Well, its been more than a year since my last post on this.

Though there have been successes, much of the last year has been spent trying to figure out how to speak, and sing, normally again - not that there is a physical problem...it is just that after so many years, I forgot what normal speaking and singing felt and sounded like! Also trying to lose the 'clutter' that came with forcing my voice to do my bidding as I had done in the past.

There were some moderate successes, but I was still having to sing 'carefully'.

Then....

About 3 months ago I landed the role of Radames in the musical version of "Aida". They wanted to do "Les Miserables" (I wanted them to do it, too!) but it was on tour, so they couldn't get the rights to do it. I knew very little about "Aida" the musical so I auditioned, and got cast as the male lead.

Little did I know how difficult this role is. There is a lot of singing, and I would say about 2/3 of Radames's music lies in the Eb to Gb range, and often just hangs there. My voice teacher called it a 'throat killer'.

But each time I go through a show, I learn, and about 1 week before the performances, EVERYTHING came together, and I had the performances of my life. To finally live up to my standards - and do it in a role that was so difficult - was so gratifying that it is hard to express. I thanked God and my voice teacher, in that order

How wonderful.

Great ending to that story. Rather, great ending to that chapter in the story. Gongrats! It's great to read that these good things happen.
Amaze us.

No thanks for the surgeon?

Woland, I thanked him quite some time ago, already (don't assume to much ). But after his work was done there was much (!) still to be done. The fact that it was well over a year between the surgery and these performances should attest to that.

Fair enough. I guess all of that occurred during the year in which there were no updates. From reading the posts, it seemed that the improvement was directly related to the operative result. My apologies.

That's ok. But yes, the real work occurred during the time that followed the surgery. The surgery assured that the work of regaining competent vocal function would no longer be hindered. And even then it took a year and a half.

I pray that the results will be durable, and that your abilities will continue to improve.

Thank you so much!

Wow, I just came in on this story- how inspiring! Good luck Chessmann...

Jim

Not to ruin your day, but...

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/200......4605.htm

Talk to your doctor about the potential for throat cancer. Just to be safe.

Never noticed this before - great story - not just of the operation but of your persistence and dedication - I hope all continues to go well.

Thank you, Jim and Destiny.

Rock, interesting article. I'm probably pretty safe - I've had 2 procedures where they sent a scope down into my esophagus, and surprisingly, the tissues looked very healthy (as opposed to many GERD patients, who have discoloration and scarring. The article also said "you want to supress the reflux" and the surgery took care of that.

Nevertheless, the tissue, though healthy, has been exposed to acid for a long time. It is something to think about and I am grateful for your pointing it out.

Fantastic Mark! Congratulations!

John

Hi Mark!

Firstly, I want to tell you what a BEAUTIFUL voice you have. I listened to your YouTube post of "They Call the Wind Maria" and was very impressed with your natural baritone voice ... lovely color and sound ... I can COMPLETELY understand and relate to your woes with regard to LPR. I, myself, have a similar story. I am a lyric soprano and have been pursuing an opera career for many years and have dealt with reflux for at least the past 15 years. I was only recently diagnosed with LPR and it really has robbed me of my voice and, I feel, chances of a very good career in opera. I initially respond to twice a day PPI therapy but it stopped working after one year. I am now very seriously considering the surgery. I am currently working with a teacher who is hopeful for my beating this thing and is hopeful that, after surgery, my voice may find the ease and effortless production of the past. If I can't sing, I don't know what my life's purpose and passion would be ... I guess I would need to figure that out, but I am hopeful the surgery may help me as it seems to have helped you.

I wonderful if you wouldn't mind sharing more of your experience with me, or, if you would be willing to e-mail me about it privately ... My e-mail address is violetrav@hotmail.com.

Many thanks and best wishes to you!

Maryann