Forgot What?

Hello, We sang parts II and III of Handels Messiah this afternoon. I carefully packed my music, spare shoes, glasses, and phone. Stopped at the bathroom, just to be prepared before going to the seat. Just when it was almost time to sing, I realized I had left my glasses upstairs in my backpack. I could see the director just fine, but the music was a challenge. The person ahead of me remained seated for the entire concert requiring me to hold my music up high. That was a good thing as it should be high to see the director and the music without moving my head. My arm got tired since the book is heavy and some of the selections are long. I was astonished at how much I remembered. Especially, the second part was almost all in my brain. That was a good feeling. The third part was more challenging. Apparently, I had sung the selections in part two enough in the past to have them in my memory. I did know two of the selections in part three, but the rest were not there. The last is the amen and that is the only word. Ahead of time I thought that would be easier. However, the notes were harder to connect to where we were. One thing that was good about this, my voice did not feel so stressed. It seems I am forcing it when I can see the notes. I just let them come with proper voice placement and breath control. It was even rather fun. Paula