Maybe you have read that article which has been passed around FaceBook lately. It is written by Carolyn Gregoire and published in the Huffington Post, called “23 Signs You’re Secretly an Introvert,”

Several of the signs described me exactly:

2. You go to parties, but not to meet people.
3. You often feel alone in a crowd.
5. You’ve been called “too intense.”
13. You actively avoid any shows that might involve audience participation.
15. You notice details that others don’t.
17. You have low blood pressure.
22. You are a writer.

So, if I am an introvert, why am I getting up to perform music in front of an audience? After all, it is almost like being naked–so exposed! Luckily, as an organist I have my back to the audience, at least that’s the way it is in playing the organ at the Lutheran Church of Honolulu. I am so glad that the audience can’t see all the faces I’m making!

A few people asked me if I got nervous getting up to perform. When I was in choral conducting class in college, and had to get up in front of the class for the first time, I got an uncontrollable fit of the giggles! Believe me, I was extremely uncomfortable. I found that many of my fellow church musicians also consider themselves introverts. Somehow, though, we overcome our shyness to share our music.

I think I would only feel nervous if I were not absolutely prepared and because I have spent months preparing for this moment. What keeps me going is this running dialogue I have with myself. Focus, focus, focus! Keep concentrating on the music. Listen to EVERY note. SING every note! Focus, focus, focus!

By the way, my teachers also told me: “Let the music speak for itself. Don’t move your body around to detract from the music.” So you’ll find that I move my upper body as little as possible. My arms and legs, though — now that’s a different story!

There are still a few tickets left for Sunday’s concert which you can purchase ahead of time. Click here.