by Pastor Tom Barnhill

Created on: January 13, 2007   Last Updated: May 09, 2007

Karaoke is either loved or hated. Yes! I agree there are people who should never step foot onto a stage to perform in front of an audience however, when music and talent click there is a magic that transforms the audience and raises the bar a level. A major mistake by any performer (or want to be performer) is trying to sing out of his or her vacal range. I have used karaoke to teach English in classes in China; reach out to youthful offenders in the local jails and even halped the aged take a stroll down memory lane with nostalgic tunes of yester year.

In almost all cases a karaoke performer is only as good as the DJ and hsi sound equipment. I have seen a DJ make or break a performance all in the slide of one finger on the mixer board. Many singers who attempt to sing karaoke believe they have to sing each word as it appears or is "highlighted" on the monitor. This is not true. Once asked by an eight year old, "How did you learn to sing so well?" I shared with her, "You have to pick a song you like and practice it over and over until you know it by heart."

Not all karaoke CD's are created equal. It is true you can purchase CD's in almost every music store, electronics outlet stores (Best Buy; Sam Ashe; etc,) even Wal-mart, but you will discover the best quality sound back up music is on the better know brand labels. I even have one source I go to and purchase just the songs "I" want and not a bunch of other songs I'll never sing. At less than $1 per track (up to fourteen tracks per CD)I get exactly what I want.

If you have ever wanted to express yourself through song and are not to bashful to give it a try, you may surprise yourself and those around you. You may even try to visit some of the more well known Karaoke outlets like Big Mama's Karaoke in Seymour, Tennessee. This was where I attempted my first public appearance with Louis Armstrongs version of "What a Wonderful World." My hand sshook so wildly (nerves) that Ihad to tuck my thumb under my chin so the audience couldn't see how nervous I was. No one was ever the wiser when I stepped off the stage. I was shaking, my face was definately red, but I had take one step more than just "wanting" to sing in public, now I had. SO! Go for it and enjoy yourself. I believe the translation for "karaoke" should be: " A person's ability to gather with other like minded individuals and have fund and laughter without fear of how he or she sounds."

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