My head spun with excitement as Frank Sinatra’s song about New York spun from my dad’s record player. One week separated me from the big city and Ol’ Blue Eyes was preaching to the possibilities that filled my 7th grade mind.

As 1 of 60 students in the middle school choir performing at Carnegie Hall, I was also anxious. Yo-Yo Ma had just caressed the souls of a sold-out crowd in the same venue, and our conductor expected no less from our group of pre-pubescent punks considered to be a chorus.

This was the biggest stage we’d ever stand on in the biggest city we’d ever be in. Carnegie’s bright lights were 7 days away and I was already feeling the heat. 

~

8 years later, I’m filled with a different type of anxious enthusiasm. Visiting these agencies seems daunting, but I feel prepared and I’m confident in our group’s ability to go out there and be great.

One week. Frank on repeat. Safe to say I’m stoked. 

Nate Richards | 4.30.2017