Rancho Bernardo Chorale

"In 1974, sixteen people who loved to sing gathered in my living room in Rancho Bernardo, California. From this tiny seedling group grew the RB Chorale of today. Now, at 150 tuneful members strong, we have awarded nearly $300,000 in scholarship monies to talented high school graduating seniors from North San Diego County, and we have received the Bronze Cup in Verona, Italy's 2005 International Choral Competition! Our RB Chorale musical productions are evenings chock full of entertainment for the whole family featuring music ranging from Broadway to Harry Potter. Our Tuesday rehearsals combine hard work in an atmosphere of fun, and camaraderie. Nothing soothes the mind and brings peace to the soul more than giving and receiving the gift of song. In fact, our Chorale's mission says it all: "We bring the gift of song to our community; entertain our audiences; and help aspiring young musicians seek their dreams." 
~ Pat Bean, Founder/Director of the RB Chorale.


I was given a wonderful opportunity to expand my makeup experiences by my friend, Andrea. She suggested that I come to her chorale and help out with makeup. I jumped at the chance! I wasn't sure what to expect, the only thing I know was that I would be there three days and tips may be involved.

Day 1: Wednesday and Dress Rehearsal

I show up at my appointed time of 5:00 PM. The chorale is just beginning to stroll in and prep with makeup and clothes. The women in my dressing room were put to the task of unwrapping the light wands that the audience was to use Friday and Saturday. A frenzy of activity took place: unwrapping the light wands, pinning on the feathery boas, women searching for their makeup, talking and singing occurring simultaneously. Until one matriarch of the group shushed everybody so she could her the finalists rehearse. Quite impressive!

Andrea went around introducing me, letting people know that I was there for makeup. The men weren't too happy to see me. They put up such a fuss about wearing makeup and grumbled to Andrea that if they must, they will were the makeup for the performances only.

I helped out some women, making sure their makeup was heavy enough for stage. Or as one women said, "I'm ready to look like a cheap hooker." In fact, she's right. Up close, the makeup was hard to swallow, yet on stage, the women looked like naturals. Many women were under the impression that I was there for beauty makeup. I had to point out that the stage lights would suck up all the color, so it was imperative that they have heavier makeup on.

One chorale member getting ready.

Then, I met Paul. Paul was a violinist that had been with the chorale since its inception. The director wanted me powder the top of his head to take away the shine. Paul was okay with that. He even joked that I could walk on stage during the performance  to powder his head. That made me laugh just envisioning the scene!

Day 2: Friday and Show #1

It was wonderful to see the chorale again. Everyone was in high spirits and people were more receptive to me being there. I was kept quite busy with the women. One women made sure that I put blush on the willing men's faces. Most were receptive to blush and powder, but nothing more. I joking asked if they were still in pain with all that makeup on. Then there was one I'll call "Grumpy Bear".  He didn't want me anywhere near him. I think he felt his manhood would be stripped if I were to out blush on him. Funny, being on stage and singing show tunes was manly? I guess everybody has their limitations. So, I left "Grumpy Bear" alone to his own devices.

Paul was brought to me "kicking and screaming" because the director wanted blush on his cheeks. As the photographed took pictures and I put on blush, Paul looked and sounded like I was harming him. I chuckled at his failed attempts to dodge my blush brush!

By 6:30 PM, the chorale was gathering backstage. I would grab the men I didn't see and throw blush on them with their blessings. Everyone was in high spirits, excitedly awaiting to perform in the Opening Show. I was planning on going home shortly, but then I was sabotaged by two sweet women who could have been my grandmothers. They looked at me with big puppy eyes and asked if I was staying to see the show. Originally, I said "no" because I was hungry and tired from a long day of teaching. They turned on their "puppy eyes" and I melted. "Okay" was all I could say.

I snuck into the theatre and sat down to watch the show. I only stayed for half of the show; long enough to see the finalists perform.

The chorale getting ready to perform.

Day 3: Saturday and Show #2

Andrea was sweet to put out tips jars in the dressing rooms and bathrooms. The director's right hand girl came in to ask if I would like to teach a makeup class in the summer for some extra cash. Yes, of course! I was honored that the chorale thought highly of me.

Most of the men were seeking me out for their blush and powder, which was a far cry from Wednesday! I looked for Paul yet he was no where to be found. An hour later, he surfaces and sought me out for his makeup. He jokingly said he was high jacked by hillbillies and they made him play his fiddle. What he really was doing, was having a jam session in an empty dressing room with other musicians. Paul's wife was saying that he was worried about being late and missing his makeup time with me. She said she almost fell out of her chair hearing that!

The people of the Rancho Bernardo Chorale are very dear and I was honored to be given the opportunity to work with them.