New Jersey Stage 2017: Issue 4 | Page 109

gaged as I turned off the engine, and the entire musical---book and songs were lost. That was my first and last composition for the musical theater! And it taught me to always carry a recording device to capture my ideas. At the hospital recently, I took advantage of my knack for find- ing music in everything to keep me calm in the MRI tube. I had many MRIs in the past, so I knew what to expect. Focusing on making music would take me away from the close quarters and the clanging and banging of the machine. The technicians always offer headphones and your favorite music radio station, but I’ve learned the sound you’ll get is mostly static, and static is, to me, more upsetting than the noise of the machine. Reframe to the rescue! I closed my eyes and took my- self to a music hall where a large salsa orchestra was playing. I was at the imaginary WBGO FM radio Latin Jazz Cruise. Listening to the clang and bang I found Get The Arts News That You Want! Start your day with a customized look at arts & entertainment news from around the state. Click here to sign up. brought to you by New Jersey Stage