Operating Room
for mezzo-soprano, alto saxophone, and percussion (2016, 8 min.)

note
I chose the title Operating Room because I wanted to explore the audition process as if it were a sort of operation, like a metaphorical dissection of the performer. I thought that this was an appropriate lens to further explore the anxieties that may accompany this stressful experience, bringing themes of identity and doubt to the fore.

premiere
Kayleigh Butcher - mezzo-soprano
Jan Berry Baker - alto saxophone
Stuart Gerber - percussion
Tate Hall, Central Piedmont Community College
6/11/16 | Charlotte, NC 
Written for the Charlotte New Music Festival

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Operating Room text by Aaron Israel Levin
Yes. No. Yes. No. Stop.
I can do this.
Before I dance for you, I'd like to tell you a bit about myself:
Who I am;
Where I'm from;
A bit about my background and my training.
Here I am.
They call me Isabel.
Isabella.
Isabel O'Brian.
And I'm from Indiana.
Now dance.
1 2 3 4 5.
Wait. Let me try again.
I'm sorry. The nerves. I don't know what's wrong.
I went to a reputable school.
I studied with reputable teachers.
Please.
No.