Madelyn Thomas Singing in Fall Show 2024 (Credit: Kelsey Bates)
Words - Madelyn Thomas
I stood in the stairwell of my home, tablet recording on the second landing while my laptop played the accompaniment behind me, alternating between opera (Webber’s “Wishing You Were Somehow Here Again”) and jazz (Porter’s “I Get a Kick Outta You”). After dozens of takes, my heart still raced with every note, and I couldn’t help but compare myself to the polished voices I’d heard in PMO videos. I hadn’t sung in a formal choir since middle school, and a small voice in my head kept repeating, “What if I’m not good enough?”
Weeks later, I opened my inbox to find I had been accepted into Heart & Soul. At the time, I worked a demanding day job in a stifling trailer with no air conditioning during one of the hottest summers in memory. Each day was an endurance test, but that acceptance brought a spark of joy to my routine. As soon as I got home, I opened the sheet music and started practicing, humming through melodies and piecing together harmonies. For the first time in months, I felt a renewed sense of purpose and excitement about what lay ahead in my college journey.
My first rehearsal with Heart & Soul was both exhilarating and nerve-wracking. Walking into the room, I was greeted by a sea of warm smiles and a palpable energy that filled the air. The talent in the ensemble was undeniable, and as we began to sing together, I was awestruck by the sheer power and emotion of our collective sound. In those early days, I often found myself questioning whether I truly belonged. But little by little, through weekly practice sessions and moments of encouragement from my peers, I began to find my footing.
One moment that stands out vividly in my memory occurred during a rehearsal for Fall Show 2023: Heart & Soul was working on a particularly challenging piece, Come In and Stay A While, when our director paused to remind us to “trust in our individual abilities, but rely on the collective strength of the ensemble, too.” Those words struck a chord with me. For so long, I had focused on perfecting my own performance, striving to prove I deserved my spot. But in that moment, I realized that being part of an ensemble wasn’t about perfection – it was about connection.
Balancing my academic life as a cybersecurity student with my involvement in PMO has been a journey itself. My coursework is rooted in logic, precision, and technical problem-solving, leaving little room for creative expression. PMO, on the other hand, has given me the opportunity to engage a completely different side of myself. Singing, performing, and connecting with others through music has been a refreshing counterbalance to the structure of my technical studies.
Beyond the music, PMO has fostered a sense of belonging and growth that extends into all areas of my life. The friendships I’ve formed, the late-night rehearsals, and the shared experiences have created lasting memories and a strong support network. These connections have reinforced my belief in the power of community and reminded me that I am valued for who I am.
Of course, none of this would be possible without scholarship support. As a student balancing academics, extracurriculars, and the financial demands of higher education, this support has been invaluable. It has allowed me to focus on my passions and explore opportunities that have enriched my Purdue experience in ways I never imagined.
I am deeply grateful for the generosity of the Friends of PMO who support this incredible organization. Your contributions make stories like mine possible, and I am a proud part of a legacy that continues to inspire and uplift others. Together, we can make a difference – one note at a time.
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