VOA标准英语2012--Young Singer Wins Chance of a Lifetime

 

Young Singer Wins Chance of a Lifetime

The National Anthem¹ can be a challenge, but more than two dozen singers, aged² eight to 17, gave it their best shot for a chance to perform it with the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra. 

“They come on stage and they are all nerves, but they are very cute and endearing,” says Laura Farmer, one of the judges who is in charge of the competition. “We have four judges who grade the singers on their poise³ and singing ability, tone, posture⁴, stage presence, and volume of course, because they need to project over the loud symphony orchestra.”

Hamilton, this year’s winner, should have no problem doing that. Not only does she project, she is poised⁵, professional, and mature beyond her 16 years.

“I think I started my love for music really early on in elementary school," she says. "But I think I was probably 14 when I realized this is what I’m doing for the rest of my life.”

Cassidy, who is from a town outside Annapolis, Maryland's capital, studies voice with Larry Friedman, who says this is a great opportunity for her. “Not a lot of people her age get a chance to sing with a symphony orchestra, get a chance to sing for a large audience of that nature.”

Adalia Jimenez got that chance three years ago, when she was only 11. Her advice to Cassidy is, "...not to be nervous and just to have fun, because it will be over like that. I wish I could do it again.”

Adalia has performed several times since, just not with the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra. 

As for Cassidy, it won’t be her first performance in front of an audience, but she knows it will be special.

“I’m excited," she says. "I didn't think it was going to happen.” 

1 anthem   

n.圣歌，赞美诗，颂歌

参考例句：

• All those present were standing solemnly when the national anthem was played.奏国歌时全场肃立。
• As he stood on the winner's rostrum,he sang the words of the national anthem.他站在冠军领奖台上，唱起了国歌。

2 aged   

adj.年老的，陈年的

参考例句：

• He had put on weight and aged a little.他胖了，也老点了。
• He is aged,but his memory is still good.他已年老，然而记忆力还好。

3 poise   

vt./vi. 平衡，保持平衡；n.泰然自若，自信

参考例句：

• She hesitated briefly but quickly regained her poise.她犹豫片刻，但很快恢复了镇静。
• Ballet classes are important for poise and grace.芭蕾课对培养优雅的姿仪非常重要。

4 posture   

n.姿势，姿态，心态，态度；v.作出某种姿势

参考例句：

• The government adopted an uncompromising posture on the issue of independence.政府在独立这一问题上采取了毫不妥协的态度。
• He tore off his coat and assumed a fighting posture.他脱掉上衣，摆出一副打架的架势。

5 poised   

a.摆好姿势不动的

参考例句：

• The hawk poised in mid-air ready to swoop. 老鹰在半空中盘旋，准备俯冲。
• Tina was tense, her hand poised over the telephone. 蒂娜心情紧张，手悬在电话机上。