A Voice That Ignites Passion

By Michelle Renee Lindsay

The 9/11 tragedy deeply aected Patricia Welch and her husband Pete DuBarry. DuBerrys reaction was to write the lyrics to United Well Stand. Patricia notes: He stayed up all night and the words just poured out of him. The following morning, he gave me the lyrics to read and immediately I said to him, I have performed many great songs with great lyrics, but these words so perfectly described that tragic day. Welch went on to say: We want it to be a source of hope and encouragement to all Americans and a tribute to the heroes of that day. We hope that it will live forever in our memories and hearts. atricia Welch knew she wanted to sing after performing in her rst school musical. Despite being only nine years old, she realized the joy of communicating through music and acting. Once she began, there was no stopping her. Welch comments: The thing that ignites my passion to sing is the reaction from my audience. When I sing, it moves them. That gives me purpose, satisfaction and the drive to keep performing. I also have to believe in what I am singing. When I feel what the lyrics are saying, so does my audience. Welch had the privilege of being trained by her inspiration, Francis Yeend, the American classical soprano. Francis Yeend was a great inspiration to me. She believed in my talent. Having others believe in you, is as important as believing in yourself, Welch divulges. It is the fuel that keeps me going. She gave me encouragement and inspiration. It is always good to have a mentor whom you admire. What was her rst audition like? A cattle call, Patricia recalls. I had heard that there were over 4,000 people that auditioned for The King and I musical. It was a long wait in the hall. She describes waiting for days, morning till night, wondering if she would be seen. I was not a member of Actors Equity yet, so my wait was much longer because the casting directors saw Equity members rst. Her patience was not in vain. Finally I had my opportunity to audition and it seemed like I was in the room for only a few minutes. I performed Tuptims song My Lord And Master. The casting team asked me to come for a callback in a few days. Welch performed the same song a second time, and was asked to return once more to perform personally for Yul Brynner. Finally that day arrived: I was at the theatre with nine other women singing My Lord And Master with Yul Brynner in the audience. After I performed, Brynner came up on stage, asked me to take o my shoes and move around the stage while performing

the song again. The next day, I received a call from producer Mitch Leigh, oering me the role of Tuptim. I was ecstatic! It was truly a Cinderella story for a country girl from West Virginia who arrived in NYC only a few weeks prior to this audition with only $1,400 spending money. It may have seemed like a lucky break, but Welchs successful role launched almost an immediate career. The next thing she knew, she was touring with the The King and I for four years. Then she performed it on Broadway for six months after that. Welch tells us that this experience helped her mature into a seasoned performer. She was truly inspired by Yul Brynners professionalism and great talent. Patricia moved on to become a featured soloist, signing with various orchestras though out the United States. There is no greater feeling than performing with live musicians, in notable venues and to have a huge orchestra behind me. This is the ultimate experience, she declares. Welch recalled her rst performance as a soloist before an orchestra: Delightful. From the rehearsal to the performance, it was an all-time-high. The beauty and power of the instruments was amazing. From the warmth of the string section to the power of the percussion and tympani was an experience that I will never forget. Patricia Welch has been busy with numerous projects. She recorded the singing voice for the animated Happily Ever After: Fairy Tales for Every Child with Cyndi Lauper. She contributed her marvelous voice to the movie Brave New Girl, and sang the French Aria Habanera. When asked if she had any advice for newcomers into her profession, Welch shares: This is a very competitive business. So, rst and foremost, make sure that you truly are good at what you do. If not train until you master it. Always be creative and do not be afraid to show your creativity. Perseverance is the key. You will never get anywhere without that. Words of wisdom worth following from Patricia Welch, who embraces her creativity every day, spreading enthusiasm to ignite passion everywhere she turns. Website: www.patriciawelch.com