A Graduate's Voice: Seeking Purpose

I'm playing a game, and it's taking me places. I was at the Senior Recital of Tenor and nephew Patrick Arthur Tsoi-A-Sue who will soon be graduating from Cal-State University Long Beach (CSULB) with a Bachelor's Degree in Music with an option in Choral-Vocal Music.

AT THE END OF ONE PATH AND THE BEGINNING OF ANOTHER

Patrick is at the end of one path as he graduates from CSULB this June, and entering another, as he takes his training and vocal experience into income earning situations. The camera was rolling to capture what will become part of his audition kit as he seeks new opportunities to share his voice.

He speaks in English, but sings in French, Italian, Spanish, German and yes, also English.

The recital program included the words in the language of the piece, but also the English translation. It was important to me, because I sought the meaning in the words to put together with his many facial expressions and expressive voice.

His final piece, the encore, shared an emotion I imagine is felt by many around the country as the class of 2016 prepares to move on to their next adventure in life.

"WHAT'S MY PURPOSE?"

Patrick sang the show tune Purpose from Tony award winning play, Avenue Q. Yes, it brought tears to my eyes, as I thought about him being at that delicate stage of life, asking the question: What's my purpose?

"Purpose, it's that little flame that lights a fire under your a--.

Purpose, it keeps you going strong like a car with a full tank of gas.

Everyone else has a purpose so what's mine?

Oh look! Here's a penny! It's from the year I was born. It's a sign!

...I don't know how I know, but I'm gonna find my purpose.

I don't know where I'm gonna look, but I'm gonna find my purpose.

Gotta find out, don't wanna wait! Got to make sure that my life will be great!

Gotta find my purpose before it's too late.
... I'm gonna find my purpose. ... I'm gonna find my purpose. ... I'm gonna find my purpose! Purpose purpose purpose!

Gotta find me!"

Good Luck, Patrick! Congratulations to you, and every graduate out there, starting your next, new path! I know you will find your purpose!

MANY THANKS

Patrick has spent the last several years under the tutelage and guidance of Shigemi Matsumoto who has performed with many National and International opera companies and symphony orchestras. She has given hundreds of solo recitals in Asia, Europe and the US and her performances have included appearances with the members of "The Three Tenors", individually, (Luciano Pavarotti, Placido Domingo and Jose Carrera). She was the guest soloist for the celebration of the Founding of the United Nations. Ms.Matsumoto is the founder and President of the Classical Singers Association (classicalsingersassociation.com), a non-profit dedicated towards developing the performance and professional singing skills of its members.

Patrick also thanks Dr. Jonathan Talberg for providing him opportunities and mentorship and Mark Salters for his guidance and many hours working with him on the piano. His first instructor, Aram Barsamian for providing the building blocks and positive outlook and the music department's Kate Gillon for much support.

Trish Tsoi-A-Sue is a creative facilitator in the Long Beach area. Certified in LEGO® Serious Play, she is the President of ETES Inc, and creator of Makersville, a community of makers. Trish is the Ambassador for the Long Beach LEGO® User Group, a group of AFOLs and Teen Fans of LEGO® (TFOLs). Join our facebook group! Some of her random experiences are recorded on her You Tube channel, Squigglemom! Please subscribe! She often writes about LEGO® , her birth country of Trinidad and about Makers and Making things. Sometimes she writes about seeking her purpose.