Comfort Zone...Where are you?

So, a friend at church mentioned months ago the idea of getting people together to prepare a worship/concert event.  A few people from various churches had started meeting together in August to plan and practice.  I came along in September to a practice to check it out and see if I could help--thinking that it would be low key and that I may join in on a couple songs.

Well, there were musicians and microphones and a very few singers.  Two sopranos, two altos (including me), and two guys.  The microphones totally freaked me out.  I am not a terribly outwardly emotive person in daily life, but I am extremely self-conscious singing in front of people.  Not to mention my past history of almost panic attacks.  I once had shooting pains down my left arm when speaking in front of a crowd.    That was over twenty years ago, but still...

It was immediately assumed that I was a permanent part of the group, and when it comes down to it, I do enjoy the work of putting this all together...working out harmonies, brainstorming arrangements, even the hours and hours of practices.   

Several of the group members are from our church, so we tried out some of the songs at our church retreat last weekend.  By the way, I haven't gained twenty pounds, just wearing a big shirt of Scott's to celebrate the newly fallen snow outside the retreat center.  Scott filmed us, and I am working on how not to look quite so awkward when singing at our concert.  I figure some rhythmic instrument in my hand is of immense help.  Now how to get over the deer in the head lights expression that my face falls into...

Fortunately, the concert is not until the 21st of November.  I'll do my part the best I can and just enjoy the process of working with an amazing team.