There’re advantages of being an identical twin.
When I was in 10th grade, every – one wanted to be in the “Mixed Chorus,” but only the best singers made this elite group. It was the cool thing to be involved in, and everyone tried out. This was way before “Glee” and “The Voice.” We were way ahead of our time. Anyone who was anybody was in the Mixed Chorus, including many of the cute boys.
My sister, Amy, and I are identical twins and consequently, we are similar in a million different ways. Growing up, we were ballet dancers and good students, and we liked listening to the same music. Our one major difference is our different singing abilities: Amy can easily carry a tune with her beautiful voice, while I’m told I sound like nails on a chalkboard. But, I sing anyway. So, when Amy decided to try out for the Mixed Chorus, I went for it, as well. We offered each other encouragement and practiced for the audition all week long.
The Advantages Of Twins
The big day to audition finally arrived, and everyone was very excited. I was feeling extremely nervous and hoped and prayed I would make the cut. I slowly entered the music room, and the music teacher motioned for me to come in. “OK, let’s hear what you can do,” she said. I began singing and only got through one verse before she cut me off. She clearly had heard enough from me. Was I doomed?
The announcement was made the following afternoon. I was surprised that I was not chosen. I knew Amy had a better voice than me. But I didn’t know 40 other kids also did. I was crushed. The good news was that Amy made it. Amy was in her glory, and I was excited for her.
Amy was busy going to all the rehearsals, but she felt sad that I was not included, especially because she knew how much I wanted to be in the group. She knew she had to do something for me and being the clever twin that she is, Amy came up with a plan for me to sing in the Mixed Chorus, but first I had to learn the songs.
Amy brought home all the singing material for me to practice and instructed me on everything—from where to stand to how to follow the music teacher’s lead on the big night. We practiced every day. I sang in the shower, on our walks to school, walking around the house and before I went to sleep at night. We also covered every detail, from what we were going to wear (the same matching dresses) to which lip-gloss color to wear on the big night. It had to be perfect, and I was so grateful to Amy for doing this for me. That’s my twin, always thinking of me.
The big night finally came. There were two performances scheduled: 5:00 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. Amy sang in the first show, which concluded with many numerous standing ovations. Then, all the performers left the stage and went to the music room to take a break before the next performance—all except for Amy. Instead, Amy ducked into the bathroom and wished me luck as I quickly left to join the other performers in the music room. After a few very long minutes, we all lined up to go back on stage for the second performance.
A Story Of Twins Switching Places
I was very excited being on stage and sang like I never had before. The first two songs had gone well, and I had just a few more to go. I couldn’t believe how smoothly everything was going and how my dream had actually come true. I was singing in the Mixed Chorus, with everyone else, and I felt like I was on top of the world.
Then, it was time to sing the last song: Both Sides Now by Judy Collins, which was my favorite. I was feeling so exhilarated that I began to belt out the words without a care in the world. All of a sudden everyone started staring at me, including the teacher who had this bizarre look on her face. Turns out, I was singing way off-key. I felt myself turning a deep shade of red, but I wasn’t about to give up my moment in the sun. So I continued to belt out the rest of the song. I saw Amy seated in the audience, and she waved at me, happy as could be that we were able to pull off this crazy plan. I quickly waved back and silently thanked her for letting me be heard.
To this day, no one ever found out that Amy and I had switched places during the intermission. Although, I’m pretty sure there might have been a little suspicion.
Final twin thought: Everyone wants to be heard!
