Wednesday
Apr072010
In The Zone
April 7, 2010 * * * * * Posted by: Sue 
Before retirement I was a musician. I taught music and choral activities at the middle school level, was a church organist/choir director/hand bell director, and often performed on piano in ensembles or accompanied various soloists and groups.
During nearly 50 years of performing for others (yes, I started quite early!), I enjoyed performing best when I was "In The Zone."
If I was either ill-prepared or performing pieces that I could not musically connect with I could not let go or become totally involved with the piece. Too much energy was spent paying attention to the notes or details; hoping things would go right. I was pretty good at 'faking it' and audiences often times would not realize I was not at what I knew to be a 'peak performance.'
But, ah...when every thing aligned just right and I was 'In The Zone'...well, there simply are no words to describe the feeling.
I remember one occasion in Vienna Austria. We were on choir tour with the Paducah Boys Choir. I was the accompanist and assistant director.
We had toured for a couple of weeks, performing essentially the same concert two or three times a day. The music was beginning to gel and truly flow effortlessly. Sometimes it takes the demands of tour to bring performances to that certain level.
The concert that I remember most from that tour was in the Vienna Opera House. The glorious and historical hall had a Boesendorfer piano with an extended keyboard which heightened the performance experience for me personally. (As an aside, that piano probably cost as much as the house I was living in at the time. Those instruments are works of art in themselves!) Following the emotional concert, I knew that I had experienced a concert where I was completely and totally 'In The Zone.' The reaction and comments from the audience confirmed the feeling.
Recently I had the opportunity to go to a 'music crawl' in Leiper's Fork, TN. A total contrast of performing venues and performance styles from the classical music genre that I was trained in, the talented musicians none the less went into their own place or zone. The experience touched a nerve and took me to a wonderful place.
During the music crawl I took many images of the musicians. The venue was outside; the stage the bed of an old truck. I was enthralled with the music and emotion. I look at the image featured today and I hear in my mind the raw soulful sound of the simple harmonica. I remember how the musician was so connected with the music and the performing experience; the audience loving every minute of the performance as well.
Like a musical performance, I can get lost in the moment or find myself 'In The Zone' with my photography. I love it when the light, subject, and emotion align just right, creating picture perfect opportunities. What a joyous, wonderful, and emotional experience when every click comes effortlessly; the images popping up on my computer just as I visualized as I was looking through my viewfinder.
Sadly it doesn't happen every time I pick up my camera. But, ah...when it does...
I imagine you know exactly what I am talking about!
Reader Comments (15)
I know what you're talking about! What a great feeling! And you described it so well. Really beautiful post and love the image!
great shot, beautiful tones. 'In the zone', what a lovely expression. I know what you mean. lovely post!
Sue, you and your talent just continues to grow and grow, well done.
But - aaaah...when it does!!! Yes..yes. I know of exactly those moments of which you speak. When everything and everyone disappears..leaving only you and your camera. When there's nothing else but this moment. In that indescribable (is that a word?) zone...
Love the emotion captured in the image. Perfect!!!!
in the zone too..with this amazing black and white..and the music ..i so relate!
now that you say this, there are concerts that i can remember when the artist must have been "in the zone" as well. something about the way the music flowed and how the audience flowed with it. great post and certainly a photo to match.
Ah, Sue, but you are a woman with many talents, some of which we knew about, but some of which we are coming to learn. I used to play an instrument (as a child) and I don't think I was ever in the zone, but I'm thinking it was due to the instrument I was playing - and I'm not telling you what that was! I do know what you are talking about, though, being in the zone and it's a fabulous place to be.
I know exactly what you mean about being in the zone with music. I don't play professionally as you do, but even as an amateur, I've been in that place where you're lifted and taken away by the music. Especially on a church organ, where those pipes where those pipes just fill you up with their sound!
I'm just learning with my camera--I hope to be able to get there too. Great post!
You are definitely In the Zone here...the photo is amazing, arresting. And I know the zone, and struggling to get there, and forgetting everything else when you do. And then the climb back to reality, that mountain, to look back at where you've been. Aahh.
I have absolutely nothing to say here but what a great post and photo. Thank you!!
Absolutely wonderful!
I would have loved the crawl. There something about an appreciation for music that makes you appreciate everything else around you.
sue, i love that picture!!!! and i know that feeling when it all comes together. it's also about confidence too isn't...knowing you're in your element, doing what you love, and you probably sound damned good too :) i used to play the piano, quite well. haven't played now for 24 years, but have just bought a piano (last week) and can't wait to start playing again..
Years ago, Sue, my husband at the time was involved in administereing the SIMA (Sytematic Inventory of Motivated Abilities) personality test to college students and the two ingredients that HAD to be present were enjoying what you do and doing it well. That, to me, is 'the zone' in whatever art form it is. I did a lot of singing, also, in my past lives, but the time I most experienced being in my zone was when I was in speaking engagements. I could be nervous/apprehensive beforehand, but once I got started, I'd often feel in my zone, as you've described. A friend once told me the audience gives you energy,and I totally believe it. Thanks for sharing this delightful piece and image of an important part of your life. I like that it can also relate to our photography. Thanks for that added thought.
It is a great place to be. It's too difficult for us...most of us...to get there very often.
Beautiful and thought provoking entry, Sue. Thank you!