Mom a.k.a. Aileen Gray: Super Singer / Uke Strummer / One and Only Mama / Funny Gal

Sagewolf Interviews

Meet my mom - one of the most involved and joyful humans I know. We are sitting in her living room in her “voice and music area.” We get a free performance of her playing the ukelele, singing acapella and playing the piano. Join us as we discuss all things singing - from reading music to competing to singing a completely different part than the person you’re standing next to. Our conversation weaves it’s way around her journey through cancer and single mothering. Join us for inspiration, laughter and heartfelt moments between a mom and her daughter.
Highlights:
+ Singing internationally
+ Acapella as an instrument
+ Being coached
+ Casually competing
+ What is backbeat?
+ Singing since high school
+ Dancing in a play with Alejandro
+ Playing the Uke in Berkeley in the 60’s
+ The joy of singing your heart out
+ Dancing with mom to Ariana Grande
+ Sweet Adelines international singing quartet
+ 50-80 singers in a regional chorus
+ Competing in Hawaii
+ How to get started with a chorus
+ Choreography with singing
+ Breath management
+ From rigid moves to personal expression
+ The Collective, Simon Lubkowski
+ The joy of sharing with others
+ Singing without reading music
+ Barbershop harmony
+ Choosing your geography for friendliness
+ Being choreographically challenged
+ Being a class clown
+ What is woodshedding?
+ What is Vibratto?
+ Singing YOUR style, your genre
+ Going to a movie by yourself
+ Finding your core community
+ Understanding others’ opinions
+ Laughter is the best medicine
+ Purpose
+ Starting piano lessons at 77
+ Everything you do is a building block
+ Being afraid of losing your mind
+ Feeling fortunate and lucky
+ Riding horses
+ Mom’s cancer journey
+ Approaching cancer with new meds
+ Bible studies lessons
+ Writing prayers down
+ Praying alleviates worry
+ Manifesting through action
+ Taking a day of rest…at 77
+ Planning for no stress
+ Choosing spontaneity
+ Mom has always known my beauty
+ Let your kids be who they are
A taste:
“Even if you’re not participating you can go watch. When they get down to ten of the top quartets - in the world! And ten of the top choruses - in the world! Then you’re seeing some really good singing.”
“I have a sense of humor that some people don’t either get or appreciate.”
“Everything you do in life is a building block. It might feel like a mistake and you might go down that path but in actuality it’s just another place to learn. […] It’s a mindset, you have to not beat yourself up so much and not be so critical of yourself and say, ‘What did I learn from that particular thing?’”
Favorite quote/saying/mantra(s):
“Praise the Lord!”
“You reap what you sow.”
Gratitude.

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Love, Sagewolf xoxo