Laura Hannefey ICC Alumna, 2005-2014

When I was in Cantantes Angeli, I was chosen to sing a solo at Clowes Hall during the 25th anniversary season. I can still remember the day I decided to audition. I had never been confident to audition for one before.

Mr. Pedde was leading that rehearsal because the song was going to be a surprise for Mr. Leck, who was celebrating 25 years of the organization. I sang my audition, and Mr. Pedde moved on to the next person. When he got through everyone once, he came back and asked me to sing the part of the song again. I started to have butterflies in my stomach. I couldn’t believe it! I sang what I practiced again, and I’ll never forget the look on his face. First, he looked surprised because he had never heard me sing individually, and then he looked very pleased. He announced immediately following that I would be singing the solo.

I sang it at the Big Fun Event that year as a surprise for Mr. Leck at the end of the evening. At the end of the song, Mr. Leck came up and hugged me, and told me how proud he was of me. Then, the week following, he asked me to sing that solo again, this time at Clowes Hall for the 25th-anniversary concert. I remember feeling so nervous, but also so honored and excited. The song was “We Raise Up Our Voices!” by Amy F. Bernon, and I can still remember all of the words. I sang the solo in full-house Clowes Hall with no mistakes.

It was one of the most exciting experiences of my entire life without question. I was so proud of myself, and it made me so happy to know that others were proud of me too. ICC taught me to live every day like it’s my last and to be confident in myself. This experience made me a more confident person, and I’ll remember that moment for the rest of my life.