Steph catches up! Take that Blog!!! Hope you like bullet points.

No longer shall I have guilt over not blogging.  Here is a summary of the important happenings Sunday through Thursday.  

Sunday:

• Went to a great church service with Thomas in an absolutely gorgeous old church.  We stayed after to chat with the choir director and cantor. 
• Rather than take the subway we walked down the perimeter of Central Park to join our group.  We had a large group meeting with John Howell about professional church singing and much more.
• Small world that it is, I ran into a friend of mine from a summer program at the Met Finals.  It was really interesting learning about her work as an aspiring artist.  She recently composed a musical with her friend's libretto and after much work and dedication, they will be having equity auditions this spring!
• Saw a recital at Mannes
• had a life chat into the wee hours of the morning.

Monday:

• Masterclass with Claudia.
• Private lesson with Neil Semer.  Worked on belting healthily. 
• Met up with my friend Dana, a classically trained soprano now an aspiring Broadway belter
• Avenue Q.  I've listened to the recording many times, but the dialogue was all new to me..
• Yet another thought provoking small group talk.  3 nights in a row (counting Saturday)!

Tuesday:

• Large group meeting with Caroline Worra
• Lunch at Indian Restaurant with Caroline Worra and small group
• searched for the right Broadway show.  We attempted the Mormon lotttery to no avail, but I'm so glad we ended up with Porgy and Bess.  We scored great student rush tickets and the show has been by far my favorite on this trip so far!

Wednesday:

• Large group meeting with Naomi Ruiz
• Interviewed some church musicians with Thomas.  This was an amazing experience.  We ended up talking for 2 hours instead of 1 and learned so much!  About operatic/solo careers as well as church gigs. 
• Spent some time in Central park, especially enjoying the blooming plants and the statues.  
• Saw Elixer of Love at the MET

Thursday:

•  Large group meeting with Ken Benson, and lunch after
• Thomas, Jennifer and I went BOATING in Central Park!!!  It was the perfect day for it!
• Hung out at the Public Library
• Learned sushi etiquette
• Recital at Julliard
• Discovered pinkberry!!!!!!!!!!!  It is the best.