I helped create cohesive and compelling productions. Each project was a unique adventure, filled with its own set of challenges and triumphs. Through this experience, my students learned self-sufficiency and the importance of making music external so that it can be internalized by the audience.
“The role of a musical director taught me that music must be externalized before it can be internalized by the audience. Every production is a unique adventure, transforming challenges into triumphs and guiding students to self-sufficiency.”
The Symphony Continues
As I continue to navigate the ever-evolving landscape of my career, I remain open to the accidents and choices that lie ahead. Each new experience adds a unique note to the symphony of my life, enriching my understanding of music and deepening my connection to the art form I love.
In sharing my story, I hope to inspire others to embrace the unexpected in their own lives. Whether in music or any other pursuit, unplanned moments often lead us to our true calling, revealing paths we might have otherwise overlooked.
Embracing the unforeseen has led me to places I never imagined, enriching my life with the beauty of music and the joy of collaboration. May we all find harmony in the unexpected and joy in the journey. So, here's to the accidents, the choices, and the serendipitous symphony that shapes our lives. May we all find joy in the journey and harmony in the unexpected.
God speed,
Jeremi
PS — Here is a playlist to accompany some of the memories I have referenced in this post: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/7800ubY6U0OZbqt36gRwtC?si=8513a515859e40db
