12- # of auditions between Nov.22th and Dec.18th
6- # of auditions from the summer through Oct.15th
2- # of productions during audition season that took me away from NYC
3- # of coachings during audition season (that's a rarity--being so HIGH and all)
3- # of competitions sung during audition season (1- won something)
4- # of apartments I lived out of a suitcase in between Nov.22 and Dec.18th
?- # of possible jobs I'll get from these auditions
4- # of planes I've been on in the past 3 days (about to be 5 tomorrow)
A whole lot- # of planes I've been on in the past 3 months!
Overall:
I think I sang my best at every audition, maybe except for 2 of them- where I could have done one or two or three measures better (support, breath, getting excited and over-compensating with a not-as-pure/pretty tone)
Starting piece:
Chacun le sait didn't fail in Young Artist auditions, and I hope it doesn't fail in mainstage auditions. Either way, it packs a walloping first cadenza, it's a great acted piece, and it also shows some French style and line.
When I began with anything else, say, for a specific role they were casting, it also went very well (Zerb, Oscar, Glitter), and I think that next year, or next season, I could easily change my starter to Zerbinetta, from the So War. For the right company, it may show that I have voice and acting and am ready for the big roles that are HARDer to cast, not the mainstream roles that they hear every soprano for.
Audition outfit:
I had two, one for th beginning, one for the end. Got good comments on both, and think the 2nd one was definitely on the hotness scale. Goal for next year- something not black/gray or maroon (the color the seemed to replace black this year)
Audition style:
When I had the chance, I'd shake hands, smile, introduce myself, try to be as cordial but also not 'generally nice/sweet soprano' as possible. And always leave the room with a smile and a have a great rest of the day/holiday/weekend.
Accompanist choices:
17- awesome.
1- horrible.
Goals for the next time around and the next few months to make me a better auditioner and therefore a better choice for hiring:
Dance/yoga- take more classes and free my body. I did not work out ONCE during audition season because of the "general nyc stress/malaise" and although I didn't feel TIGHT, I definitely didn't feel loose and free either.
Coachings- now that I have the opportunity to be in NYC for the next few months with only my craft to work on, suck it up- I know the market is down so I can't afford SO much, but I want acting coaching, vocal coachings, and maybe to try out a few "coloratura specialist" teachers in the city who have been on the recommended list for a few years.
Finding 'It'- whatever IT is that gets people hired on the spot, gets people excited and remember you the day after when they see you in NOLA, gets the panel thinking about your audition for the rest of the day and finding themselves texting your agent to say they want you for SOMETHING- they don't know what yet, but something.
And now, it's ciao for 2 weeks while I eat a lot of Sushi in Japan.
Happy Holidays, Happy New Year, and safe travels to all.
19 December, 2007
17 December, 2007
5 days?
That's pretty inexcusable--except--I have a good excuse.
I didn't bring my computer to LA, and I don't have it here in NY. Yes, I'm typing NOT on a mac, but on a PC (best friend's pc in Bklyn, while she studies for her Law school finals exams).
The review:
Flight- uneventful.
Staying at little bro's apt in Brentwood- jealous of his "real life" and me living out of a suitcase.
Audition- OOOOH I'll go into this one below.
Flight- windy, didn't sleep on the red-eye, and now it's the next day and I'm in bed downing tea, water, and hoping that in 22 hours I'll be able to sing pretty as pie for my audition.
BACK to audition.
I showed up early (as always) and had time to warm up as well as listen to a few singers before me.
Since I showed up SO early, they were able to take me early.
This is a lesson to myself and maybe the two other people who read this.
It's not enough to say "I'm offering Zerbinetta, are you comfortable with that" and believe the "I can do it" response.
You MUST ask "have you played this before and do you need me to set tempi with you" and ONLY proceed with the aria if that answer is "Yes, I've coached it and played it and memorized it and can follow you to a T".
Because otherwise, (if you're not in NYC and it's not 2007 and a "standard" aria here on the EAST coast), you will be singing Zerbinetta while the notes under you are:
a. in another key
b. in another tempo
c. in seemingly NO tempo when it comes to the runs
d. all of the above.
So- I SANG a great Zerbinetta.
What the panel actually heard was the right vocal notes with tons and tons of piano mistakes, over and over again, with someone who obviously assumed they wouldn't ask for it, and then had to sight read the piece after biting off more than they could chew, and not giving into their humility by saying, no, I'm not comfortable with that piece, do you have another German aria to offer...(YES, I HAVE THREE!).
Then they asked for Oscar and that went fine--except there were STILL a few flubs at the piano--which leads me to believe (and from what I heard before and after me) that it was just either an off day for the provided accompanist, or it was terrible all around and that's just who they had playing.
Now, I learned my lesson a few years ago, when Zerbie wasn't high on the list of pieces that accompanists actually knew and played a lot at auditions in NY. I never came to an audition without my own pianist, or at least someone whom I had called and verified had played the piece many many many times before.
But hello- I'm on the other side of America, the COMPANY supplied a pianist (not just someone from around the corner, but someone ON staff there)...and you'd think..well, you'd just think.
So I thought wrong.
I don't know if there was anything different I should have done in the situation.
When the wrong key and wrong tempo started (about 5 measures in) should I have stopped and said- maybe we need time to make this more of an ensemble- could I sing QOTN or DurchZ for you instead? Or something? Or do I just grin and bear it like I did and go through the entire thing just doing my thing and singing through whatever was underneath me?
Do I assume the panel knew I was singing correctly and the playing was wrong?
THEY asked for the piece, so you'd assume they know it..??
Their faces weren't twisted in dismay afterwards..they were actually quite pleased (seemingly)--but is that crazy? I mean, it's kind of sad for ALL of the singers who couldn't "do" their best because while they were singing, the KEY was wrong!
(Yes, two of my friends were there and offered mainstream rep. and still had mess ups with tempi and KEY SIGNATURES)...I think that's unfair to the singer, unfair to the panel, and just not conducive to a good working environment for anyone to be judged in.
OH WELL. It's over. I find out the results maybe in the next week- but I'm truly not expecting anything.
And if I DO get a call- is it because I sang "through" it?
And if I DON"T get a call- is it also because I sang through it?
SO- a lesson for me, (and the 2 other people who read this if you're sopranos that sing Zerbie)- don't ever assume that outside of NYC anyone can play this piece even if you ask them if they can and they say yes!
I didn't bring my computer to LA, and I don't have it here in NY. Yes, I'm typing NOT on a mac, but on a PC (best friend's pc in Bklyn, while she studies for her Law school finals exams).
The review:
Flight- uneventful.
Staying at little bro's apt in Brentwood- jealous of his "real life" and me living out of a suitcase.
Audition- OOOOH I'll go into this one below.
Flight- windy, didn't sleep on the red-eye, and now it's the next day and I'm in bed downing tea, water, and hoping that in 22 hours I'll be able to sing pretty as pie for my audition.
BACK to audition.
I showed up early (as always) and had time to warm up as well as listen to a few singers before me.
Since I showed up SO early, they were able to take me early.
This is a lesson to myself and maybe the two other people who read this.
It's not enough to say "I'm offering Zerbinetta, are you comfortable with that" and believe the "I can do it" response.
You MUST ask "have you played this before and do you need me to set tempi with you" and ONLY proceed with the aria if that answer is "Yes, I've coached it and played it and memorized it and can follow you to a T".
Because otherwise, (if you're not in NYC and it's not 2007 and a "standard" aria here on the EAST coast), you will be singing Zerbinetta while the notes under you are:
a. in another key
b. in another tempo
c. in seemingly NO tempo when it comes to the runs
d. all of the above.
So- I SANG a great Zerbinetta.
What the panel actually heard was the right vocal notes with tons and tons of piano mistakes, over and over again, with someone who obviously assumed they wouldn't ask for it, and then had to sight read the piece after biting off more than they could chew, and not giving into their humility by saying, no, I'm not comfortable with that piece, do you have another German aria to offer...(YES, I HAVE THREE!).
Then they asked for Oscar and that went fine--except there were STILL a few flubs at the piano--which leads me to believe (and from what I heard before and after me) that it was just either an off day for the provided accompanist, or it was terrible all around and that's just who they had playing.
Now, I learned my lesson a few years ago, when Zerbie wasn't high on the list of pieces that accompanists actually knew and played a lot at auditions in NY. I never came to an audition without my own pianist, or at least someone whom I had called and verified had played the piece many many many times before.
But hello- I'm on the other side of America, the COMPANY supplied a pianist (not just someone from around the corner, but someone ON staff there)...and you'd think..well, you'd just think.
So I thought wrong.
I don't know if there was anything different I should have done in the situation.
When the wrong key and wrong tempo started (about 5 measures in) should I have stopped and said- maybe we need time to make this more of an ensemble- could I sing QOTN or DurchZ for you instead? Or something? Or do I just grin and bear it like I did and go through the entire thing just doing my thing and singing through whatever was underneath me?
Do I assume the panel knew I was singing correctly and the playing was wrong?
THEY asked for the piece, so you'd assume they know it..??
Their faces weren't twisted in dismay afterwards..they were actually quite pleased (seemingly)--but is that crazy? I mean, it's kind of sad for ALL of the singers who couldn't "do" their best because while they were singing, the KEY was wrong!
(Yes, two of my friends were there and offered mainstream rep. and still had mess ups with tempi and KEY SIGNATURES)...I think that's unfair to the singer, unfair to the panel, and just not conducive to a good working environment for anyone to be judged in.
OH WELL. It's over. I find out the results maybe in the next week- but I'm truly not expecting anything.
And if I DO get a call- is it because I sang "through" it?
And if I DON"T get a call- is it also because I sang through it?
SO- a lesson for me, (and the 2 other people who read this if you're sopranos that sing Zerbie)- don't ever assume that outside of NYC anyone can play this piece even if you ask them if they can and they say yes!
13 December, 2007
more than just updates
Ok, I'm sick of unpacking and packing, so I will write more.
I will write about my recently added aria.
I have known it was out there, in some version or other, I know the show, I know the role would be great for me, but it was never as "interesting" of an aria, as any of my other standard French pieces. It's a little out there, a little too much piano interlude music and too little singing (although the singing is quite nice), a little too much low/middle and not as much exciting high (there's only a C), but it's a sweet little piece, and it's very specific to a certain look/voice/need in the opera.
I learned it last week (see previous discussion on how thankful I am that I can learn music quickly and well), and offered it two days ago as a second piece.
It was chosen (even after I started with French), and it went---really--well!
I filled the musical nonsinging parts with dramatic involvement, found the character really sweet and fun, had good concentration, and got a nice comment or two after the whole thing too.
So- am I going to keep it? Sure. I suppose it's one of those things that can be phased in and out- much like the doll song. If someone is casting for it, I offer it. Otherwise, it's requested from the 2nd verse--IF I offer it (which all this year I have not been due to my first starting aria in French).
I have an audition that I'm specifically singing for this role again next week, and I'll be sure to think more about it and brush it up. And it's even getting me thinking about possibly not starting with my normal French (since another role I'm up for in the repertoire COULD be a "short and sweet" starter--and then they'll definitely ask for this French).
Hmm..things to think about.
What else?
Competition went veeeeeery well (as in, I'll be receiving the check hopefully in the next few weeks).
I sang Queen and Glitter- a delectable combination of fiery coloratura and crowd pleasing acting and comic timing--so I think it was well-deserved, and, supposedly there is a recording out there (that the panel made) that is floating around, so maybe it'll even be decent enough to use if that's an option.
Oh, competitions. I could look at Yaptracker for HOURS and try to see which ones I should do or not. But they all seem like such a crapshoot.
Some are the artsy- we want musicality/crazy arias/ the judges themselves run opera companies and know what they are talking about.
And some are just- we're the little opera theatre of next door, our donors and previous-winners are the judges, and we want to hear big italian arias so that we can cast you in our predictable season next year and you will win first place.
Ok, I totally understand that. You have to know your audience.
Just like in any job interview, or job situation.
Know your audience.
What do THEY want to hear?
Will they be totally put off by a Zerbie?
Would they like the fireworks of Lakme even though it's "less known"? Or should you just give 'em good old Queen, Caro Nome, Traviata, (NO, not ME, just in general)...and the crowd pleasing biggies for the audience vote?
So I learn and I adapt and I try. And I don't care how many people think coloraturas always win competitions--it's NOT true when in competition with the Italianate voice (of any kind- sop/mezz/ten/bar/bass) in a competition where pleasing the audience with an old favorite is the goal.
I will write about my recently added aria.
I have known it was out there, in some version or other, I know the show, I know the role would be great for me, but it was never as "interesting" of an aria, as any of my other standard French pieces. It's a little out there, a little too much piano interlude music and too little singing (although the singing is quite nice), a little too much low/middle and not as much exciting high (there's only a C), but it's a sweet little piece, and it's very specific to a certain look/voice/need in the opera.
I learned it last week (see previous discussion on how thankful I am that I can learn music quickly and well), and offered it two days ago as a second piece.
It was chosen (even after I started with French), and it went---really--well!
I filled the musical nonsinging parts with dramatic involvement, found the character really sweet and fun, had good concentration, and got a nice comment or two after the whole thing too.
So- am I going to keep it? Sure. I suppose it's one of those things that can be phased in and out- much like the doll song. If someone is casting for it, I offer it. Otherwise, it's requested from the 2nd verse--IF I offer it (which all this year I have not been due to my first starting aria in French).
I have an audition that I'm specifically singing for this role again next week, and I'll be sure to think more about it and brush it up. And it's even getting me thinking about possibly not starting with my normal French (since another role I'm up for in the repertoire COULD be a "short and sweet" starter--and then they'll definitely ask for this French).
Hmm..things to think about.
What else?
Competition went veeeeeery well (as in, I'll be receiving the check hopefully in the next few weeks).
I sang Queen and Glitter- a delectable combination of fiery coloratura and crowd pleasing acting and comic timing--so I think it was well-deserved, and, supposedly there is a recording out there (that the panel made) that is floating around, so maybe it'll even be decent enough to use if that's an option.
Oh, competitions. I could look at Yaptracker for HOURS and try to see which ones I should do or not. But they all seem like such a crapshoot.
Some are the artsy- we want musicality/crazy arias/ the judges themselves run opera companies and know what they are talking about.
And some are just- we're the little opera theatre of next door, our donors and previous-winners are the judges, and we want to hear big italian arias so that we can cast you in our predictable season next year and you will win first place.
Ok, I totally understand that. You have to know your audience.
Just like in any job interview, or job situation.
Know your audience.
What do THEY want to hear?
Will they be totally put off by a Zerbie?
Would they like the fireworks of Lakme even though it's "less known"? Or should you just give 'em good old Queen, Caro Nome, Traviata, (NO, not ME, just in general)...and the crowd pleasing biggies for the audience vote?
So I learn and I adapt and I try. And I don't care how many people think coloraturas always win competitions--it's NOT true when in competition with the Italianate voice (of any kind- sop/mezz/ten/bar/bass) in a competition where pleasing the audience with an old favorite is the goal.
almost vacation
Arrived 'home' today to unpack, do laundry, and repack for three trips with three very different weather forecasts.
Saturday to Sunday- audition wear on the west coast.
Sunday to Tuesday- audition wear and back to NYC.
Tuesday to Thursday- whatever I want wear on the west coast again.
Thursday- JAPAN!
Saturday to Sunday- audition wear on the west coast.
Sunday to Tuesday- audition wear and back to NYC.
Tuesday to Thursday- whatever I want wear on the west coast again.
Thursday- JAPAN!
12 December, 2007
note to self part shtayim
ok, but on the other hand---
Ze ha-job sheli lishol anashim ka'ele ma ani yechola la'asot yoter tov, right?
Im ani rotza lashir yoter tov, lihiyot acaht mehabanot she'ha'batei opera lokchim, az ani tzrecha lish'ol ma ani yechola la'asot kedei lehasig et hatafkidim she'ani rotza.
Az ze haya TOV she'hu amar li et hadvarim ha'ele.
ma ani yechola la'asot yoter tov?
lashir bli lidchof, sheshum davar lo yihiye ksat gavoha, ksat namuch.
ulai ze gam ha-image sheli. lo choshevet, ki ani mekabelet machma'ot al ze, aval--tamid efshar laredet 3-4 kilo o mashehu.
lo choshevet sheze ha acting sheli. ki ze margish tov.
aval, beseder. chashavti al ze, ve yoter tov im ani yoda'at sheani yechola leshaper mashehu, measher lachshov sheani pashut lo maspik tova o mashehu kaze--vehem lo rotzim la'avod iti, rak biglal she'hem natnu li konstructive criticism.
zehu.
ani lo mephachedet mize yoter. ani zameret tova. yoter mi-tova. ani yoda'at sheyesh dvarim sheyecholim lihiyot yoter tov, aval beintayim--ani shara, zaza, nir'et, venotenet et kuli.
Ze ha-job sheli lishol anashim ka'ele ma ani yechola la'asot yoter tov, right?
Im ani rotza lashir yoter tov, lihiyot acaht mehabanot she'ha'batei opera lokchim, az ani tzrecha lish'ol ma ani yechola la'asot kedei lehasig et hatafkidim she'ani rotza.
Az ze haya TOV she'hu amar li et hadvarim ha'ele.
ma ani yechola la'asot yoter tov?
lashir bli lidchof, sheshum davar lo yihiye ksat gavoha, ksat namuch.
ulai ze gam ha-image sheli. lo choshevet, ki ani mekabelet machma'ot al ze, aval--tamid efshar laredet 3-4 kilo o mashehu.
lo choshevet sheze ha acting sheli. ki ze margish tov.
aval, beseder. chashavti al ze, ve yoter tov im ani yoda'at sheani yechola leshaper mashehu, measher lachshov sheani pashut lo maspik tova o mashehu kaze--vehem lo rotzim la'avod iti, rak biglal she'hem natnu li konstructive criticism.
zehu.
ani lo mephachedet mize yoter. ani zameret tova. yoter mi-tova. ani yoda'at sheyesh dvarim sheyecholim lihiyot yoter tov, aval beintayim--ani shara, zaza, nir'et, venotenet et kuli.
note to self
Ok, it's going to just have to be in another language since I want to read this again in the future.
sharti hayom lo rak bishvil hasochenet sheli, aval gam hashochen- shelo ra'a oti o shama oti milifney 6 chodashim o mashehu kaze.
acharei shesiyamti (im shakun ve ha'aria hachadasha) hem yaz'u mehacheder vehu amar 'yofi'. ani hirgashti tov meod- chashavti sheha-panel ahav et shakun kee hem kzat tsachaku aharei shesiyamti. hasheni, yalla- ze, kol kach kashe lashir namooch acharei sheani shara g gavoha. Aval, MAMASH chashavti shezehalach yafe. bishvil ha-pa'am harishona.
Hu lakach oti hatsida ve'sha'al oti ma ani shara bashavu'a haba.
Ve'az hu amar shehu lo choshev she'shakun ze ra'ayon tov biglal sheyesh le'anashim tchusha mesuyemet al hakol shehem rotzim batafkid haze.
Ok, az im lo shakun, ma? Zerbinetta, DurchZ--ken.
Aval ani lo yoda'at im pashoot hu lo hitlahev kmo shana she'avra.
Ve'ani rotza lihiyot hachi tova she'ani yechola, ve'sheshney hem yirtzu la'avod iti le'harbe zman.
Az ani kzat depresseeveet achshav kee ani lo yoda'at im ze haya tov o lo. O, maspik tov o lo.
Ugh- sonet et ha'hargasha hazot.
chashavti she'hakol haya yoter mi 'yofi' ve'tov'. Tov, hayiti kzat lechutza ki shteyhem hayu sham, aval...adayin chashavti sheze haya echad mehayamim hatovim. ein li yamim lo tovim. ani chola- ani lo shara. acheret, ani sham im hakol sheli ve'ani notenet et hakol.
achshav ein shoom davar ad ha-erev veacharey ze, SHOOM davar ad LA beyom rishon.
Ulai ze yihiye tov me'od bishvili. Lachshov, velo lashir.
sharti hayom lo rak bishvil hasochenet sheli, aval gam hashochen- shelo ra'a oti o shama oti milifney 6 chodashim o mashehu kaze.
acharei shesiyamti (im shakun ve ha'aria hachadasha) hem yaz'u mehacheder vehu amar 'yofi'. ani hirgashti tov meod- chashavti sheha-panel ahav et shakun kee hem kzat tsachaku aharei shesiyamti. hasheni, yalla- ze, kol kach kashe lashir namooch acharei sheani shara g gavoha. Aval, MAMASH chashavti shezehalach yafe. bishvil ha-pa'am harishona.
Hu lakach oti hatsida ve'sha'al oti ma ani shara bashavu'a haba.
Ve'az hu amar shehu lo choshev she'shakun ze ra'ayon tov biglal sheyesh le'anashim tchusha mesuyemet al hakol shehem rotzim batafkid haze.
Ok, az im lo shakun, ma? Zerbinetta, DurchZ--ken.
Aval ani lo yoda'at im pashoot hu lo hitlahev kmo shana she'avra.
Ve'ani rotza lihiyot hachi tova she'ani yechola, ve'sheshney hem yirtzu la'avod iti le'harbe zman.
Az ani kzat depresseeveet achshav kee ani lo yoda'at im ze haya tov o lo. O, maspik tov o lo.
Ugh- sonet et ha'hargasha hazot.
chashavti she'hakol haya yoter mi 'yofi' ve'tov'. Tov, hayiti kzat lechutza ki shteyhem hayu sham, aval...adayin chashavti sheze haya echad mehayamim hatovim. ein li yamim lo tovim. ani chola- ani lo shara. acheret, ani sham im hakol sheli ve'ani notenet et hakol.
achshav ein shoom davar ad ha-erev veacharey ze, SHOOM davar ad LA beyom rishon.
Ulai ze yihiye tov me'od bishvili. Lachshov, velo lashir.
11 December, 2007
there's a liiiiiight....
Ok, so it's no quite Rocky Horror, but audition season is one draining time.
And I got here late, too!
It's the couch to bed to airmattress.
It's the carry-on sized suitcase with more audition clothes than daytime clothes (yes, I've been wearing the same jeans for 4 days- got a problem?!)
It's the LORD HAVE MERCY it's cold and I'm walking outside because I'm too poor and stubborn to hail a cab.
It's the oh, can I please not get sick this week or next week or next next week- WHAT is that cough?
It's the eating out because I don't really have an "in" to eat at.
But then again,
it's also the- wow, I haven' seen you in so long! You look great. What are you singing? Where are you living? SO glad I ran into you (at NOLA, of course).
It's the- I'm so excited you got it! You sang well! You heard back! You're a semi-finalist! You're an alternate! You're in!
What I did today:
Definitely not practice the song that I need to know for tomorrow.
that happens immediately after I press the "publish now" button.
Bought a dress. Oh yea. Like I have a gown in nyc this week? NOPE. Needed one for the finals. UGH. It's O-K. and it was cheap.
Bought a round trip ticket from LA to NY, because BEFORE I can start my vacation, I have to interrupt my vacation by coming back to NY for TWO more auditions on the 18th.
So, I've spent 460 dollars including a bagel and schmear, about to spend a bit more on dinner (DELUXE, uws), help a sick cousin out by giving her my mucinex (not ALL of it of course), and bringing her soup, and oh yea, then practice that pesky song.
Can it please be over soon?
The crazy?
Can that be over?
And I got here late, too!
It's the couch to bed to airmattress.
It's the carry-on sized suitcase with more audition clothes than daytime clothes (yes, I've been wearing the same jeans for 4 days- got a problem?!)
It's the LORD HAVE MERCY it's cold and I'm walking outside because I'm too poor and stubborn to hail a cab.
It's the oh, can I please not get sick this week or next week or next next week- WHAT is that cough?
It's the eating out because I don't really have an "in" to eat at.
But then again,
it's also the- wow, I haven' seen you in so long! You look great. What are you singing? Where are you living? SO glad I ran into you (at NOLA, of course).
It's the- I'm so excited you got it! You sang well! You heard back! You're a semi-finalist! You're an alternate! You're in!
What I did today:
Definitely not practice the song that I need to know for tomorrow.
that happens immediately after I press the "publish now" button.
Bought a dress. Oh yea. Like I have a gown in nyc this week? NOPE. Needed one for the finals. UGH. It's O-K. and it was cheap.
Bought a round trip ticket from LA to NY, because BEFORE I can start my vacation, I have to interrupt my vacation by coming back to NY for TWO more auditions on the 18th.
So, I've spent 460 dollars including a bagel and schmear, about to spend a bit more on dinner (DELUXE, uws), help a sick cousin out by giving her my mucinex (not ALL of it of course), and bringing her soup, and oh yea, then practice that pesky song.
Can it please be over soon?
The crazy?
Can that be over?
under construction
OH I am so annoyed with today.
First audition at NOLA. The room with all the windows, and yes, all the construction.
For my opening I just get one note and then I go to the cadenza.
Well LORD knows I'm not going to hear either with the drilling, sawing, and whatever else was going on.
I was just knocked right out of the comfort zone because while I'm hanging out on the high g, I suddenly can't hear MYSELF sing anymore, meaning, I don't know how many notes I have to go down the scale, meaning, I'm PRETTY sure I think I know where the aria starts, but I have no idea what I just sang or if I'm right.
Truly, I don't know if it was as big of a catastrophe as I'm making it out to be.
There may have been ONE note that was off right before the aria began, and the rest was fine. Maybe. But I wouldn't know because I could barely hear any of it.
Seriously. I finished the first piece and said something to the effect of fighting the construction out doors (as a joke)....but nothing could be done.
Oscar was 2nd and that's what they were casting (same production as before)...and I know I did better on that--but still! NOT FUN when I know I sing the pants off of the role (haha, pants role), THEY had heard good things about me via reviews and agent, obviously, and were looking FORWARD to hearing me...UGHGHGHHGHGHG..and I feel like it wasn't a personal best only because of the stupid CONSTRUCTION OUTSIDE!!!! WHat is UP with that?! I was in great voice, could sing rings around it all, and then can't hear what I'm doing so I get all whacked out.
To put it another way, it wasn't fun, and I'm not sure if it was good or bad because I truly didn't hear what I was doing for the first page and a half of music.
THEN:
COMPETITION TIME...
I arrived at the location to a list of 27 singers (selected via cd/preliminary round), and lo and behold, the majority of them were sopranos. WEIRD!!! SHOCKING!!!
I actually got there early enough to hear almost everyone sing that was in front of me.
I usually don't choose my rep early, and I like to wait and see what I'm feeling.
And also it's nice when the majority of singers are sops, to try and NOT begin with the same piece as someone before me--if I can help it. It's not that I care about being better, or them hearing the same piece and comparing--it's just that I have so many that are my usual 'starters' that it doesn't really matter to me. I love them all and would be happy to sing any of them.
Today I sang Queen. I always keep this around, never begin with it in auditions (I know casting preferences all too well), and yet it is a likely piece to be chosen in competition and be a winner. Yes, over Zerbie, which is a little more "out there" in terms of competition rep. where you can tell the panel is not necessarily all musical staff, but more board member, etc... (you pick crowd pleasers over artsy Strauss)
And it paid off because tonight I was called for the final round.
One more audition this week, for which I have learned an aria.
Hope that goes well.
One more final round of a competition this week, for which I hope that the 35 bucks times two (for the pianist) will yield a profitable gain.
First audition at NOLA. The room with all the windows, and yes, all the construction.
For my opening I just get one note and then I go to the cadenza.
Well LORD knows I'm not going to hear either with the drilling, sawing, and whatever else was going on.
I was just knocked right out of the comfort zone because while I'm hanging out on the high g, I suddenly can't hear MYSELF sing anymore, meaning, I don't know how many notes I have to go down the scale, meaning, I'm PRETTY sure I think I know where the aria starts, but I have no idea what I just sang or if I'm right.
Truly, I don't know if it was as big of a catastrophe as I'm making it out to be.
There may have been ONE note that was off right before the aria began, and the rest was fine. Maybe. But I wouldn't know because I could barely hear any of it.
Seriously. I finished the first piece and said something to the effect of fighting the construction out doors (as a joke)....but nothing could be done.
Oscar was 2nd and that's what they were casting (same production as before)...and I know I did better on that--but still! NOT FUN when I know I sing the pants off of the role (haha, pants role), THEY had heard good things about me via reviews and agent, obviously, and were looking FORWARD to hearing me...UGHGHGHHGHGHG..and I feel like it wasn't a personal best only because of the stupid CONSTRUCTION OUTSIDE!!!! WHat is UP with that?! I was in great voice, could sing rings around it all, and then can't hear what I'm doing so I get all whacked out.
To put it another way, it wasn't fun, and I'm not sure if it was good or bad because I truly didn't hear what I was doing for the first page and a half of music.
THEN:
COMPETITION TIME...
I arrived at the location to a list of 27 singers (selected via cd/preliminary round), and lo and behold, the majority of them were sopranos. WEIRD!!! SHOCKING!!!
I actually got there early enough to hear almost everyone sing that was in front of me.
I usually don't choose my rep early, and I like to wait and see what I'm feeling.
And also it's nice when the majority of singers are sops, to try and NOT begin with the same piece as someone before me--if I can help it. It's not that I care about being better, or them hearing the same piece and comparing--it's just that I have so many that are my usual 'starters' that it doesn't really matter to me. I love them all and would be happy to sing any of them.
Today I sang Queen. I always keep this around, never begin with it in auditions (I know casting preferences all too well), and yet it is a likely piece to be chosen in competition and be a winner. Yes, over Zerbie, which is a little more "out there" in terms of competition rep. where you can tell the panel is not necessarily all musical staff, but more board member, etc... (you pick crowd pleasers over artsy Strauss)
And it paid off because tonight I was called for the final round.
One more audition this week, for which I have learned an aria.
Hope that goes well.
One more final round of a competition this week, for which I hope that the 35 bucks times two (for the pianist) will yield a profitable gain.
10 December, 2007
weekend update
A weekend of arts and culture included:
Lunch and DESSERT at Cafe Sabarsky (at the Neue Gallery) for my mom's bday and other family in town.
What I tasted (along with 8 other family members):
Goulash, chestnut soup, mini-sandwiches, coffee, SACHERTORT, Mozarttorte, linzertort, apfelstrudel (I recommend the torts more than this, even though I was REALLY in the mood for some warm apple cake. Nay. It was cold. And no vanilla ice cream a la mode--it was pure whipped cream--which was tasty, but I just wanted something else).
What I saw:
A Christmas Carol (updated with a Ms. Scrooge, all women cast, and my cousin's NY acting debut) at the Secret Theatre in Queens.
The Klimt exhibit at the Neue Gallery
The Seurat drawings exhibit at Moma plus a quick walk through my other favorite galleries including Kandisky and Matisse (although my fave Matisse is still at his tiny museum in France).
The Drowsy Chaperone on Broadway (oh, I could discuss this for AGES)...with BOB SAGET.
Where ELSE I ate:
2nd street cafe, park slope (umm, pumpkin ravioli anyone?) and a nice bottle of Cab.
Tempo, park slope (a lovely and cheap breakfast)
La Familia (2nd and 90th, I think), Italian style gooood food- including portobello salad.
The Chocolate/coco bar (or something like that) Park slope (amazing raspberry chocolate tort thingie)
What ELSE I did:
Walk all around NYC with friends from out of town--meaning, we had to see the Tree at Rockefeller Center, (including the madding crowds), the lights at Cartier, Tiffany, all of the other huge stores that decorate for Xmas, a walk through the park (in the freezing cold), a coaching (yes, still time to get voice-face-time in this weekend), and talking until all hours of the night about life and love with 2 best friends.
Today: Audition, competition.
Back to reality.
Lunch and DESSERT at Cafe Sabarsky (at the Neue Gallery) for my mom's bday and other family in town.
What I tasted (along with 8 other family members):
Goulash, chestnut soup, mini-sandwiches, coffee, SACHERTORT, Mozarttorte, linzertort, apfelstrudel (I recommend the torts more than this, even though I was REALLY in the mood for some warm apple cake. Nay. It was cold. And no vanilla ice cream a la mode--it was pure whipped cream--which was tasty, but I just wanted something else).
What I saw:
A Christmas Carol (updated with a Ms. Scrooge, all women cast, and my cousin's NY acting debut) at the Secret Theatre in Queens.
The Klimt exhibit at the Neue Gallery
The Seurat drawings exhibit at Moma plus a quick walk through my other favorite galleries including Kandisky and Matisse (although my fave Matisse is still at his tiny museum in France).
The Drowsy Chaperone on Broadway (oh, I could discuss this for AGES)...with BOB SAGET.
Where ELSE I ate:
2nd street cafe, park slope (umm, pumpkin ravioli anyone?) and a nice bottle of Cab.
Tempo, park slope (a lovely and cheap breakfast)
La Familia (2nd and 90th, I think), Italian style gooood food- including portobello salad.
The Chocolate/coco bar (or something like that) Park slope (amazing raspberry chocolate tort thingie)
What ELSE I did:
Walk all around NYC with friends from out of town--meaning, we had to see the Tree at Rockefeller Center, (including the madding crowds), the lights at Cartier, Tiffany, all of the other huge stores that decorate for Xmas, a walk through the park (in the freezing cold), a coaching (yes, still time to get voice-face-time in this weekend), and talking until all hours of the night about life and love with 2 best friends.
Today: Audition, competition.
Back to reality.
07 December, 2007
new territory
Today I sang caro nome for the first time in an audition- possibly ever. Since learning the piece at age 17 or so.
Yes, I know, time for everyone to freak out and say my teacher should not have been giving me those pieces back when my technique was probably in shambles, bla bla bla....
she gave it to me because she knew I'd sing it in my voice, and that is what I did. And it was youthful and pretty and I learned no bad habits that I had to undo. Next.
So.
I offered this piece solely because there was a chance that this company was casting a cover or a B cast of the role next season.
Yes, I'll tailor my audition rep.- and go as far as OFFERING the piece for my 2nd. Never starting with it.
Well. After singing chacun it was a bit tough to come down and get grounded for caro nome.
But I still think I did it with style, class, my voice (which is NOT what the majority of American houses would cast a gilda as right now), and my sweetness to it.
I'm actually more surprised than anything--that it came out how I wanted.
I have coached this, done the mental thing with it where I get it in my thoughts and body (of course that went out the window as I was catching my breath from that final F and G of chacun and the excitement of the final salute!)...but I still think I represented myself well.
Outside the door ---a questions I NEVER ask, I asked.
The pianist- how was it.
The agent- how was it.
And both said good things.
NEVER. I NEVER ask this. Not because I don't want to know, but because I already know.
If I was sick, I wouldn't sing. Otherwise, it's a performance.
I just really didn't know on this one, because there is so much "public opinion" about the casting of a Gilda.
Can she sing the aria? Can she sing the duet? But can she sing the QUARTET and TRIO?
Yes. Yes,yes, yes, yes.
IN MY VOICE.
Not some darkened cavernous thing.
Not some light chirpy thing either.
Just me. Youthful and vibrant and my kind of Gilda.
In preparation for this I did some youtube-ing last night, and found that besides the "modern day"/current Gilda's, a majority of the recordings on there ARE of "lighter"..I don't even want to say that..."more silvery" voices of the past.
So I'll take it. The pendulum swings in different directions every few years. Right now it's for the rich, warm, dark Gilda. Same with Juliette. And Lucia.
Maybe one day it will be for the silver, sweet, bell-like version of those three roles.
Monday. 2 more.
Wednesday. One more.
That MAY be it for next week.
Then fly across the country. Then fly back for one/two more. Then fly far far away for a vacation in a new land.
Yes, I know, time for everyone to freak out and say my teacher should not have been giving me those pieces back when my technique was probably in shambles, bla bla bla....
she gave it to me because she knew I'd sing it in my voice, and that is what I did. And it was youthful and pretty and I learned no bad habits that I had to undo. Next.
So.
I offered this piece solely because there was a chance that this company was casting a cover or a B cast of the role next season.
Yes, I'll tailor my audition rep.- and go as far as OFFERING the piece for my 2nd. Never starting with it.
Well. After singing chacun it was a bit tough to come down and get grounded for caro nome.
But I still think I did it with style, class, my voice (which is NOT what the majority of American houses would cast a gilda as right now), and my sweetness to it.
I'm actually more surprised than anything--that it came out how I wanted.
I have coached this, done the mental thing with it where I get it in my thoughts and body (of course that went out the window as I was catching my breath from that final F and G of chacun and the excitement of the final salute!)...but I still think I represented myself well.
Outside the door ---a questions I NEVER ask, I asked.
The pianist- how was it.
The agent- how was it.
And both said good things.
NEVER. I NEVER ask this. Not because I don't want to know, but because I already know.
If I was sick, I wouldn't sing. Otherwise, it's a performance.
I just really didn't know on this one, because there is so much "public opinion" about the casting of a Gilda.
Can she sing the aria? Can she sing the duet? But can she sing the QUARTET and TRIO?
Yes. Yes,yes, yes, yes.
IN MY VOICE.
Not some darkened cavernous thing.
Not some light chirpy thing either.
Just me. Youthful and vibrant and my kind of Gilda.
In preparation for this I did some youtube-ing last night, and found that besides the "modern day"/current Gilda's, a majority of the recordings on there ARE of "lighter"..I don't even want to say that..."more silvery" voices of the past.
So I'll take it. The pendulum swings in different directions every few years. Right now it's for the rich, warm, dark Gilda. Same with Juliette. And Lucia.
Maybe one day it will be for the silver, sweet, bell-like version of those three roles.
Monday. 2 more.
Wednesday. One more.
That MAY be it for next week.
Then fly across the country. Then fly back for one/two more. Then fly far far away for a vacation in a new land.
06 December, 2007
oh, really?
Feedback from today: Best audition yet.
How I felt:
Well- in the morning SO crappy due to previously mentioned issues, but 2 advils quickly relieved that (I know, it's bad for singers..bla bla bla...I had 3 hours before I had to sing...)
Warming up- ugh- what is that CRAP in my throat? Oh yea-it's everything in my body including my vocal folds feeling mucky and generally thick...DUE TO previously mentioned ISSUES!
Walking to audition with a Halls in my mouth- a bit better.
Getting to audition and hanging out there for about 30 minutes (the usual, I show up early)...
better than usual, as NOLA was not an insane asylum of singers today.
Audition:
Chacun- good top g, down to the bottom. I definitely felt more open/resonant (due to previous coaching) on the low and middle. Is this what they mean when they say that I have a bright sound and that I need to "round it out"? Just get the middle moving a bit more warmly and that's it?
Then Glitter from the 2nd verse- great. I was into it. Frankly, I can't say enough how much I love this piece.
It's just me to a T. I get to be silly. I get to be serious, sarcastic, crazy, sad, depressed, whiny, sexy, and everything in between. All in 7 minutes of awesome music.
So I walked out like any normal audition, but the feedback was that it was the best yet.
Hmm, so what were the other ones?
And should I ALWAYS sing for people between the 3rd and 8th of the month (give or take 3 days before and after depending on what I eat, how much exercise I get, and what evil tricks my biological system is up to that month)?
Lunch with a friend- talked shop. About how much these auditions actually mean NOTHING because yay, you got an audition. That doesn't mean a job and that doesn't mean anything, really. You give it the best you have and you still may not be their choice.
And that has to be ok.
Except when it's not.
Dinner with 3 more friends. At least singing wasn't the main focus of conversation. Life, love, and other thoughts ..and then auditions.
I do love auditions. And I'm pretty realistic about them in terms of that translating into a job, this, my "first year" "out".
How I felt:
Well- in the morning SO crappy due to previously mentioned issues, but 2 advils quickly relieved that (I know, it's bad for singers..bla bla bla...I had 3 hours before I had to sing...)
Warming up- ugh- what is that CRAP in my throat? Oh yea-it's everything in my body including my vocal folds feeling mucky and generally thick...DUE TO previously mentioned ISSUES!
Walking to audition with a Halls in my mouth- a bit better.
Getting to audition and hanging out there for about 30 minutes (the usual, I show up early)...
better than usual, as NOLA was not an insane asylum of singers today.
Audition:
Chacun- good top g, down to the bottom. I definitely felt more open/resonant (due to previous coaching) on the low and middle. Is this what they mean when they say that I have a bright sound and that I need to "round it out"? Just get the middle moving a bit more warmly and that's it?
Then Glitter from the 2nd verse- great. I was into it. Frankly, I can't say enough how much I love this piece.
It's just me to a T. I get to be silly. I get to be serious, sarcastic, crazy, sad, depressed, whiny, sexy, and everything in between. All in 7 minutes of awesome music.
So I walked out like any normal audition, but the feedback was that it was the best yet.
Hmm, so what were the other ones?
And should I ALWAYS sing for people between the 3rd and 8th of the month (give or take 3 days before and after depending on what I eat, how much exercise I get, and what evil tricks my biological system is up to that month)?
Lunch with a friend- talked shop. About how much these auditions actually mean NOTHING because yay, you got an audition. That doesn't mean a job and that doesn't mean anything, really. You give it the best you have and you still may not be their choice.
And that has to be ok.
Except when it's not.
Dinner with 3 more friends. At least singing wasn't the main focus of conversation. Life, love, and other thoughts ..and then auditions.
I do love auditions. And I'm pretty realistic about them in terms of that translating into a job, this, my "first year" "out".
05 December, 2007
constructive criticism
I had a coaching today on a brand new aria with a brand new coach.
An aria I have to learn by Monday.
And sing for an audition.
I know, it's not the modus operandi that I prefer, but knowing that I can do it, and do it well, I do it--even on short notice.
AAAANYWAY,
Just so it's on record, here, today--
this coach turned to me and said "when you sing it like that and I close my eyes I hear Damrau".
WHAT?
I laughed it off and said I imagine my voice as a complete 180 from hers.
Since, truly, most of the rep. I've heard her in (and it has never been live) has been Youtube videos of Queens/Glitter and a bit heavier rep. than I'd ever sing.
And he said, that after working with her and hearing her, the voice isn't that large, but she knows how to use it and always sings with full resonance.
Ok, I'll accept that.
Tone and color, I'm still not sure about, and I suppose I have my recording of today to prove him even remotely in the ballpark or not.
It doesn't matter in the least, it was just the most amusing comment of the day, in addition to extremely good work for the hour.
Turns out my grad coaches WERE trying to get something out of me that was there, but I wasn't ready for it to come out yet.
Turns out that when I really really and I mean truly relax into something (especially in the middle voice), the resonance opens up so much...so much, well, that this coach thought I sounded like Damrau. ha.
I was feeling
a. extremely crappy in a girl-time kinda way,
b. extremely not warmed up since I found out only an hour before the coaching that it would actually happen, and I didn't eat or really warm up for more than 10 minutes, AND I walked in the freezing cold to get there,
c. very much in a "work it out" mode and not "sound pretty to perfection" mode since this is a brand new piece and I just need to see what it sounds like more than anything and how I deal with it.
And it turns out that even with all of that not-so-goodness that I was feeling, I got great work done.
Pleased with myself, filled with yummy sushi and good dinner company (and did I mention the cruncyspicy salmon role?!, and hoping to have a good audition tomorrow.
An aria I have to learn by Monday.
And sing for an audition.
I know, it's not the modus operandi that I prefer, but knowing that I can do it, and do it well, I do it--even on short notice.
AAAANYWAY,
Just so it's on record, here, today--
this coach turned to me and said "when you sing it like that and I close my eyes I hear Damrau".
WHAT?
I laughed it off and said I imagine my voice as a complete 180 from hers.
Since, truly, most of the rep. I've heard her in (and it has never been live) has been Youtube videos of Queens/Glitter and a bit heavier rep. than I'd ever sing.
And he said, that after working with her and hearing her, the voice isn't that large, but she knows how to use it and always sings with full resonance.
Ok, I'll accept that.
Tone and color, I'm still not sure about, and I suppose I have my recording of today to prove him even remotely in the ballpark or not.
It doesn't matter in the least, it was just the most amusing comment of the day, in addition to extremely good work for the hour.
Turns out my grad coaches WERE trying to get something out of me that was there, but I wasn't ready for it to come out yet.
Turns out that when I really really and I mean truly relax into something (especially in the middle voice), the resonance opens up so much...so much, well, that this coach thought I sounded like Damrau. ha.
I was feeling
a. extremely crappy in a girl-time kinda way,
b. extremely not warmed up since I found out only an hour before the coaching that it would actually happen, and I didn't eat or really warm up for more than 10 minutes, AND I walked in the freezing cold to get there,
c. very much in a "work it out" mode and not "sound pretty to perfection" mode since this is a brand new piece and I just need to see what it sounds like more than anything and how I deal with it.
And it turns out that even with all of that not-so-goodness that I was feeling, I got great work done.
Pleased with myself, filled with yummy sushi and good dinner company (and did I mention the cruncyspicy salmon role?!, and hoping to have a good audition tomorrow.
04 December, 2007
i'm baaaack
Did you miss me? Really? I missed you, you cute little ibook!! I know, I'm sorry baby. I left you in the trunk of my car for TWO days (and yes, the temps were freezing and I was so concerned about your health that I even wrapped you in my emergency blanket that I had to buy last year when I lived in cold-mid-west-state for the slim to none chance that I break down in the middle of no where and start to freeze), and then I opened you up and you were still cold! 2 hours and after driving in the heated car home!
Sorry.
It will never happen again.
OK. Why no internet love? 2 concerts, 1 competition, 1 audition, and 1 slight bronchial cough later (and oh yes, staying without wireless for 2 days at a hotel where you had to PAY for it---the GALL!!!!!), and my lappylaptop couldn't connect (yes, I did pay for 24 hours for 9.99 plus many taxes), the WHOLE time.
Review of the weekend:
First sing-for-Jesus concert ever- GREAT.
Competition- pretty good- they picked nice pieces and I showed myself well but I don't know what they're looking for at all.
Audition- awesome. And the 2nd piece they asked for was the role I was singing for. Hooray.
Second sing-for-Jesus- VEEEERY GOOD minus my headache during the whole concert. Boo.
But I still sang very pretty. (I have my illegal recording device and its contents to prove that even though my head was pounding, you couldn't hear it on the recording).
And now. 10hours of sleep- I hope.
Repacking.
Train.
Audition. Audition. Audition...etc.etc.etc.
Oh yea, and the previous post was number 420.
MWahahahahahha.
It's funny that as a freshman in college I didn't know why our next door neighbors in our dorm, number 420, got stolen all the time. It took until Junior year, when I lived in a house on College Ave. with 5 delinquent boys to figure that out.
Next.
I'm excited about this week.
I'm NOT excited about this cough that keeps rearing its ugly head, but as it has not affected my singing at all, I will try to be less angry at it, and more into the Halls and Tussin.
Sorry.
It will never happen again.
OK. Why no internet love? 2 concerts, 1 competition, 1 audition, and 1 slight bronchial cough later (and oh yes, staying without wireless for 2 days at a hotel where you had to PAY for it---the GALL!!!!!), and my lappylaptop couldn't connect (yes, I did pay for 24 hours for 9.99 plus many taxes), the WHOLE time.
Review of the weekend:
First sing-for-Jesus concert ever- GREAT.
Competition- pretty good- they picked nice pieces and I showed myself well but I don't know what they're looking for at all.
Audition- awesome. And the 2nd piece they asked for was the role I was singing for. Hooray.
Second sing-for-Jesus- VEEEERY GOOD minus my headache during the whole concert. Boo.
But I still sang very pretty. (I have my illegal recording device and its contents to prove that even though my head was pounding, you couldn't hear it on the recording).
And now. 10hours of sleep- I hope.
Repacking.
Train.
Audition. Audition. Audition...etc.etc.etc.
Oh yea, and the previous post was number 420.
MWahahahahahha.
It's funny that as a freshman in college I didn't know why our next door neighbors in our dorm, number 420, got stolen all the time. It took until Junior year, when I lived in a house on College Ave. with 5 delinquent boys to figure that out.
Next.
I'm excited about this week.
I'm NOT excited about this cough that keeps rearing its ugly head, but as it has not affected my singing at all, I will try to be less angry at it, and more into the Halls and Tussin.
29 November, 2007
audition (rejection) season
Ok, I've done the math. (See "proof" post below), and I know that the odds are not in any soprano's favor.
But still, every rejection stings for about 2 minutes.
So I didn't get it.
So who DID get it?
And the google odyssey begins to find clips, bios, previous shows, schools, etc. etc. just to see what I'm up against out there.
This morning- news that summer-role-of-choice-at-previous-yap-as-mainstage had been offered to someone else. NOT accepted (yet)- offered.
This afternoon- news that summer-high-level-yap is a no.
Well, I can't do much about it. I sang the heck out of both auditions and I know I impressed with every aspect of my performance.
So- onward and upward.
Upcoming:
Lieder Competition
2 performances
and a mainstage audition almost every day of next week!
And HANUKKAH!! I'm invited to a very special candle lighting ceremony with my FAVORITE Israeli rock star omgomgomgomg next Wednesday night in NY. I've met him 3 times before, love his music, and I hope I get to hang out w/him after his mini 'unplugged' concert again.
WOO!
But still, every rejection stings for about 2 minutes.
So I didn't get it.
So who DID get it?
And the google odyssey begins to find clips, bios, previous shows, schools, etc. etc. just to see what I'm up against out there.
This morning- news that summer-role-of-choice-at-previous-yap-as-mainstage had been offered to someone else. NOT accepted (yet)- offered.
This afternoon- news that summer-high-level-yap is a no.
Well, I can't do much about it. I sang the heck out of both auditions and I know I impressed with every aspect of my performance.
So- onward and upward.
Upcoming:
Lieder Competition
2 performances
and a mainstage audition almost every day of next week!
And HANUKKAH!! I'm invited to a very special candle lighting ceremony with my FAVORITE Israeli rock star omgomgomgomg next Wednesday night in NY. I've met him 3 times before, love his music, and I hope I get to hang out w/him after his mini 'unplugged' concert again.
WOO!
28 November, 2007
monca nyc
This morning, and I mean MORNING, I sang for the districts here in NY.
I have sung for this competition three times now, in different locations (depending on where I was in school and where I was doing my residency last year), and now- NY.
It seems a bit more exciting and fun when you do it here--well, exciting and fun and 90 singers and 3 days of districts.
So I'm not expecting much.
But I will say that I sang veeery veeery well this morning. MORNING.
10:15am.
Auditionee number three of the day.
I sang Chacun (yes, and hit the g), and then they asked for Zerbinetta from the Rondo.
MAN- If Zerbie is always asked for after Chacun there's NO WAY I'm ever changing my starting piece from it!
I LOVE singing this piece. AND I know I can never really offer it first, unless the role is being cast, or I sing it from So war (which is still a good 7 minute first piece).
So I'm so happy when they ask for it 2nd! From whatever part of it!
So far - 0 for the recit, 1 for Noch glaub, 2 for So war and 1 for Rondo.
YIPPEEE!
I'm not too stressed about whether I get through to the districts or not.
I gave a great performance today, and 2 of the judges are people that I'm very glad that I gave a good performance for. If they are interested, they'd be good people to have impressed this morning.
Had lunch with a few yappers-from-last-year, went down to Magnolia (AND DIDN"T BUY A CUPCAKE!), and then took the train back here...time for my big nap of the day.
It's been crazy waking up so early. I don't think I'll ever get used to it.
It still feels awful even though I've gotten up at 7:30 or 8am every day this week.
Ok, that's only three days, but STILL!
Now to call pianists to play for my auditions next week!
Oh, and NAP.
I have sung for this competition three times now, in different locations (depending on where I was in school and where I was doing my residency last year), and now- NY.
It seems a bit more exciting and fun when you do it here--well, exciting and fun and 90 singers and 3 days of districts.
So I'm not expecting much.
But I will say that I sang veeery veeery well this morning. MORNING.
10:15am.
Auditionee number three of the day.
I sang Chacun (yes, and hit the g), and then they asked for Zerbinetta from the Rondo.
MAN- If Zerbie is always asked for after Chacun there's NO WAY I'm ever changing my starting piece from it!
I LOVE singing this piece. AND I know I can never really offer it first, unless the role is being cast, or I sing it from So war (which is still a good 7 minute first piece).
So I'm so happy when they ask for it 2nd! From whatever part of it!
So far - 0 for the recit, 1 for Noch glaub, 2 for So war and 1 for Rondo.
YIPPEEE!
I'm not too stressed about whether I get through to the districts or not.
I gave a great performance today, and 2 of the judges are people that I'm very glad that I gave a good performance for. If they are interested, they'd be good people to have impressed this morning.
Had lunch with a few yappers-from-last-year, went down to Magnolia (AND DIDN"T BUY A CUPCAKE!), and then took the train back here...time for my big nap of the day.
It's been crazy waking up so early. I don't think I'll ever get used to it.
It still feels awful even though I've gotten up at 7:30 or 8am every day this week.
Ok, that's only three days, but STILL!
Now to call pianists to play for my auditions next week!
Oh, and NAP.
27 November, 2007
paaaatience, Iago
(think: Jafar accent from Aladdin).
Ok, my thought of the day (or thoughts, as this always turns into some kind of tangent).
My auditions are usually low-stress.
I have my routine, I know how much time I need, I get ready, get there early, warm up if I haven't already, and then just sing what I sing best.
I don't think too much into it, I do sometimes offer pieces that are in the season if they are already in my rep., but pretty much I don't stress too much about it.
I do my thing and basta.
But this year for some reason I'm feeling especially comfortable in the process.
It's not like I walk in there with the "FU" attitude. Not at all.
I'm relaxed, calm, looking forward to singing my first piece, and genuinely happy when they ask for my 2nd...to sing something completely different and show other things.
Which brings me to my thought of the day. Patience. In transitions.
I see or hear a lot of singers do this (when they are asked for a piece):
Head down to signal start to the pianist, head up, pop, go.
Second piece is asked for: Yes, absolutely.
Head down, pop up, go.
I used to think I shouldn't waste the panel's time. I should be prepared quickly, as long as I have my breath under me I should "go".
But no- this time around I find that I'm realizing that a truly great performance, at an audition, can be given when I take the time to REALLY change characters in between my pieces.
If that means 10 seconds, so be it.
It feels GOOD to make that transition.
It feels like I'm not just singing an audition. I'm singing the role like I'd sing it onstage.
And that's a great feeling, when that is exactly what I'm trying to convey at an audition.
No games, no peering over at the table to see what they are reacting to, no playing TO the table. Just me and an audience imagined as I see my reflection in those side mirrors of NOLA, the back mirrors of Liderkranz, and the ring or the dead of the other venues.
It's not about the room anymore--and that's a really great thing to come to. Perhaps it comes with year number z in the business. Perhaps it comes because I'm in a zen vocal and physical and emotional state about it. Perhaps it has always been there but I've never let myself feel it before.
It's this patience and calmness about the whole process.
These next two weeks could have been the most high-stress of the season.
Bottom line is, I am looking for a job, like all of the other sopranos out there.
I'm not perfect for every company, and they are not perfect for me.
But maybe a good match can be made, and we'll both be the happier for it come 2008-2009 season.
Ok, my thought of the day (or thoughts, as this always turns into some kind of tangent).
My auditions are usually low-stress.
I have my routine, I know how much time I need, I get ready, get there early, warm up if I haven't already, and then just sing what I sing best.
I don't think too much into it, I do sometimes offer pieces that are in the season if they are already in my rep., but pretty much I don't stress too much about it.
I do my thing and basta.
But this year for some reason I'm feeling especially comfortable in the process.
It's not like I walk in there with the "FU" attitude. Not at all.
I'm relaxed, calm, looking forward to singing my first piece, and genuinely happy when they ask for my 2nd...to sing something completely different and show other things.
Which brings me to my thought of the day. Patience. In transitions.
I see or hear a lot of singers do this (when they are asked for a piece):
Head down to signal start to the pianist, head up, pop, go.
Second piece is asked for: Yes, absolutely.
Head down, pop up, go.
I used to think I shouldn't waste the panel's time. I should be prepared quickly, as long as I have my breath under me I should "go".
But no- this time around I find that I'm realizing that a truly great performance, at an audition, can be given when I take the time to REALLY change characters in between my pieces.
If that means 10 seconds, so be it.
It feels GOOD to make that transition.
It feels like I'm not just singing an audition. I'm singing the role like I'd sing it onstage.
And that's a great feeling, when that is exactly what I'm trying to convey at an audition.
No games, no peering over at the table to see what they are reacting to, no playing TO the table. Just me and an audience imagined as I see my reflection in those side mirrors of NOLA, the back mirrors of Liderkranz, and the ring or the dead of the other venues.
It's not about the room anymore--and that's a really great thing to come to. Perhaps it comes with year number z in the business. Perhaps it comes because I'm in a zen vocal and physical and emotional state about it. Perhaps it has always been there but I've never let myself feel it before.
It's this patience and calmness about the whole process.
These next two weeks could have been the most high-stress of the season.
Bottom line is, I am looking for a job, like all of the other sopranos out there.
I'm not perfect for every company, and they are not perfect for me.
But maybe a good match can be made, and we'll both be the happier for it come 2008-2009 season.
26 November, 2007
is it really that easy?
Ok, I did wake up and felt like someone had punched me.
It was at 3am. You know, one of those times (when does this NOT happen to me?!) that I'm scared I will sleep through the alarm (that could never happen), so I toss and turn. Finally falling into the deepest sleep around 7am, only to wake up to the alarm at 8.
Exhaustion aside, I trekked my way to the West Side, warmed up at NOLA (don't like paying their prices, but they were closest to the audition site), and had audition#1 for, hmm, how shall I put this-- big-ole-opry-house-that-considered-me-for-5-minutes-for-real-2-wks-ago.
Now, I began with Chacun.
Here is where it gets interesting.
I used this aria as a starter about 2 or 3 years ago. With a g in the first cadenza and then a fun sing/act piece.
I was always surprised and a bit giggly at the panels' reactions.
Head up- what--did she just? Was that a..?
Head down- furious writing and typing.
Head to the side- to confer with neighbor about the cadenza.
All in the first 3-5 seconds of the piece.
They get all peppy in their seats, straighten up a little, pay a little more attention, are really WITH me when I continue on with the piece, possibly waiting to hear more surprises (which, yes, I do have in store).
AND THEN they always comment about it!
Is it such a shocker that I do this? I mean, more than one person has posted on nfcs that they sing this note and add it into cadenzas. I didn't think I was the only one by any means. Perhaps the only one with a full-voiced g? Usable? Sustained? not just tapped?
I just don't get it.
And afterwards- they pick my FAVORITE pieces second!
DurchZ and Zerbinetta (and they heard it from NOCH GLAUB and not just from So War!)
AHHH!
So is this really my starter now?
It kind of feels like a trick in some way...I don't want to be a one-trick pony (which is why I know they ask for Mozart-y/lyrical stuff like DurchZ and Zerbie afterwards), but is that really all it takes to get them excited and want to hear more?
It's just a bit odd.
I think if I would have started with DurchZ they would have chosen Oscar 2nd and that would have been that.
They heard the solid E, they saw the good acting, and basta.
Right?
So even though the entirely of the low/middle of Chacun lies lower than the low-middle of DurchZ, they still prefer this one, and I get better feedback and attention paid to me in the following piece, simply because of this one note at the first cadenza.
I suppose I'll take it for now.
It feels kind of like cheating. It's just so easy for me--and to see that kind of reaction, I feel like I should be working harder to earn it.
Oh well.
First two auditions down, however many more to go.
Early wakeup tomorrow, and my weird bronchial cough is back. Perhaps it's time for some theraflu.
It was at 3am. You know, one of those times (when does this NOT happen to me?!) that I'm scared I will sleep through the alarm (that could never happen), so I toss and turn. Finally falling into the deepest sleep around 7am, only to wake up to the alarm at 8.
Exhaustion aside, I trekked my way to the West Side, warmed up at NOLA (don't like paying their prices, but they were closest to the audition site), and had audition#1 for, hmm, how shall I put this-- big-ole-opry-house-that-considered-me-for-5-minutes-for-real-2-wks-ago.
Now, I began with Chacun.
Here is where it gets interesting.
I used this aria as a starter about 2 or 3 years ago. With a g in the first cadenza and then a fun sing/act piece.
I was always surprised and a bit giggly at the panels' reactions.
Head up- what--did she just? Was that a..?
Head down- furious writing and typing.
Head to the side- to confer with neighbor about the cadenza.
All in the first 3-5 seconds of the piece.
They get all peppy in their seats, straighten up a little, pay a little more attention, are really WITH me when I continue on with the piece, possibly waiting to hear more surprises (which, yes, I do have in store).
AND THEN they always comment about it!
Is it such a shocker that I do this? I mean, more than one person has posted on nfcs that they sing this note and add it into cadenzas. I didn't think I was the only one by any means. Perhaps the only one with a full-voiced g? Usable? Sustained? not just tapped?
I just don't get it.
And afterwards- they pick my FAVORITE pieces second!
DurchZ and Zerbinetta (and they heard it from NOCH GLAUB and not just from So War!)
AHHH!
So is this really my starter now?
It kind of feels like a trick in some way...I don't want to be a one-trick pony (which is why I know they ask for Mozart-y/lyrical stuff like DurchZ and Zerbie afterwards), but is that really all it takes to get them excited and want to hear more?
It's just a bit odd.
I think if I would have started with DurchZ they would have chosen Oscar 2nd and that would have been that.
They heard the solid E, they saw the good acting, and basta.
Right?
So even though the entirely of the low/middle of Chacun lies lower than the low-middle of DurchZ, they still prefer this one, and I get better feedback and attention paid to me in the following piece, simply because of this one note at the first cadenza.
I suppose I'll take it for now.
It feels kind of like cheating. It's just so easy for me--and to see that kind of reaction, I feel like I should be working harder to earn it.
Oh well.
First two auditions down, however many more to go.
Early wakeup tomorrow, and my weird bronchial cough is back. Perhaps it's time for some theraflu.
audition in 10 hrs
Hoping I fall asleep soon so that when I wake up tomorrow it doesn't feel like I got punched in the face.
I made it to NYC in record time today- 7am-10:30am (it should take 4:10...ooops! There were no cops in the NYState Thruway).
Settled in to permanent location1, unpacked a bit, took a nap, bought healthy-ish food (oh yea, my goal for this audition season is not to eat CRAP every day just because I'm on the run).
2 auditions tomorrow. I booked a warm up room because the first one is so early that I don't want to wake the neighbors here with my vocalizing.
This will be a tough week. I'm not coughing at all anymore. A bit stuffy because of the heat, I think, but otherwise looking forward to the challenge of the week.
Auditions for YAPs and Mainstage, new concert piece rehearsal and performance, and maybe even studying some German verbs...after all those months- I feel like I need to get back into it just in case Europe is in my near future.
g
I made it to NYC in record time today- 7am-10:30am (it should take 4:10...ooops! There were no cops in the NYState Thruway).
Settled in to permanent location1, unpacked a bit, took a nap, bought healthy-ish food (oh yea, my goal for this audition season is not to eat CRAP every day just because I'm on the run).
2 auditions tomorrow. I booked a warm up room because the first one is so early that I don't want to wake the neighbors here with my vocalizing.
This will be a tough week. I'm not coughing at all anymore. A bit stuffy because of the heat, I think, but otherwise looking forward to the challenge of the week.
Auditions for YAPs and Mainstage, new concert piece rehearsal and performance, and maybe even studying some German verbs...after all those months- I feel like I need to get back into it just in case Europe is in my near future.
g
24 November, 2007
packing again
Au revoir Thanksgiving relaxation and mild cold, bonjour New York City.
I've been going through "items" since about 5pm.
Mail that has accumulated for 2 months (thankfully no bills, that's all online!), papers that I keep putting in new and improved piles (music to learn, music to really learn, copies of music that I may need in the next three weeks, double copies for coaches), and finally, the clothing issue again.
What to take for THIS week in NY (besides a gown and 3 possible audition outfits)?
Well, even though there is an entire suitcase of winter clothes that I didn't take BEFORE I left for last-gig, I'm not even breaking into it. I'm simply recycling what worked best in the last month.
There are SO SO SO many pairs of SO SO SO cute shoes that I really want to wear! When will I EVER be in one place to wear all of my shoes?
I bought the cutest cowboy boots over the summer, GREEN (awesome), and I have only worn them ONE night in New York City (and that was the day I wore them back on the plane from Germany because they wouldn't fit in any of my suitcases home!).
I narrowed it down to slouchy black boots with a tiny heel for walking all around, the ever-dependable Rocket Dogs with velcro that I love, and my heels for audition wear.
That's it!
No sneaks for any possible gym time, no brown heels to match anything else (so, no brown clothes either), no black boots, tan slouchy boots, winter-y cute boots, sporty brown boots, no myriad of other sketcher-type mary-jane/sneaker/shoes that I love.
Just three pairs of black.
This week will be kind of a treat (or a pending disaster depending on which way you look at it), because I'll have a CAR in New York.
Now, granted, I am going to try VERY hard to leave it in Brooklyn at all times and not move it unless Alternate Side of the STreet parking requires me to, and ONLY drive it to the 2 rehearsals and 2 concerts that I need it for.
But- is that realistic?
We'll see!
I hope I don't get ticketed, towed, broken into, or otherwise dinged and damaged.
g
I've been going through "items" since about 5pm.
Mail that has accumulated for 2 months (thankfully no bills, that's all online!), papers that I keep putting in new and improved piles (music to learn, music to really learn, copies of music that I may need in the next three weeks, double copies for coaches), and finally, the clothing issue again.
What to take for THIS week in NY (besides a gown and 3 possible audition outfits)?
Well, even though there is an entire suitcase of winter clothes that I didn't take BEFORE I left for last-gig, I'm not even breaking into it. I'm simply recycling what worked best in the last month.
There are SO SO SO many pairs of SO SO SO cute shoes that I really want to wear! When will I EVER be in one place to wear all of my shoes?
I bought the cutest cowboy boots over the summer, GREEN (awesome), and I have only worn them ONE night in New York City (and that was the day I wore them back on the plane from Germany because they wouldn't fit in any of my suitcases home!).
I narrowed it down to slouchy black boots with a tiny heel for walking all around, the ever-dependable Rocket Dogs with velcro that I love, and my heels for audition wear.
That's it!
No sneaks for any possible gym time, no brown heels to match anything else (so, no brown clothes either), no black boots, tan slouchy boots, winter-y cute boots, sporty brown boots, no myriad of other sketcher-type mary-jane/sneaker/shoes that I love.
Just three pairs of black.
This week will be kind of a treat (or a pending disaster depending on which way you look at it), because I'll have a CAR in New York.
Now, granted, I am going to try VERY hard to leave it in Brooklyn at all times and not move it unless Alternate Side of the STreet parking requires me to, and ONLY drive it to the 2 rehearsals and 2 concerts that I need it for.
But- is that realistic?
We'll see!
I hope I don't get ticketed, towed, broken into, or otherwise dinged and damaged.
g
22 November, 2007
stuffed
Very full of food and family :)
Tomorrow- a quick trip to the outlets to see if I can find a new gown for my upcoming Messiah gig.
Also, make SURE (for serious) that I know all of the words to all of the lieder pieces that I'm singing for the competition next week, and ALSO figure out what I'm singing for the MET competition. Yes. This week.
Ummm- choices?
What I already told them I'd sing:
Zerbie, Lakme, Queen, Chacun, Glitter
Starter?
No idea.
With time limits Zerbie may not be the best idea (although it was asked for as a 2nd last time around in a different region last year).
Neither does Lakme, although it's the most showy of the pieces (I started with this last year at Regions).
But Lakme is just one of those pieces that's totally a showpiece--I love it, but does it seem to OTHERS (meaning, the panel) that it's just a show-offy type of thing?
Here's my E, here's my added G. Yes, phrasing, story-telling, beauty of line, tone...but isn't that all trumped by the panel just hearing all those notes and thinking- this girl just wants to show off her high notes?
Which is of course NOT what I want to do! I just love the piece, I've performed the show recently, and I think it's a good choice vocally.
As is Zerbinetta. But once again, I feel like that is the reaction when a panel sees that piece on your list-- (if they're not casting for it).
So do I substitute a DurchZ? Do I start with Chacun, hit the high G and then just sing the rest which is in middle voice and more of an acting/attitude thing (that of course has to be delivered musically well too!)?
Things to think about as I ponder making my way to the kitchen for leftovers since it's midnight (almost tomorrow).
Tomorrow- a quick trip to the outlets to see if I can find a new gown for my upcoming Messiah gig.
Also, make SURE (for serious) that I know all of the words to all of the lieder pieces that I'm singing for the competition next week, and ALSO figure out what I'm singing for the MET competition. Yes. This week.
Ummm- choices?
What I already told them I'd sing:
Zerbie, Lakme, Queen, Chacun, Glitter
Starter?
No idea.
With time limits Zerbie may not be the best idea (although it was asked for as a 2nd last time around in a different region last year).
Neither does Lakme, although it's the most showy of the pieces (I started with this last year at Regions).
But Lakme is just one of those pieces that's totally a showpiece--I love it, but does it seem to OTHERS (meaning, the panel) that it's just a show-offy type of thing?
Here's my E, here's my added G. Yes, phrasing, story-telling, beauty of line, tone...but isn't that all trumped by the panel just hearing all those notes and thinking- this girl just wants to show off her high notes?
Which is of course NOT what I want to do! I just love the piece, I've performed the show recently, and I think it's a good choice vocally.
As is Zerbinetta. But once again, I feel like that is the reaction when a panel sees that piece on your list-- (if they're not casting for it).
So do I substitute a DurchZ? Do I start with Chacun, hit the high G and then just sing the rest which is in middle voice and more of an acting/attitude thing (that of course has to be delivered musically well too!)?
Things to think about as I ponder making my way to the kitchen for leftovers since it's midnight (almost tomorrow).
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