Meet the Singer of the Month

It was the end of a hard day. I had just wrapped up the Madoff case. My feet were up on my desk and I was reaching into the bottom drawer for my pint of rot gut when she walked in. Right away I knew she was trouble. She was the kind of dame that could bring down the established order and reinvent society in a sane and humane way. She’s young I thought, but the look in her eyes belied her years. “My name is Ruby,“ she said. That voice would fit in perfectly in a soprano section. Her name reminded me of Ruby Bridges who in 1960 at the age of six was one of the first black Americans to integrate an all-white school. Norman Rockwell did a painting of it. And I could tell that this Ruby has what it takes to do such courageous and manumitting things. I made a mental note to myself. Watch out, this person is an earth shaker.

You are a bold and very funny girl! You are very free and openminded and you are a good van partner! Let me remind you that you are beautiful and the universe will unfold before you! Here's to you giggly girl!  Congrats! 
Sister Gina

Ruby,

You are an adventurous, open minded, smart, mature gal...  All things people said about me when I was a teenager...  be afraid!!!

So glad you are in my section, you are a strong singer and so much fun.

   Just last weekend on our way home from D.C., Ruby confessed that her favorite part of traveling with the choir is riding in the van (see above photo).  At first, I was puzzled by this.  Who likes long van rides?  However, the rides are often the only time many of us have to converse and share ideas.  Aside from meals we share together, our rehearsals, performance, and actions allow little time to chat and get to know one another thru conversation and discussions.

This is what I have learned about our Singer of the Month:  Ruby is naturally inquisitive, and not afraid to ask questions.  She’s reflective and essays much of what is discussed.  She’s a thinker, and individual.  She keeps confidences, and offers advice I value.  She’s someone you can go to after a show and get an honest and astute rundown on the performance and audience’s reaction. She genuinely believes in the power of political theatre and approaches her performances with the kind of enthusiasm that makes for a strong stage presence.  She’s a playwright and a natural poet.  If she publishes or performs something wildly spectacular anytime in the near future it will be of little surprise to me.

Recently, she auditioned for a part in her high school’s production of  “Alice in Wonderland.”    She read for the roles of Alice, the Duck, and the Queen of Hearts.  She says she hopes to get the part of the Queen, and I think I know why.  It’s fun to play that which is so far from who we are in our day-to-day lives; and, the Queen is really, really mean – maybe the meanest person I know.

 ganbatte kudasai, ruby-san!

Ruby,

Congratulations to you! You are such a bright ray of non-homegenized sunshine in our lives. I feel lucky to know you and love your grace, good spirit, and lovely vocals!

Your choir sister,

Urania

I know that Ruby will be a future super-heroin activist because she is already forging a strong path for herself.  Ruby strikes me as fearless, curious and head-strong; all qualities required to fight the powers that be. 
I am honored that she chose the Church of Stop Shopping as her stomping and learning ground.  
Ruby- all blessings upon you in this crazy world! May you thrive and conquer and may your plays be seen across the nations!
with respect,
Monica

Dearest Ruby,

Thank you for your big heart, your inquisitive spirit and your old soul.  Your contribution to our community is immeasurable. 

We love your openness and your willingness to ask questions and consider new possibilities.  You raise the bar with your desire to learn.  It keeps everyone one their toes as we all try to provide guidance and support for you while doing our best to get you to think we're cool.  (OK, maybe that's just me) 

It's a pleasure to have you in the choir.  Those sopranos are lucky to have you.

Cheers,
Gaylen

 Dear Ruby,

When you were eleven years old, after four years of hebrew school, you turned to me and told me you were done, that you couldn't go to hebrew school anymore because you were an atheist.  And so you stopped. How could I argue with the child who asked the Rabbi why the Palestinians couldn't have a place of their own?  You always had a clear understanding of social justice.
I'm happy to see you in a church you can believe in, and among people who celebrate who you are.  You are an amazing singer and a constant delight in my life.

xxx mom

Ruby,

You are such a bright, beautiful, amazing young woman!  I remember when I first met you at rehearsal, I was shocked when I found out how old you were!  I know the future will hold truly fantastic things for you.  So glad you are in the soprano section!  Congratulations on being singer of the month....YOU ROCK RUBY!!!

xox,
Stefani