All of us that went on the trip have had probably three different types of reflection. Initial reflecting right after our day was completed in NYC, immediate post trip reflecting on everything we saw and did, and present/ future reflecting- remembering the large or important things we learned and thinking about how we are going to apply them to our lives right now and in the future.
For me, my present reflection happened everyday at school this last week. How am I going to organize my schedule to make sure I get the most out of every day? How will I change the way I practice to continue to grow and teach myself correct singing technique in the practice room? What pro-active measures am I taking to set up a successful transition into the next step in my journey? Am I enjoying all the little steps and falls along my journey? Is all the networking, constant self development, stress of finding jobs, and uncertainty worth the struggle?
Going through each day this week, I made it a point to make goals for myself that I could achieve within that day. I organized my schedule like I always do, writing down all my classes, meetings, and lessons I give for the week. Then I made a long term schedule for summer class, next fall, and next spring. I came across the realization that I have a very high chance of graduating next year, which was a terrific realization and slightly horrifying. In the practice room, I also made goals for myself. Instead of just having a schedule of things to do, I made a list of things to improve/accomplish for one or two songs rather than getting through an olympic size load of music just to say I got through it all. Having a set goal in mind made me take more time just working on technique for my music and thinking of ways I will apply it in my voice lesson. The pro-active measures I'm taking have to do with setting up my own summer program for myself, finding ways to build my dance skills, vocal skills, piano skills, perform in a show, give lessons/sing at weddings, and get class credits out of the way. It seems like a lot written out in a line, but once scheduled into an organized schedule, its not as intimidating. The key is not doing everything all at the same time. There are three months of summer...thats plenty of time...right?
When I'm done practicing and don't have the best day, or come out of class feeling like I haven't learned anything, or I'm just feeling completely overwhelmed from the demands of memorization and constant recitals/meetings to be at, I remember how gratifying the good moments are. Whether a good moment is feeling the resonance through my passaggio for the first time, or winning a competition, or feeling prepared for a lesson, they are all remind me why I chose the path of performance. Sure, having a good performance is spectacular, and there is nothing that can compare to that feeling, but I also like the journey. I like figuring things out for myself and being wrong, or losing, or falling down. I learn from those experiences. All the stress music students put themselves through for the five minutes of gratification sounds like a horrible deal, but in all honesty, those five minutes, along with finding happiness in the small things is what gets us through. So yes, the networking, constant self development, and uncertainty of the future is worth the struggle. Had I chosen a different career path, I know I would not be enjoying that study, as much as I love performance.
New York showed me that I still have the drive to be successful.
Abby
Saturday, March 31, 2012
Friday, March 30, 2012
Some favorite pictures
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| Subway after a long day |
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| Pizza on a sunny day |
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| The Met--the greatest show on earth |
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| cupcake!!!!!!!!!!!!! |
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| The "Survivor" tree |
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| Central Park in bloom |
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| Throwing Spider webs! |
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| ? |
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| Beautiful, intense Claudia |
One week back in EC
Hi all-
The first week of school after our NY trip is finally over. I think we all felt that we had some serious catching up to do after being gone so it was a long week. First of all, I am glad to be home. I like having space, I like the quiet of my neighborhood, I like being able to practice in my studio whenever I want to. But I do miss the energy of New York and the sense of endless possibility that I feel there. I was reflecting today at our 7:00 a.m. class meeting about how much I value creativity. And my personal creativity results from reacting to things that I see. The extremely high level of artistic endeavor in NYC gives me hundreds of things to respond to--colors, movement, spacial relationships of things, shades of light, energy flow, etc. etc. My creativity is rekindled and I feel "refilled" as an artist when I am there. I also LOVE being around people who are at the top of their game. I always have. It inspires me to challenge myself.
Each of the people who went on our trip is to create a "summer program" for themselves--first identifying skills they want to work on and then devising a program to work on those skills. People are taking dance lessons, coaching, self-defense, languages, creating websites, etc. We are all serving as a "career club"/support network for each other to help all of us keep on the track we are starting on. This includes me. I am working on my summer plans and they are EXCITING!
The students have four remaining assignments- more blog entries, including one on their one on one networking/interview, a reflection on the overall experience, a personal reflection on their individual question they took to NY, and a self-devised "summer program." Exciting stuff.
More later-
Mitra
The first week of school after our NY trip is finally over. I think we all felt that we had some serious catching up to do after being gone so it was a long week. First of all, I am glad to be home. I like having space, I like the quiet of my neighborhood, I like being able to practice in my studio whenever I want to. But I do miss the energy of New York and the sense of endless possibility that I feel there. I was reflecting today at our 7:00 a.m. class meeting about how much I value creativity. And my personal creativity results from reacting to things that I see. The extremely high level of artistic endeavor in NYC gives me hundreds of things to respond to--colors, movement, spacial relationships of things, shades of light, energy flow, etc. etc. My creativity is rekindled and I feel "refilled" as an artist when I am there. I also LOVE being around people who are at the top of their game. I always have. It inspires me to challenge myself.
Each of the people who went on our trip is to create a "summer program" for themselves--first identifying skills they want to work on and then devising a program to work on those skills. People are taking dance lessons, coaching, self-defense, languages, creating websites, etc. We are all serving as a "career club"/support network for each other to help all of us keep on the track we are starting on. This includes me. I am working on my summer plans and they are EXCITING!
The students have four remaining assignments- more blog entries, including one on their one on one networking/interview, a reflection on the overall experience, a personal reflection on their individual question they took to NY, and a self-devised "summer program." Exciting stuff.
More later-
Mitra
Emily's lesson with Susan Eichhorn
For my individual interview experience, I had a voice lesson with Susan Eichhorn. I found out about Susan through a series of mouse clickings. I was reading the blog "A soprano steps out," http://sopranostepsout.blogspot.com/ and I clicked on a link to a different blog that she had. It was Susan's blog. From there, I clicked on a link to her facebook page. From there, I clicked on a link to her voice studio website. I read every word on the website and really liked all that she had to say. http://www.susaneichhornstudio.com/ She works with people from all genres of singing because when it comes down to it, good, healthy singing is good, healthy singing, no matter what style you are singing in.
I started out telling her what I've been working on in my voice lessons, what I've learned on the trip, and what some of my vocal concerns and goals were. We started talking about the maturity of the female voice and that it isn't really in place until anywhere from age 25 to 30 or even older, depending on the size of it. She told me to be patient (I heard that a lot on this trip) with my voice but to use this growing time to explore other aspects of performing as well. She said "hurry up and wait." Explore acting, explore language, do summer programs, etc. Don't push too hard because if the muscles aren't ready, it's just not going to work. As a young singer, I want to do everything NOW, but she said "just be where you are." That is so true. I shouldn't try to force anything or get downhearted about what other people are doing because everyone's path is different. And I'm only 21! That's not that old! I've got plenty of time.
She also said something that I heard other people we talked to say as well, so it was good reinforcement: that this business is not cookie cutter, everyone's path is different. It's not, "Okay, I do this, and this, and this, and this, and then I'm this." She said there are a lot of singers even in the top tier who never did a young artist program or a pay-to-sing, they did their own thing. Like how Naomi said 'no' doesn't necessarily mean 'no,' she said that just because you don't get accepted into something, doesn't mean you can't have a career. You don't have to "follow the bouncing ball."
Then she had me sing. I told her what I usually do for warm-ups and she gave me some breathing exercises and vocalises to do. We talked about grounding my voice through all of the registers to have a core sound. I could go into details about all the stuff she told me but I won't here. To summarize, we worked on flexibility/agility, breathing, talking about the pelvic floor, brighter vowels, and more open vowels in Italian. I was sitting on a stool for most of the lesson to help me feel engagement of the muscles as I breathe.
I really liked the lesson. The things we talked about and worked on were mostly things I had heard before but in a different way, so it was good to hear it said from a different perspective and to get some more methods and ideas to practice those things. She was very open to me emailing her all that I want with questions, comments, concerns, etc., and I have already been doing some of the things I did with Susan in my own practicing back in Eau Claire.
I started out telling her what I've been working on in my voice lessons, what I've learned on the trip, and what some of my vocal concerns and goals were. We started talking about the maturity of the female voice and that it isn't really in place until anywhere from age 25 to 30 or even older, depending on the size of it. She told me to be patient (I heard that a lot on this trip) with my voice but to use this growing time to explore other aspects of performing as well. She said "hurry up and wait." Explore acting, explore language, do summer programs, etc. Don't push too hard because if the muscles aren't ready, it's just not going to work. As a young singer, I want to do everything NOW, but she said "just be where you are." That is so true. I shouldn't try to force anything or get downhearted about what other people are doing because everyone's path is different. And I'm only 21! That's not that old! I've got plenty of time.
She also said something that I heard other people we talked to say as well, so it was good reinforcement: that this business is not cookie cutter, everyone's path is different. It's not, "Okay, I do this, and this, and this, and this, and then I'm this." She said there are a lot of singers even in the top tier who never did a young artist program or a pay-to-sing, they did their own thing. Like how Naomi said 'no' doesn't necessarily mean 'no,' she said that just because you don't get accepted into something, doesn't mean you can't have a career. You don't have to "follow the bouncing ball."
Then she had me sing. I told her what I usually do for warm-ups and she gave me some breathing exercises and vocalises to do. We talked about grounding my voice through all of the registers to have a core sound. I could go into details about all the stuff she told me but I won't here. To summarize, we worked on flexibility/agility, breathing, talking about the pelvic floor, brighter vowels, and more open vowels in Italian. I was sitting on a stool for most of the lesson to help me feel engagement of the muscles as I breathe.
I really liked the lesson. The things we talked about and worked on were mostly things I had heard before but in a different way, so it was good to hear it said from a different perspective and to get some more methods and ideas to practice those things. She was very open to me emailing her all that I want with questions, comments, concerns, etc., and I have already been doing some of the things I did with Susan in my own practicing back in Eau Claire.
Reflecting on my meeting with Brace Rice
After being home for a week, I have had time to sit back and think about all the information I have acquired from New York. When we went to New York, each student was told to find a person in New York and make their own immersion experience in the city. Some students got voice lessons and others did interviews. I chose to interview Brace Rice, someone currently working actress/dancer/model in New York City. Some of my classmates (Evan, Marie, and Meagan) along with myself met up with Brace to ask her about her transition from the midwest to New York, and the things she has learned along the way living in the big city and performing.
Brace was fantastic. I had so many questions, and my interview buddies had a lot too. All of our questions were met with honest answers and advice. For my own questions, I was focused around where to find auditions, and where they are held. Brace told us about Backstage a magazine for actors/dancers and websites to go to for finding audition information. She also told us about classes we can take to prepare ourselves for NYC auditions. Bob Klein has a musical theatre audition class that we can sign up for, and learn what an audition is going to be like, instead of being completely terrified not knowing what to expect. I also learned that Broadway shows are required to hold auditions. They are called "required calls" and they don't have to cast people if they don't have any immediate openings, but this also helps them see what else there is for talent in the area in case a spot should open up. I think the biggest thing I learned was that I can't set my heart on every show I audition for. Brace said that auditioning is like the job part, and getting booked for the role is like vacation, because then you are safe, you have the role, and can concentrate on that for awhile. I definitely think that is a great way to look at an audition, and I'm going to have to practice still taking my auditions seriously, but not setting my whole emotional state of mind on the line if I don't get a part. Sometimes people won't want a short blonde person, and thats ok too! There is always something better to audition for coming up that might be a better opportunity that the one I didn't get.
Brace also talked about "money jobs." Jobs that make you money while you are auditioning around town every waking moment. What Brace said that seems like common sense, but is totally true and something people don't always consider is: like your money making job. Some people temp, some people bar tend or wait tables, but those are not apart of my music/ performing specialty. Brace said to try and find money jobs that make use of the talent you are trying to develop or at least gets you practice using your craft. I couldn't agree more! I loved what she recommended. She worked at a dance studio and got discounted dance lessons, which is definitely something I want to do! She also is finding work doing hand and foot modeling which I find is so awesome, and wouldn't mind doing that either! She gave me so many things to think about, and I'm definitely going to try and find jobs that can benefit me by building my skills, not just earning me money.
I loved my interview/talk session with Brace. She was so friendly and down to earth, which made asking her so many questions easier. I really enjoyed getting to know her, and I definitely want to keep in contact. Hopefully someday we can work together in a show, or run into each other in the audition circuit in the city. Had I not been able to go on this immersion experience, I would have never learned so many inside facts on the performing world, that I would have been clueless about as an outsider. I am so grateful for the information I have learned and the connections I have made with people in New York. Knowing people there and how the performing system sort of works makes the idea of going there less daunting and more accessible to achieve.
Thank you Brace for all of your help! You definitely inspired me to continue perusing my dreams! :)
Abby
Brace was fantastic. I had so many questions, and my interview buddies had a lot too. All of our questions were met with honest answers and advice. For my own questions, I was focused around where to find auditions, and where they are held. Brace told us about Backstage a magazine for actors/dancers and websites to go to for finding audition information. She also told us about classes we can take to prepare ourselves for NYC auditions. Bob Klein has a musical theatre audition class that we can sign up for, and learn what an audition is going to be like, instead of being completely terrified not knowing what to expect. I also learned that Broadway shows are required to hold auditions. They are called "required calls" and they don't have to cast people if they don't have any immediate openings, but this also helps them see what else there is for talent in the area in case a spot should open up. I think the biggest thing I learned was that I can't set my heart on every show I audition for. Brace said that auditioning is like the job part, and getting booked for the role is like vacation, because then you are safe, you have the role, and can concentrate on that for awhile. I definitely think that is a great way to look at an audition, and I'm going to have to practice still taking my auditions seriously, but not setting my whole emotional state of mind on the line if I don't get a part. Sometimes people won't want a short blonde person, and thats ok too! There is always something better to audition for coming up that might be a better opportunity that the one I didn't get.
Brace also talked about "money jobs." Jobs that make you money while you are auditioning around town every waking moment. What Brace said that seems like common sense, but is totally true and something people don't always consider is: like your money making job. Some people temp, some people bar tend or wait tables, but those are not apart of my music/ performing specialty. Brace said to try and find money jobs that make use of the talent you are trying to develop or at least gets you practice using your craft. I couldn't agree more! I loved what she recommended. She worked at a dance studio and got discounted dance lessons, which is definitely something I want to do! She also is finding work doing hand and foot modeling which I find is so awesome, and wouldn't mind doing that either! She gave me so many things to think about, and I'm definitely going to try and find jobs that can benefit me by building my skills, not just earning me money.
I loved my interview/talk session with Brace. She was so friendly and down to earth, which made asking her so many questions easier. I really enjoyed getting to know her, and I definitely want to keep in contact. Hopefully someday we can work together in a show, or run into each other in the audition circuit in the city. Had I not been able to go on this immersion experience, I would have never learned so many inside facts on the performing world, that I would have been clueless about as an outsider. I am so grateful for the information I have learned and the connections I have made with people in New York. Knowing people there and how the performing system sort of works makes the idea of going there less daunting and more accessible to achieve.
Thank you Brace for all of your help! You definitely inspired me to continue perusing my dreams! :)
Abby
Monday, March 26, 2012
Back to Reality: Reflections in the Midwest
Back to Reality: Reflections in the Midwest
Why hello bloggers/Blog Followers! It's Marie here. You could say I'm the "oddball" of the group who wants to pursue a career in musical theatre. And just like leisa, this is my first blog. There was just so much that I wanted to experienced during in NYC during the day that I would crash at night to prepare for another early morning. I needed to take time to process everything That I experienced on this trip! I brought back notebooks filled with tips and advice from Auditions to Apartment hunting.
Today was our first day back at school, and I couldn't concentrate all morning. All I could think of was New York and How Much I missed it. I miss the buildings, the food, the people, and knowing that whatever I wanted was just a short walking distance away. The last time I was in New York City I was an eleven years old and I hated it. I was terrified of everything new that I didn't quite understand. Nine years later I can't enough of it!
I Never expected to learn as much as I did during this immersion experience. I got the chance to work with the incredible Claudia catania, (who has performed on Broadway and at the Met, and now runs a private studio in NYC) through our master class and a private voice lesson in her upper west side Apartment! She fully believes that anyone who has the passion and the work ethic can make it in this cut throat business. she encourage me to come back to New York and give it my all. I also had the chance to do a phone interview Liz Holtan. She had to She is a Wisconsin native that resides in New York and is now making her way in the television/film business. Something she said really hit home with me. When we dive into performing as a professional, we will be doing a lot of auditioning, and hopefully getting a few callbacks. When deciding on whether to take a job or not, we should be asking ourselves three questions: Does it pay well? Will it advance my career? Is this job going to be artistically fulfilling?
Before this trip, I had questions about this industry that I never thought I would find the answer to until I experienced it myself. My musical theatre ambitions were only a dream that seemed so far away. I am elated to say now that I finally got every one of those questions answered. I not only brought back notebooks filled with tips and advice: I brought back a new fire. I will do anything to get myself back to New York. All my fears and doubts have been replaced with more determination and goals. I have already began compiling a summer program that would help me in my career goals.
This trip went beyond my expectations! I can't thank everyone who was involved enough for giving all of us this opportunity! Thank you to my incredible voice teacher/mentor, Mitra for writing the grant and making this all happen. Thank you to my 11 other college peers for the fond memories. Every single person that we interviewed and met with all said the same thing when we explained the purpose of our trip: "I've never heard of anything like this before! I wish I had this opportunity when I was your age!"
Until we meet again, New York. Until we meet again.
Marie
Sunday, March 25, 2012
Last day... and some post trip reflection...
This past Friday was our last day in NYC. We started our day with a "Hustle" class given by actor Logan Tracey. Several points she made struck home with me, one being that I am the CEO of my own company, and that I need to spend some time every day working on my career. Also, it's ok to change your mind and make a different choice at any point in your journey. I think this was a liberating piece of information for all of us in the room. Too often we feel trapped by our field of study, by our choices, by everyone else's expectations... Ms. Tracey reminded us that WE DON'T HAVE TO BE!!! We can make another choice. Also, we don't have to apologize for who we are! Just say, "I am a singer." Don't say, "I'm trying to be a singer." Just be who you are. It was such a simple message, but at the same time, it came across as very profound. There was an incredible amount of information given during the three hour session, from using social media to promote yourself to tax information for performing artists. I took a lot of notes, and I'm still processing all of the information.
After the session, I was able to catch up some more with jazz musician, Amanda Brecker. We had a wonderful lunch, an even better conversation about being both a teacher and performer, and walked around the west side, enjoying the beautiful Spring weather.
I then made another trip to the Julliard bookstore before meeting up with Dr. Sadeghpour and some other members of the group where we met Dr. Sadeghpour's college friend, dancer Rob Kleinendorst. Rob is a dancer with the Paul Taylor Dance Company, and it was wonderful to hear his story. Like many of our other guest speakers this week, Rob talked about the importance of "perseverance" and always being willing to learn and improve throughout your career.
After our meeting with Rob, Dr. Sadeghpour, Leisa and I went to hear a wonderful recital given by tenor Paul Appleby and pianist Natalia Katyukova. What a performance! Mr. Appleby sang beautifully with incredible nuance and commitment to the text. I am both inspired and challenged by his abilities as a recitalist.
After the recital, we all rushed down to the Stephen Sondheim theatre where we went to see Cole Porter's delightful musical comedy, "Anything Goes." The cast was excellent, and I greatly enjoyed the performance. I really loved watching Joel Grey and John McMartin perform. These seasoned performers stole the show, and gave us all a master class in comedic timing. It was very fun for me to see this show, since I performed the male lead, Billy Crocker, back in undergrad when I was around the age of the students on this trip! (I remembered all of the song lyrics and most of the lines! But don't worry, I didn't sing along!) After the show, we had the unique opportunity to have a q & a with several members of the cast... their message to the students: "perseverance."
After we returned to the hotel, we had our last group meeting. It was wonderful to hear everyone share what they discovered about themselves during the week. As I listened to each person, I was reminded why I love teaching - seeing people discover/realize something they didn't know about themselves. I think that everyone left NYC with a new sense of direction, and even if some don't quite know which direction they're going to choose, they at least have the comfort in knowing that they can forge their own path in a life in music, the important thing is to just keep going.
I am extremely honored to have been a part of this experience. Thank you Dr. Sadeghpour for writing the grant to make this immersion experience possible, and for allowing me to be a part of it. I'm excited to see the ways in which this group of students apply the information they learned this past week in their own lives and careers. I hope they will stay positive, and through hard work and perseverance, create and maintain a wonderful life in music!
Mr. P
After the session, I was able to catch up some more with jazz musician, Amanda Brecker. We had a wonderful lunch, an even better conversation about being both a teacher and performer, and walked around the west side, enjoying the beautiful Spring weather.
I then made another trip to the Julliard bookstore before meeting up with Dr. Sadeghpour and some other members of the group where we met Dr. Sadeghpour's college friend, dancer Rob Kleinendorst. Rob is a dancer with the Paul Taylor Dance Company, and it was wonderful to hear his story. Like many of our other guest speakers this week, Rob talked about the importance of "perseverance" and always being willing to learn and improve throughout your career.
After our meeting with Rob, Dr. Sadeghpour, Leisa and I went to hear a wonderful recital given by tenor Paul Appleby and pianist Natalia Katyukova. What a performance! Mr. Appleby sang beautifully with incredible nuance and commitment to the text. I am both inspired and challenged by his abilities as a recitalist.
After the recital, we all rushed down to the Stephen Sondheim theatre where we went to see Cole Porter's delightful musical comedy, "Anything Goes." The cast was excellent, and I greatly enjoyed the performance. I really loved watching Joel Grey and John McMartin perform. These seasoned performers stole the show, and gave us all a master class in comedic timing. It was very fun for me to see this show, since I performed the male lead, Billy Crocker, back in undergrad when I was around the age of the students on this trip! (I remembered all of the song lyrics and most of the lines! But don't worry, I didn't sing along!) After the show, we had the unique opportunity to have a q & a with several members of the cast... their message to the students: "perseverance."
After we returned to the hotel, we had our last group meeting. It was wonderful to hear everyone share what they discovered about themselves during the week. As I listened to each person, I was reminded why I love teaching - seeing people discover/realize something they didn't know about themselves. I think that everyone left NYC with a new sense of direction, and even if some don't quite know which direction they're going to choose, they at least have the comfort in knowing that they can forge their own path in a life in music, the important thing is to just keep going.
I am extremely honored to have been a part of this experience. Thank you Dr. Sadeghpour for writing the grant to make this immersion experience possible, and for allowing me to be a part of it. I'm excited to see the ways in which this group of students apply the information they learned this past week in their own lives and careers. I hope they will stay positive, and through hard work and perseverance, create and maintain a wonderful life in music!
Mr. P
Home sweet home
So, 18 hours of sleeping later....I woke up to the sound of birds chirping, my next door neighbors playing basketball, and my cat meowing loudly outside my door. What an experience! I can't really remember anything past the truck ride home yesterday, but I do know that I had a once in a life time experience this past week, and I won't ever forget it.
As soon as I woke up, I started a reflecting document on Word, so I wouldn't allow myself to forget anything. As I typed up my memories one by one, I couldn't believe how much had happened this past week. The two things that really stuck out to me were meeting Diana Damrau, my most respected and highly regarded opera singer, and remembering Logan Tracey's talk about making a career as a performer. Both were things that I thought were a long shot to happen, yet somehow, on this trip, have become things that have happened, and will continue to grow because I know how to nurture it! Actually talking to Diana Damrau was better than I thought it could be, because she talked with me, responding to my statements and interested in what I had to say. She is the sweetest person I have met (famous) and I really hope someday I have the opportunity to sing along side her.
Remembering Logan's class, the one thing that really stuck out to me was working on my career as a day by day thing. Networking, practicing, researching, exploring scores and new characters are all things I can do everyday. I am so excited to start taking my career by the reigns, so I e-mailed dance studios in Eau Claire and organized a summer program for myself. I worked on my career today and I am excited!
As I go through and organize all the notes I took, and think back to my personal interview with Brace Rice and read all the great advice she gave me, I really do feel more confident in putting forward each foot and taking the steps toward my goals. On this trip I made a dream come true and got my questions answered, and for me, that has been enough motivation for myself to keep going. When the tough gets tougher, I can remember the motivation I feel now, and the more than helpful people I met along my path this week. I want to thank each and every person I have met this week, because they have inspired me each in their own way, showing me that I really can make my dreams come true.
I love you New York City, but for right now, I'm going to enjoy the fresh air of the midwest and the comfort of my own bed! I'm going to enjoy taking small steps and enjoying the progress I make as a musician and as a young adult. See you in the distant future for permanent living!
Abby
As soon as I woke up, I started a reflecting document on Word, so I wouldn't allow myself to forget anything. As I typed up my memories one by one, I couldn't believe how much had happened this past week. The two things that really stuck out to me were meeting Diana Damrau, my most respected and highly regarded opera singer, and remembering Logan Tracey's talk about making a career as a performer. Both were things that I thought were a long shot to happen, yet somehow, on this trip, have become things that have happened, and will continue to grow because I know how to nurture it! Actually talking to Diana Damrau was better than I thought it could be, because she talked with me, responding to my statements and interested in what I had to say. She is the sweetest person I have met (famous) and I really hope someday I have the opportunity to sing along side her.
Remembering Logan's class, the one thing that really stuck out to me was working on my career as a day by day thing. Networking, practicing, researching, exploring scores and new characters are all things I can do everyday. I am so excited to start taking my career by the reigns, so I e-mailed dance studios in Eau Claire and organized a summer program for myself. I worked on my career today and I am excited!
As I go through and organize all the notes I took, and think back to my personal interview with Brace Rice and read all the great advice she gave me, I really do feel more confident in putting forward each foot and taking the steps toward my goals. On this trip I made a dream come true and got my questions answered, and for me, that has been enough motivation for myself to keep going. When the tough gets tougher, I can remember the motivation I feel now, and the more than helpful people I met along my path this week. I want to thank each and every person I have met this week, because they have inspired me each in their own way, showing me that I really can make my dreams come true.
I love you New York City, but for right now, I'm going to enjoy the fresh air of the midwest and the comfort of my own bed! I'm going to enjoy taking small steps and enjoying the progress I make as a musician and as a young adult. See you in the distant future for permanent living!
Abby
Home/Reflections of my lesson
Well, we're home. It feels so strange to come back to reality - we have school tomorrow.
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| My (mostly) empty suitcase. It misses the city too! |
Birds are chirping, everything is green - it's completely opposite to New York. Yet I'm thrilled. This was such an incredible opportunity. Thank you Mitra for writing this grant. I learned so much about myself, about my friends who are my support network, and about the music business. I feel that my love for music has been confirmed and that my desire to sing has been invigorated. I feel confident in my choice of being a performer. The most striking thing I learned on this trip is that no matter what we do, they are only choices. It's not the end of the world if we make one choice and then later decide to make another choice. Everyone's life path is different and it ends up being more interesting with little twists and turns.
Now that I've had some time to process everything, get some sleep, and listen to my lesson, I want to reflect on it. I had a lesson with Joan Patenaude-Yarnell at the Manhattan School of Music, and it was a very interesting experience for me. I've never worked with a teacher who has performed internationally before, and so it was intriguing to have the opportunity to work with someone who has performed all over the world. Britney joined me for the lesson, and the format of it was a consultation and then a lesson.
Ms. Patenaude-Yarnell describes her teaching style as homeopathic. She said several times that "singing is all about the imagination," and recommended a book, Singing and Imagination. I'll have to check it out! She also said that "people make problems where there is no problem." I can completely relate to that, as I have a tendency to over-manipulate my jaw and lips when I am singing. This makes the text unclear and creates more stress on my jaw, which causes tension. She said that a tight jaw means that there is something wrong with the breath, and that the jaw is trying to over-compensate for it.
One of the things she said that stuck with me the most is that singing should be a release. When I am trying to loosen my jaw, I too often think RELAX, which causes me to under-energize everything: my breath, my body, my vocal line - and it's completely counter-intuitive.
Another big aspect of singing that we worked on is breathing. She said that every breath should be taken in a satisfying, profound way. (When I get in my own head, breathing is the first thing I forget about.)
There are four phases of breathing: inhalation, suspension (where singing starts), phonation (the long line to the end of the phrase, and release of the tone while still being in suspended position.
I've never thought about breathing in that way before. It was really interesting to think about it - I feel that if I think of breathing in that way, I will learn to connect my words and create a more legato line.
So overall, it was a very productive lesson - breathing and legato are two HUGE facets of singing and if I can continue to learn from them, I will only continue to grow as a singer.
Jordyn
Reflection of Ken Benson's Lecture
This entry, I would like to focus on Mr. Benson's lecture, who is a manager for CAMI. He has a vast amount of knowledge that could pertain to everything in the opera world and it was fantastic to have the chance to talk with him! There were so many topics that he discussed, and so fluidly, that it will be difficult to pull out just a couple. Basically, when he's looking at young artists, he looks for individuality of the singer - the one who is really communicating the piece. He said that the arias that you present not only have to fit your voice, but also your personality. I've never heard it described that way. It's usually the aria/role that your voice fits at this stage of your life, never really focusing on the personality of the singer. But I suppose that makes sense because if it is something you do not enjoy singing then you will not concentrate the same energy into the piece. And it is your individuality that will make you successful in this field.
He also was emphasizing the importance of just keeping your name in front of managers and the people you audition for. It keeps them thinking of you on an unobtrusive level. But he also recommended to be pleasantly persistent when contacting people, and not to be too shy. Another way he said could help is to just be visible in the neighborhoods and around the shows. There have been a couple stories of people getting jobs while just being at a show or coffee shop at the right time. Caroline Worra also mentioned this.
Another major topic he discussed was how to make yourself marketable. Basically, don't limit yourself to just opera, or just musical theatre. If you include concert work (oratorios, requiems, etc.) and recital rep (art songs), then you will make it easier for both yourself or your manager to get you job bookings. He made an emphasis to say that this is a business of opinions, and you will not be able to please everyone.
A good lesson you gather from Ken Benson, and reiterated by others, is that you really have to know who you are and be true to yourself. You must develop thick skin, but know how to take things in stride. You cannot please everyone. This is a hard business, but you have to pick and choose your "battles".
~Leisa Sunier
He also was emphasizing the importance of just keeping your name in front of managers and the people you audition for. It keeps them thinking of you on an unobtrusive level. But he also recommended to be pleasantly persistent when contacting people, and not to be too shy. Another way he said could help is to just be visible in the neighborhoods and around the shows. There have been a couple stories of people getting jobs while just being at a show or coffee shop at the right time. Caroline Worra also mentioned this.
Another major topic he discussed was how to make yourself marketable. Basically, don't limit yourself to just opera, or just musical theatre. If you include concert work (oratorios, requiems, etc.) and recital rep (art songs), then you will make it easier for both yourself or your manager to get you job bookings. He made an emphasis to say that this is a business of opinions, and you will not be able to please everyone.
A good lesson you gather from Ken Benson, and reiterated by others, is that you really have to know who you are and be true to yourself. You must develop thick skin, but know how to take things in stride. You cannot please everyone. This is a hard business, but you have to pick and choose your "battles".
~Leisa Sunier
Back to Wisconsin
This morning, I woke up to birds chirping outside my window instead of taxis honking. I woke up not being able to breathe or see because of allergies. I woke up breathing fresh air instead of smog. Life is all about trade-offs, whether the trade-off is work vs. free time, money vs. happiness, country vs. city, single vs. relationship. No matter what you choose, don't justify your choices to anyone, especially to yourself. Do what makes you happy at the time; that is how you will find success for yourself.
I cannot thank Mitra enough for writing this grant. This week-long experience has been more life-changing than I ever thought possible. I had the opportunity to meet so many people that are living lives in the arts. Some of these meetings were planned. Some of them were happenstance. On our last day in Manhattan, my two friends and I were looking at an overpriced menu with another woman who happened to be an actress from Brooklyn. We got lunch together and made a connection. I'm not going into life "networking." Instead, I'm going into life making and sustaining friendships.
I had never seen musical theatre as a viable option if I did not start dancing as a toddler. As I was proved wrong over and over and over AND OVER again on this journey through New York life, I have decided to be happy (And let me tell you, being happy is a decision you have to make every day.). After graduation, I'm moving to New York to pursue musical theatre. No one can tell me that I can't do it. No one needs to know why this is my decision. I am a singer. I'm not "trying" to be a singer. I already am one. My life was beginning to change as soon as I arrived in NY. For me, Derek James was the first person that made me realize that I could do anything I set my mind to. So thank you, Derek. Thank you everyone I have met, built a relationship with, bumped into on the street. Believe it or not, you have all changed my life. I have a long road ahead of me, but it is a road worth traveling. Like any road, I know there will be bumps along the way, eventual tolls I have to pay, rests I need to take, but that's how you get to see all the attractions along the way. I can hardly wait for my road to lead me back to the big city.
Until the next wayside,
~ Nicole A. Korbisch
I cannot thank Mitra enough for writing this grant. This week-long experience has been more life-changing than I ever thought possible. I had the opportunity to meet so many people that are living lives in the arts. Some of these meetings were planned. Some of them were happenstance. On our last day in Manhattan, my two friends and I were looking at an overpriced menu with another woman who happened to be an actress from Brooklyn. We got lunch together and made a connection. I'm not going into life "networking." Instead, I'm going into life making and sustaining friendships.
I had never seen musical theatre as a viable option if I did not start dancing as a toddler. As I was proved wrong over and over and over AND OVER again on this journey through New York life, I have decided to be happy (And let me tell you, being happy is a decision you have to make every day.). After graduation, I'm moving to New York to pursue musical theatre. No one can tell me that I can't do it. No one needs to know why this is my decision. I am a singer. I'm not "trying" to be a singer. I already am one. My life was beginning to change as soon as I arrived in NY. For me, Derek James was the first person that made me realize that I could do anything I set my mind to. So thank you, Derek. Thank you everyone I have met, built a relationship with, bumped into on the street. Believe it or not, you have all changed my life. I have a long road ahead of me, but it is a road worth traveling. Like any road, I know there will be bumps along the way, eventual tolls I have to pay, rests I need to take, but that's how you get to see all the attractions along the way. I can hardly wait for my road to lead me back to the big city.
Until the next wayside,
~ Nicole A. Korbisch
Saturday, March 24, 2012
Saturday-Goodbye NYC. Until we meet again.
5:10 a.m. came quickly! I had to make a few wake up calls, but we got to LaGuardia on time via public transportation. Easy peasy! Uneventful flight back to MSP.
Many of us were sad to leave the big apple.
Jordyn's mother picked some of us up at the airport and we made our merry way home. A special thanks to Emily, Abby, Evan, Jordyn, and Ken who all helped me carry my extremely heavy and/or unwieldy luggage.
I have some reflection to do, both personally and about the program. We received the grant to run the program for the next two years as well, and though the program was excellent this year, there are some changes I want to make now that I have done it once. Really looking forward to beginning preparation for spring break 2013! Thank you to Jordyn Beranek who was my student assistant for the immersion and did lots of copying, phone calling, and organizing and in general made sure the program succeeded.
Many of us were sad to leave the big apple.
Jordyn's mother picked some of us up at the airport and we made our merry way home. A special thanks to Emily, Abby, Evan, Jordyn, and Ken who all helped me carry my extremely heavy and/or unwieldy luggage.
 |
| Members of my voice studio (Jordyn, Britney, Meagan, Abby, Marie, and Emily) on the last night |
I have some reflection to do, both personally and about the program. We received the grant to run the program for the next two years as well, and though the program was excellent this year, there are some changes I want to make now that I have done it once. Really looking forward to beginning preparation for spring break 2013! Thank you to Jordyn Beranek who was my student assistant for the immersion and did lots of copying, phone calling, and organizing and in general made sure the program succeeded.
What a life-changing experience for all of us.
Peace-
Mitra
Fierce Friday!
Friday was a great last day filled with lots of variety. Group meeting in the lobby at 8:00 a.m. to discuss Thursday's events and discoveries, and then headed out to our session with Logan Tracey on "The Hustle." Now before you get any wrong ideas, hustle refers to the business side of being a performer. Logan brought home the fact that you really MUST operate as the CEO of your own company. She discussed audition materials (resume, postcards, headshot), effective use of social media (I'm STILL resisting being on Facebook), and taxes, and she then looked at the resumes and headshots that the students had brought along. She was very fast-paced, "real," concise, funny, and we felt like we were getting inside information on structuring a career. I think Logan was an invaluable addition to the itinerary, and she offered to help us individually in any way she could. I took lots of notes, especially about specific trade magazines and websites that are essential for the actor. Her focus was on acting, but she was also knowledgeable about music theatre, voice over, and had some advice for classical performance as well. It was also cool to hear her story and see yet another path to a life in the arts. She works at a small theatre company and has lots and lots of performing experience in different genres. We were with her from 9-12 and covered a lot of material. While I was there, I also picked up a copy of "Backstage" which is the essential publication for theatre auditions. I will definitely stay in touch with Logan! Thanks to Britney whose network was the connection to Logan (through cousin Ingrid).
The studio, at The Network (242 West 36th St), was in the Fashion District, where I had not yet been and it was fascinating to see all the wholesale clothing stores and to be reminded of the huge markup of retail. It is a good studio to keep in mind, as it is one that is regularly used by casting agents for theatre, tv, and commercial work.
We all went our separate ways (in groups of 2) to spend our last bit of unscheduled time finishing up whatever we still wished to get done. I headed back to the hotel to catch up on blogging and to change clothes--it is almost hot today! The weather is incredibly warm and kind of humid so a bit of rest was much appreciated. At 3:15ish I met some students downstairs (by the way, my room is on the 7th floor and the elevator is hand operated by either an elevator guy or the front desk person. Certainly very old school) and we made our way to Lincoln Center to the Starbucks on Columbus and 67th where we met my friend from college Rob Kleinendorst. Rob is the dancer on the Paul Taylor poster! We talked with him from 4:00 until his call at 5:30. He had a concert that evening at the David Koch Theatre in Lincoln Center. This is the first run the company has had in that theatre.
Rob has danced with the Paul Taylor Company since 2000. He moved to New York with the goal to dance with the company and worked his way up through dance classes at the Taylor School starting in 1996, then into Taylor 2 in 1998. His story of hard work and determination makes me proud to be his friend, and I know it was inspiring for the students.
Rob talked about touring, taking care of your body/instrument, knowing what your talent is, gave advice for moving to NYC, and urged the students to have perseverance. In his experience, many of his colleagues that moved to NYC at the same time had stopped pursuing the career by the end of the first year. Rob also talked about his passion for teaching, which is a big part of the Paul Taylor tours. Lastly, he shared with us that the company will be traveling to Paris this summer, and that he likes cats. :)
Rob, it was great to see you! Thanks for sharing your time during your busy performance schedule. http://www.ptdc.org/node/333
Leisa, Ken and I then headed to the New York Public Library for the Performing Arts for a recital by tenor Paul Appleby.
Paul is a 3rd year member of the Met Lindemann Young Artist Development Program--I have heard him in recital one other time and he was truly an outstanding recitalist. He did not disappoint on this evening! He sang Schubert, Faure (the entire "La bonne chanson"), Wolf, and a cycle composed for him by Harold Meltzer. He was accompanied beautifully by Natalia Katyukova. I have rarely heard a singer perform which such nuance on each word--he truly seems to taste and feel the words as he sings them, and I do not tire of hearing him! Tomas and Steph joined us there, and then we all booked it to the Stephen Sondheim Theatre for "Anything Goes." There were some very loud, very annoying high school students behind us (which I am determined to forget) but despite them it was a very exciting performance and of course an AWESOME score (love ya Cole Porter!). Tari Kelly was a wonderful Reno Sweeney, and it was incredible to see Joel Grey and John McMartin perform live--they and the entire cast were great. The tap number at the end of Act 1 was breathtaking!
We had great seats (except for the high schoolers) in the middle of the 5th or so row of the mezzanine, and after the show we got to stay in the mezzanine for a talkback with some of the actors!
Andrew Cao is a cousin of a friend of a... you know, six degrees of separation. BUT, he agreed to meet with us, and he announced it to the cast and four others showed up too! They answered questions about staying healthy, auditioning, and gave advice to young actors for survival/success in this competitive business.
Michelle Loucadoux (Swing)
Tari Kelly (Reno Sweeney)
Bill English (Billy Crocker)
Tari Kelly (Madison native and excellent belter--which she believes is grounded in classical technique)
Bill English (learned the role in two weeks, and his first night with the cast was his opening night!)
Raymond J. Lee (John)
Andrew Cao (Luke, and the reason we got this talk back- thank you Andrew!) (Also from Wisconsin!)
http://www.anythinggoesonbroadway.com/
This show is a great example of grand old Broadway and was a perfect way to wrap up our immersion. Our last group meeting took place at 12:05 a.m. in the lobby. The reflections shared by the group were very moving--I'm sure some people will be sharing those thoughts here so I will not, except for my own. On my previous trips to NYC, I was concerned solely with the performances and the art and not really the people creating them. Because I am quite a private person, I do tend to separate the people and the art. This trip was equally about the people who bring the art to life, and I absolutely loved experiencing the music in this new way.
No sleep tonight, as we meet in the lobby at 5:10 a.m. Zzzzzzzzzzz
Mitra
 |
| Britney and Logan |
The studio, at The Network (242 West 36th St), was in the Fashion District, where I had not yet been and it was fascinating to see all the wholesale clothing stores and to be reminded of the huge markup of retail. It is a good studio to keep in mind, as it is one that is regularly used by casting agents for theatre, tv, and commercial work.
We all went our separate ways (in groups of 2) to spend our last bit of unscheduled time finishing up whatever we still wished to get done. I headed back to the hotel to catch up on blogging and to change clothes--it is almost hot today! The weather is incredibly warm and kind of humid so a bit of rest was much appreciated. At 3:15ish I met some students downstairs (by the way, my room is on the 7th floor and the elevator is hand operated by either an elevator guy or the front desk person. Certainly very old school) and we made our way to Lincoln Center to the Starbucks on Columbus and 67th where we met my friend from college Rob Kleinendorst. Rob is the dancer on the Paul Taylor poster! We talked with him from 4:00 until his call at 5:30. He had a concert that evening at the David Koch Theatre in Lincoln Center. This is the first run the company has had in that theatre.
Rob has danced with the Paul Taylor Company since 2000. He moved to New York with the goal to dance with the company and worked his way up through dance classes at the Taylor School starting in 1996, then into Taylor 2 in 1998. His story of hard work and determination makes me proud to be his friend, and I know it was inspiring for the students.
Rob talked about touring, taking care of your body/instrument, knowing what your talent is, gave advice for moving to NYC, and urged the students to have perseverance. In his experience, many of his colleagues that moved to NYC at the same time had stopped pursuing the career by the end of the first year. Rob also talked about his passion for teaching, which is a big part of the Paul Taylor tours. Lastly, he shared with us that the company will be traveling to Paris this summer, and that he likes cats. :)
Rob, it was great to see you! Thanks for sharing your time during your busy performance schedule. http://www.ptdc.org/node/333
Paul is a 3rd year member of the Met Lindemann Young Artist Development Program--I have heard him in recital one other time and he was truly an outstanding recitalist. He did not disappoint on this evening! He sang Schubert, Faure (the entire "La bonne chanson"), Wolf, and a cycle composed for him by Harold Meltzer. He was accompanied beautifully by Natalia Katyukova. I have rarely heard a singer perform which such nuance on each word--he truly seems to taste and feel the words as he sings them, and I do not tire of hearing him! Tomas and Steph joined us there, and then we all booked it to the Stephen Sondheim Theatre for "Anything Goes." There were some very loud, very annoying high school students behind us (which I am determined to forget) but despite them it was a very exciting performance and of course an AWESOME score (love ya Cole Porter!). Tari Kelly was a wonderful Reno Sweeney, and it was incredible to see Joel Grey and John McMartin perform live--they and the entire cast were great. The tap number at the end of Act 1 was breathtaking!
Andrew Cao is a cousin of a friend of a... you know, six degrees of separation. BUT, he agreed to meet with us, and he announced it to the cast and four others showed up too! They answered questions about staying healthy, auditioning, and gave advice to young actors for survival/success in this competitive business.
Michelle Loucadoux (Swing)
Tari Kelly (Reno Sweeney)
Bill English (Billy Crocker)
Tari Kelly (Madison native and excellent belter--which she believes is grounded in classical technique)
Bill English (learned the role in two weeks, and his first night with the cast was his opening night!)
Raymond J. Lee (John)
Andrew Cao (Luke, and the reason we got this talk back- thank you Andrew!) (Also from Wisconsin!)
http://www.anythinggoesonbroadway.com/
This show is a great example of grand old Broadway and was a perfect way to wrap up our immersion. Our last group meeting took place at 12:05 a.m. in the lobby. The reflections shared by the group were very moving--I'm sure some people will be sharing those thoughts here so I will not, except for my own. On my previous trips to NYC, I was concerned solely with the performances and the art and not really the people creating them. Because I am quite a private person, I do tend to separate the people and the art. This trip was equally about the people who bring the art to life, and I absolutely loved experiencing the music in this new way.
No sleep tonight, as we meet in the lobby at 5:10 a.m. Zzzzzzzzzzz
Mitra
Friday, March 23, 2012
Being concise is difficult when there is so much being learned!
We have been practicing being concise in our statements and questions on this trip so I will try to do the same here. These highlights, in bulleted form, do not do justice to all of the profound and life-altering thoughts going through my head, but if I attempt to divulge them, I will be typing straight for the next three days. So here is my attempt at being concise:
Monday
1. Had a mini internal breakdown during Claudia's master class just thinking about how many amazing singers there are out there and how competitive it is. This had nothing to do with what Claudia was saying, she is wonderful, it just happened to happen at the same time as her class.
2. Claudia is such a passionate, sincere, caring person. She is so giving and real and honest and concerned about your best interest. She is such a cool lady. I am so glad that she gave that chunk of her time to spend with us.Highlight of something she said: You have to love your voice. If you don't love it, nobody will. Own your voice, you have something to give.
Tuesday
1. Caroline Worra. Wow, I learned SO much listening to her story. Her talk was packed with good advice, tips, and encouragement. In the briefest of summaries, my highlights were: everyone's path is different, learn all you can; keep learning, be patient; it takes time. Indian food with her afterwards was a definite bonus.
2. Porgy and Bess. WOW! Amazing show! Apparently they changed the show slightly, made some cuts to make it more musical theatre-y than full out opera. I haven't seen the original so I don't know, but I know I LOVED it! Very impressed with the guy who played Crown, the bad guy, spending so much time with us on the sidewalk afterward. He was so friendly and kind.
Wednesday
1. Naomi Ruiz. Same as with Caroline, I learned SO much! Naomi was so charming and engaging. I loved hearing her story and how different it was from Caroline's and others' we have heard. Highlights: "No" doesn't necessarily mean "no." You have to pick yourself up again and keep going; don't lose heart. Again, be patient; persevere. (She, like Claudia, also said that you have to love your voice). Finally, stay positive. It sounds simply and obvious, but it is so easy to forget. She said it a bajillion times.
2. Elixir. Speechless. It was so wonderful and amazing. I have many thoughts about this experience so I am just going to stop at "wonderful and amazing."
Thursday
1. Ken Benson. I didn't know what to expect for this interview. He was very personable and interested in helping us which I appreciated very much. Because his perspective is so different from the others we talked to previously, we got a lot of new information, some which has already launched a short-term goal into my brain: learn the common concert soloist repertoire such as Faure Requiem, Mozart Requiem, Handel's Messiah, etc.
2. Had my voice lesson with Susan Eichhorn. I really liked it. I know it was good because she addressed things that I already knew I needed to work on but she came at it from a very different way and gave me totally knew techniques for practicing and fixing those things. I was able to connect what she was saying with other things I have heard before so that was really helpful. Sadly, I didn't get to ask much about life or the business because there was no time.
3. Juilliard Vocal Recital. I really enjoyed it. Both had very contrasting tones from each other. Lovely rep choices. A lot of Russian.
Friday
1. Hustle class with Logan Tracey. Very informative. Useful information that I wouldn't have thought of and is very important to know about, such as taxes, how to organize your business at home, social networking tips, etc. You can tell that Logan is an actress. Very comfortable in front of the group, funny, relatable. Highlights: (again), patience. Also, don't apologize for what you're doing. You are an actor. You are a singer. That is what you are and that is what you do. Don't be embarrassed about it. Lastly, life is a string of choices. If something didn't work out, make another choice. For example, if you hate your temp job, QUIT IT! Find a different one!
2. Talking to a total stranger, finding out she's an actress, ending up sitting down to lunch with her (at a really great Mexican place) and talking about life in the acting biz.
3. Mitra's friend Rob, the Paul Taylor dancer. It was fascinating to just hear about dance in general. It is a related but very different art from ours, yet the proposition of patience and perseverance prevailed.
4. Anything Goes. It was so great! I loved it. I loved the big exciting dance numbers, the swanky, witty, fun music, the style of the 20s/30s, and the actors were all wonderful.
***Famous people sitings:
1. David Alan Grier in Porgy and Bess. I know him as the cop in Jumanji.
2. Dimitri Hvorostovsky the baritone. Right outside of the Met.
3. Ned Rorem at the Julliard Recital.
4. Richard Kind. We passed him on the sidewalk this morning. He had papers in his hand and was talking to himself as he was walking very quickly. He was probably memorizing lines on his way to a job.
Up late tonight, packing, and early rise tomorrow to go home. My brain is filled with new knowledge and I am excited and encouraged, though still scared and intimidated, about this path that I am pursuing. I just wish I had more than one day to rest and process before being bombarded with the return of the semester's tasks and assignments and deadlines. This trip has been life changing for me.
- Emily
Monday
1. Had a mini internal breakdown during Claudia's master class just thinking about how many amazing singers there are out there and how competitive it is. This had nothing to do with what Claudia was saying, she is wonderful, it just happened to happen at the same time as her class.
2. Claudia is such a passionate, sincere, caring person. She is so giving and real and honest and concerned about your best interest. She is such a cool lady. I am so glad that she gave that chunk of her time to spend with us.Highlight of something she said: You have to love your voice. If you don't love it, nobody will. Own your voice, you have something to give.
Tuesday
1. Caroline Worra. Wow, I learned SO much listening to her story. Her talk was packed with good advice, tips, and encouragement. In the briefest of summaries, my highlights were: everyone's path is different, learn all you can; keep learning, be patient; it takes time. Indian food with her afterwards was a definite bonus.
2. Porgy and Bess. WOW! Amazing show! Apparently they changed the show slightly, made some cuts to make it more musical theatre-y than full out opera. I haven't seen the original so I don't know, but I know I LOVED it! Very impressed with the guy who played Crown, the bad guy, spending so much time with us on the sidewalk afterward. He was so friendly and kind.
Wednesday
1. Naomi Ruiz. Same as with Caroline, I learned SO much! Naomi was so charming and engaging. I loved hearing her story and how different it was from Caroline's and others' we have heard. Highlights: "No" doesn't necessarily mean "no." You have to pick yourself up again and keep going; don't lose heart. Again, be patient; persevere. (She, like Claudia, also said that you have to love your voice). Finally, stay positive. It sounds simply and obvious, but it is so easy to forget. She said it a bajillion times.
2. Elixir. Speechless. It was so wonderful and amazing. I have many thoughts about this experience so I am just going to stop at "wonderful and amazing."
Thursday
1. Ken Benson. I didn't know what to expect for this interview. He was very personable and interested in helping us which I appreciated very much. Because his perspective is so different from the others we talked to previously, we got a lot of new information, some which has already launched a short-term goal into my brain: learn the common concert soloist repertoire such as Faure Requiem, Mozart Requiem, Handel's Messiah, etc.
2. Had my voice lesson with Susan Eichhorn. I really liked it. I know it was good because she addressed things that I already knew I needed to work on but she came at it from a very different way and gave me totally knew techniques for practicing and fixing those things. I was able to connect what she was saying with other things I have heard before so that was really helpful. Sadly, I didn't get to ask much about life or the business because there was no time.
3. Juilliard Vocal Recital. I really enjoyed it. Both had very contrasting tones from each other. Lovely rep choices. A lot of Russian.
Friday
1. Hustle class with Logan Tracey. Very informative. Useful information that I wouldn't have thought of and is very important to know about, such as taxes, how to organize your business at home, social networking tips, etc. You can tell that Logan is an actress. Very comfortable in front of the group, funny, relatable. Highlights: (again), patience. Also, don't apologize for what you're doing. You are an actor. You are a singer. That is what you are and that is what you do. Don't be embarrassed about it. Lastly, life is a string of choices. If something didn't work out, make another choice. For example, if you hate your temp job, QUIT IT! Find a different one!
2. Talking to a total stranger, finding out she's an actress, ending up sitting down to lunch with her (at a really great Mexican place) and talking about life in the acting biz.
3. Mitra's friend Rob, the Paul Taylor dancer. It was fascinating to just hear about dance in general. It is a related but very different art from ours, yet the proposition of patience and perseverance prevailed.
4. Anything Goes. It was so great! I loved it. I loved the big exciting dance numbers, the swanky, witty, fun music, the style of the 20s/30s, and the actors were all wonderful.
***Famous people sitings:
1. David Alan Grier in Porgy and Bess. I know him as the cop in Jumanji.
2. Dimitri Hvorostovsky the baritone. Right outside of the Met.
3. Ned Rorem at the Julliard Recital.
4. Richard Kind. We passed him on the sidewalk this morning. He had papers in his hand and was talking to himself as he was walking very quickly. He was probably memorizing lines on his way to a job.
Up late tonight, packing, and early rise tomorrow to go home. My brain is filled with new knowledge and I am excited and encouraged, though still scared and intimidated, about this path that I am pursuing. I just wish I had more than one day to rest and process before being bombarded with the return of the semester's tasks and assignments and deadlines. This trip has been life changing for me.
- Emily
Tenor so in Manhattan - Ultimo dia
All good things must end. I have to say, this last day was a favorite. I will recap and then explain my entire experience.
I made my roomate get up first. Then I got ready and we made it downstairs to meet and leave for the Network Studio (242 W 36th). I was completely enthralled with the things Miss. Tracey had to say. Making yourself a business takes a long time. I hope to have them time to not only practive, teach lessons, and make myself a company this summer. I am ready now. I have the tools, support, and time.
After the class, I made a stop at Papaya king again. Great. Then me and another student met with a friend of hers from a summer program. We went down to battery park and strolled. It was a great time and I liked the slow pace. We left that to go back to the hotel, get dinner, and go to a recital at the NY public library for the performing arts (Lincoln Center). It was wonderful and I loved the Faure song cycle that was performed. Gorgeous. I then booked it to the Stephen Sondheim Theatre (7thx53rd). Anything Goes was wonderful and the first classic show I think I have ever seen. I loved it. The tap number was the highlight for me. It was funny and vocally super exciting. We then got a personal talkback with some leads and supporting. We talked for a while so we didn't have a dessert meet up for realsies afterwards.
We all talked about what we learned, what we have yet to do at school, and what we are going to do to take these lessons and learnings into our life as musicians. I am very excited.
I am planning to work on my business side of things. I want to find sponsors in my home town and maybe school too. I will work on post cards and business cards, resume, tax and retirement things, and culminate in a recital at the end of the summer. I will be also starting a blog of my own when I can figure out how to do that. I ll ask the girl who set this one up for us. Keep in touch, and keep your stick on the ice.
I made my roomate get up first. Then I got ready and we made it downstairs to meet and leave for the Network Studio (242 W 36th). I was completely enthralled with the things Miss. Tracey had to say. Making yourself a business takes a long time. I hope to have them time to not only practive, teach lessons, and make myself a company this summer. I am ready now. I have the tools, support, and time.
After the class, I made a stop at Papaya king again. Great. Then me and another student met with a friend of hers from a summer program. We went down to battery park and strolled. It was a great time and I liked the slow pace. We left that to go back to the hotel, get dinner, and go to a recital at the NY public library for the performing arts (Lincoln Center). It was wonderful and I loved the Faure song cycle that was performed. Gorgeous. I then booked it to the Stephen Sondheim Theatre (7thx53rd). Anything Goes was wonderful and the first classic show I think I have ever seen. I loved it. The tap number was the highlight for me. It was funny and vocally super exciting. We then got a personal talkback with some leads and supporting. We talked for a while so we didn't have a dessert meet up for realsies afterwards.
We all talked about what we learned, what we have yet to do at school, and what we are going to do to take these lessons and learnings into our life as musicians. I am very excited.
I am planning to work on my business side of things. I want to find sponsors in my home town and maybe school too. I will work on post cards and business cards, resume, tax and retirement things, and culminate in a recital at the end of the summer. I will be also starting a blog of my own when I can figure out how to do that. I ll ask the girl who set this one up for us. Keep in touch, and keep your stick on the ice.
Last day...
Unfortunately this has been my first chance to blog and we leave in about 4 hours! We have been so incredibly blessed to have all of the amazing opportunities that we've had on this trip. I'm having a hard time processing it all! I feel slightly overwhelmed with everything we've done, but I also feel very inspired and encouraged. As the only Music Education major on the trip I've been wondering how much I can really do in addition to my teaching career. Is it possible to teach and perform? How do you balance that? So many of the people we've met here have had unusual and varied paths to get where they are at today, and they've all been extremely welcoming and encouraging. We've met a number of people who are doing any combination of teaching, performing (theatre, dance, opera, musical theatre, etc.), or conducting. Rather than narrowing down my focus, this trip has really shown me how many opportunities are available. As Logan Tracey said to us today (in a marketing class specifically for performers), it's all about the choices you make. You keep re-inventing yourself, continuing to learn and better yourself as a musician, performer, and person. The performances we have seen here have been absolutely incredible, but the best moments I've had have been with all the people we've met, and the realization that we have this entire future that we can create. Most importantly however, is the realization that we will each create our own paths, and we will probably end up somewhere better than we ever expected.
-Jennifer
-Jennifer
The First of many.
So, it's coming to the end of the trip, and unfortunately this is my first blog... There has been so much that has happened, and it's wonderful that I've had this experience! First rule of thumb, either bring a computer that is able to connect to an internet connection, or don't wear yourself out as much at night so you just crash into bed! Something simple that slips my mind.
So here is an overall lesson that I've come to notice with all of our masterclasses and meetings with actors, singers, coaches, emerging artists, and everyone else: the most important thing one could do to make it in New York is to be patient while dedicated to continuing on this path. There will be hardships to overcome, but the persistence needed is key. Also, in order to "make yourself known" to others is to be normal along with showing your personality -- either in your aria selection or dance selection.
And the most basic element that you can have is being true to yourself. You have to know yourself the best out of everything you have. Because if you don't believe in yourself, you cannot sell yourself in this industry.
All of these previous statements were reiterated by everyone that I've met with, whether they are just emerging artists or working artists at a higher level.
So signing off for the night! We leave for Wisconsin early tomorrow morning. I will be posting more from my notes later this weekend!
5th year senior - Leisa
So here is an overall lesson that I've come to notice with all of our masterclasses and meetings with actors, singers, coaches, emerging artists, and everyone else: the most important thing one could do to make it in New York is to be patient while dedicated to continuing on this path. There will be hardships to overcome, but the persistence needed is key. Also, in order to "make yourself known" to others is to be normal along with showing your personality -- either in your aria selection or dance selection.
And the most basic element that you can have is being true to yourself. You have to know yourself the best out of everything you have. Because if you don't believe in yourself, you cannot sell yourself in this industry.
All of these previous statements were reiterated by everyone that I've met with, whether they are just emerging artists or working artists at a higher level.
So signing off for the night! We leave for Wisconsin early tomorrow morning. I will be posting more from my notes later this weekend!
5th year senior - Leisa
Thursday--Street Meat, Retail, and Art Song along with some Wise Words
Thursday was another day that exceeded my expectations. We met with Ken Benson, a manager with CAMI for 25 years, from 10-12 at Shetler Studios. It is an interesting story how this meeting came about. One of the projects that the students have to do for this trip was to first identify, then write out, and then use their "network" to set up a meeting/interview/lesson/coaching etc. while in NYC. Since everyone has to travel in pairs, that would mean that each student would get to be a part of at least two of these sessions. Leisa had heard Ken Benson speak during a summer program she did and she contacted him to set up an interview. She then asked me if I would like her to see if he'd meet with the whole group. I said "yes please" and she did. He was happy to do it, and we set it all up over email. He has also been following our blog- hi Ken!
So, through Leisa, we were able to book Ken Benson. First of all Shetler studios was very convenient, in nice shape, and very reasonable in cost. Secondly, Ken offered us valuable information that we couldn't have gotten anywhere else. He addressed managers, audition packages, figuring out who you are and what you are good at--what is special about YOU--young artist programs and he opened the students' eyes about the possibility of a career in management and/or music business.
He answered the students' questions readily, and was very friendly and open. We liked him so much we asked if he'd recommend a pizza place in the area and then invited him to go with us. He said "why not"? and he led us there (I'll add the name later, as I can't remember). He answered more questions, and we all felt grateful to spend that time with him. He told us a about a free recital at the New York Performing Arts Library on Friday, and we decided to go! I rented a small studio space at Shetler to practice for an hour. It had a nice Yamaha upright in it and was in tune. I enjoyed getting to work on some upcoming repertoire--nothing inspires you to practice more than hearing great music--all for $12.50! One of the few things so far that has been a financial bargain in NYC :)
Jordyn and Abby came back to Shetler after I was finished and we explored the area--we did some shopping, drank some tea in a tea shop (lovely), and went to some of the shops at Columbus Circle. The flowers are in bloom all over NYC and the walk was just beautiful. Sunshine, daffodils, and blooming fruit trees. After we got the shopping out of our system (come on, you have to do it at least once while in NYC!!!) we took the subway down to the World Trade Center site. We didn't have tickets to the Memorial but they were giving them away that day (Abby seems to be a lucky charm) and we viewed the memorial. It is still too overwhelming to fathom the loss of life on 9/11 and the names on the fountains are simply chilling. However, the survivor tree, the rushing water, and the calm in the middle of all the bustle of the city make it a perfect spot for reflection. I though about where I was that day, and I went and found the name of Craig Amundson, with whom I went to high school. He was the only person I personally knew that was a victim that day. He worked in the Pentagon and we went to high school together. Even though I didn't know him well and hadn't spoken to him since I graduated from high school, seeing his name brought home in a way that nothing else could that every single name represented a person who had a family, friends, a story, a hometown.
http://www.juilliard.edu/newsroom/releases/current/2012-March-22_VocalHonors.php
Everyone made their way back to the hotel as they wished, as the recital finished relatively early. Jordyn, Abby, and I ate "street meat" which is food purchased from street vendors. We had some Indian rice dish and Abby had a hot dog. We sat at an outdoor seating area and enjoyed the night air and some people watching. I love street meat! So much that I said the term at least 100 times--I'm surprised the ladies are still speaking to me!
 |
| STREET MEAT!!! |
One more day--this trip has succeeded beyond my wildest dreams.
What I learned today is that people will often respond when asked. When I invited Ken Benson to lunch he had time, so he said yes! I know that the answer won't always be in the affirmative, but there are lots of opportunities to meet with people and get to know them a bit. Those types of interactions make special memories.
Mitra
Little blonde soprano's last day in NYC...or is it?
Today is our last day in New York...or is it?! True, today may be the last day I spend my time surrounded by 13 other fabulous colleagues and professors, however it is not my last day of my whole life in the city. I promise New York, I will be back!!!
This morning we met with Logan Tracey who is a working actress in here in NYC. I really enjoyed all of the information that she gave us about being our own company, and how to manage ourselves as a business. The thing I really took away from the class is that individually, we have to hold ourselves responsible for our own actions and advancement in our career. We have to practice and work on our career, like we practice piano or voice. I really liked how she talked about spending time each week evaluating how much effort she put into her career for the week. That really helped put into perspective the network communication system performers have, and how we use our time.
For the rest of the day I'm looking forward to meeting a professional dancer, going to a recital, and finally, closing out our stay in NYC with the production "Anything Goes." I am excited for all these experiences, and also sad, because they are the send off on this incredible journey I had this week. Wow, a whole week really just happened! In some aspects it feels like the New York life style really swept up the week in all the excitement and hustle of big city life. In other aspects, I feel this week was actually kind of long, and I'm ready to go back home to the quiet everyday life of Altoona. For me, this means that for now while NYC is very exciting to me, I'm do not feel ready yet to move here yet and take the plunge.
I have learned so much on this trip about performance, the background on how to get myself started here, places to live, the many jobs available to have with performing, and more about who I am and where I'm at right now in my life. I think the biggest thing I've learned, is that I do believe in myself, and trust myself to make my own career. Now with the plethora of knowledge I have gathered from many different professionals in the business, I am more confident in planning my future wherever it may lead me.
Thank you to Mitra Sadeghpour for writing the grant to take us university students here to New York, and let us stumble through NYC figuring out what the city has to offer. Thank you to UWEC for helping to fun our trip here, making it affordable to come and make it possible for us to meet all the amazing people we have seen. Finally, thank you New York City, for having so many great opportunities for me to experience. I have had the time of my life, and have made many memories to last a life time!
In love with NYC!
Abby Doering
Thursday, March 22, 2012
Day 6.... can't believe tomorrow's our last day!
Hello again!
What can I say? It was another great day. We began with a very informative meeting with Ken Benson, who was with Columbia Artists Management Inc (CAMI) for twenty-five years. He shared so much valuable information about auditions, competitions, selecting arias, working with managers, young artist programs... well just about everything one needs to know about this business! He then joined us for lunch at one of his favorite NY pizza restaurants, John's Pizza. It was an excellent recommendation, and it was fun getting to ask him even more questions!
After lunch the group split up in various ways, and I wandered over to the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA). I saw so many great works of art - pieces by Monet, Frida Kahlo, Diego Rivera, Matisse, Picasso, Van Gogh (Starry NIGHT!!!), Chagall, and one of my favorites Kandinsky (among many others)! There was also a very interesting special exhibit, a retrospective of photographer Cindy Sherman. It was a fascinating body of work - Ms. Sherman serves as her own model, make-up artist, costumer, hairstylist, well - you name it - she does it! I was particularly intrigued by her "film stills" collection, in which she dresses up and poses to represent various female archetypes from the world of film.
After MoMA, I met up with another dear friend and mentor of mine, soprano Sylvia McNair. We had a wonderful meal at a great French Restaurant, Le Bonne Pain, and it was great to catch up with this incredible person! (She also gave me two copies of her recently released recording of Latin-American Love Songs - I can't wait to listen to it!)
I then walked up to Alice Tully Hall at Lincoln Center for the Julliard Vocal Arts Recital. It was a wonderful concert, and I loved the repertoire each singer performed. I particularly enjoyed a set of Japanese Art Songs the baritone sang - such lush, beautiful music.
After the recital, I joined Evan, Marie and Meagan for a quick trip to the Magnolia Bakery. It was another sinful culinary discovery! I decided to walk all the way back to the hotel tonight (about 40 blocks) to try to make up for all of the delicious food. One can hope!
Alright, off to bed so I can rest and make the most out of our last day!
Mr. P
What can I say? It was another great day. We began with a very informative meeting with Ken Benson, who was with Columbia Artists Management Inc (CAMI) for twenty-five years. He shared so much valuable information about auditions, competitions, selecting arias, working with managers, young artist programs... well just about everything one needs to know about this business! He then joined us for lunch at one of his favorite NY pizza restaurants, John's Pizza. It was an excellent recommendation, and it was fun getting to ask him even more questions!
After lunch the group split up in various ways, and I wandered over to the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA). I saw so many great works of art - pieces by Monet, Frida Kahlo, Diego Rivera, Matisse, Picasso, Van Gogh (Starry NIGHT!!!), Chagall, and one of my favorites Kandinsky (among many others)! There was also a very interesting special exhibit, a retrospective of photographer Cindy Sherman. It was a fascinating body of work - Ms. Sherman serves as her own model, make-up artist, costumer, hairstylist, well - you name it - she does it! I was particularly intrigued by her "film stills" collection, in which she dresses up and poses to represent various female archetypes from the world of film.
After MoMA, I met up with another dear friend and mentor of mine, soprano Sylvia McNair. We had a wonderful meal at a great French Restaurant, Le Bonne Pain, and it was great to catch up with this incredible person! (She also gave me two copies of her recently released recording of Latin-American Love Songs - I can't wait to listen to it!)
I then walked up to Alice Tully Hall at Lincoln Center for the Julliard Vocal Arts Recital. It was a wonderful concert, and I loved the repertoire each singer performed. I particularly enjoyed a set of Japanese Art Songs the baritone sang - such lush, beautiful music.
After the recital, I joined Evan, Marie and Meagan for a quick trip to the Magnolia Bakery. It was another sinful culinary discovery! I decided to walk all the way back to the hotel tonight (about 40 blocks) to try to make up for all of the delicious food. One can hope!
Alright, off to bed so I can rest and make the most out of our last day!
Mr. P
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:
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.
- 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)!
- 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!
- 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
- 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.
Tenor so in Manhattan - sexto dia
It's a beautiful in the neighborhood! Actually, it was record high today in NYC. I wore shorts and brought my extra nice clothes for the evening. It was a nice relaxing day. The group went to Shetler studios(244 w 54th). We met Ken Benson, a Manager for Classical singers. He gave us great advice and answered many questions. After the meeting, he came to get Pizza with us at John's Pizzeria (260 W 44th). It used to be a church and it was quite roomy. Solid pizza, cheap and tasty.
Me and two other people went to Central park and we went for a boat ride! Nice photos and some exercise for me. I was the only one rowing. We then strolled to the subway and I went to an interview with John Uehlein, Music Director at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church (46 W 16th). He was quite consise and gave me a lot of nice information. Completely different in size and goal from the church yesterday. The three of us then went to Funayama Sushi(24 Greenwich st). I got all you can eat for $25. What a steal and very good quality too!
We booked it to Lincoln Center, where I changed in the New York Public Library of the Performing Arts to my dress clothes. We heard a recital of two graduate students, Tenor and Baritone. It was spectacular! The both sounded amazing and then they did the Pearl Fishers duet. A trip to pinkberry's (many locales, but 330 W 58th) was in store after and then we came back to the hotel. Vegg time. Tomorrow is the last full day in NYC. Gotta make it count!
Me and two other people went to Central park and we went for a boat ride! Nice photos and some exercise for me. I was the only one rowing. We then strolled to the subway and I went to an interview with John Uehlein, Music Director at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church (46 W 16th). He was quite consise and gave me a lot of nice information. Completely different in size and goal from the church yesterday. The three of us then went to Funayama Sushi(24 Greenwich st). I got all you can eat for $25. What a steal and very good quality too!
We booked it to Lincoln Center, where I changed in the New York Public Library of the Performing Arts to my dress clothes. We heard a recital of two graduate students, Tenor and Baritone. It was spectacular! The both sounded amazing and then they did the Pearl Fishers duet. A trip to pinkberry's (many locales, but 330 W 58th) was in store after and then we came back to the hotel. Vegg time. Tomorrow is the last full day in NYC. Gotta make it count!
Thursday!
Today was another fun day! :)
It was fascinating to meet with agent Ken Benson. I've never thought about becoming an agent before, but it sounds like something I think I could do. I really liked helping organize the trip, so I feel like I could be good at organizing other people's lives. I really want to sing, but it's nice to know that we have other options. After our meeting in the studios (we got to see where some of the auditions are held!), we went to lunch with him. It was wonderful to continue to ask him questions about the music business.
After that, Abby and Mitra and I went shopping. It was fun to find out what shopping in the city is like. After that, we went to the Ground Zero memorial. It was chilling, but a beautiful memorial.
We also went to the Juilliard Vocal Arts Honors Recital. Both of the singers were incredible! The baritone's voice was enormous and the tenor made me swoon. The hall was beautiful - I want to sing in places like that someday!
Finally, Mitra and Abby and I had an adventure with food from one of the street vendors - "street meat." It was delicious.
I'm so excited for our last day! I don't want to leave, but I'm excited to see Anything Goes and have a talkback with one of the cast members, Andrew Cao.
Jordyn
It was fascinating to meet with agent Ken Benson. I've never thought about becoming an agent before, but it sounds like something I think I could do. I really liked helping organize the trip, so I feel like I could be good at organizing other people's lives. I really want to sing, but it's nice to know that we have other options. After our meeting in the studios (we got to see where some of the auditions are held!), we went to lunch with him. It was wonderful to continue to ask him questions about the music business.
After that, Abby and Mitra and I went shopping. It was fun to find out what shopping in the city is like. After that, we went to the Ground Zero memorial. It was chilling, but a beautiful memorial.
We also went to the Juilliard Vocal Arts Honors Recital. Both of the singers were incredible! The baritone's voice was enormous and the tenor made me swoon. The hall was beautiful - I want to sing in places like that someday!
Finally, Mitra and Abby and I had an adventure with food from one of the street vendors - "street meat." It was delicious.
I'm so excited for our last day! I don't want to leave, but I'm excited to see Anything Goes and have a talkback with one of the cast members, Andrew Cao.
Jordyn
Three sopranos having spontaneous fun!
Today was filled with spontaneous fun! I had the opportunity to meet with the agent Ken Benson and get many of my questions answered about agents, managers, different career paths in music, and much more. Then we all went to a fabulous pizza restaurant, but since I don't eat pizza, I got the most wonderful cheese filled raviolis! Then...one of the best parts of the day happened! The restaurant just happened to be across from the "Phantom of the opera" theatre! (The Majestic Theatre). I got many pictures taken with the pictures on the front of the theatre. Then I did much exploring all day with Jordyn and Mitra. We went to the 9/11 memorial, and it was chilling to see the large memorial pools where the towers stood, and see the rescued materials from the towers. Then to finish off the day, the group met up for a joint recital at Juilliard. The recital was phenomenal, and it was great to see two talented men around my own age. The other funnest part of the day was eating "street meat" with Mitra and Jordyn after the recital. "Street meat" is meat found at street vendors...such as hot dogs, hamburgers, and chicken/rice/lettuce/mystery meat. It was super yummy!! (I brought tums with just in case). We then went to Grand Central Station and I got to experience that for the first time. It is so big and beautiful!! All in all, it was a terrific day in NYC, learning more about the city itself, exploring the subway, and hearing great music.
One content phantom "phan",
Abby
One content phantom "phan",
Abby
Wild Wednesday!!!! Day 5
Another outstanding sunny day in NYC! Can't believe it is March! Got to sleep in a bit this morning, and our first session was with the lovely Ms. Naomi Ruiz, a colleague of Ken's from IU.
She is now in NYC having done the Minnesota Opera residency program and other successful singing. Some of the students heard her sing Musetta at the MN Opera! She is closer to the age and experience that our previous speakers, and she has an incredible positive energy and the combination of the two made for a fantastic meeting.
Ken, Naomi and students
She continuously told the students that they can do this if they just don't give up. She shared her amazing personal story, and told the students that we was happen to help them down the road in any way she would concerning making the transition to the city.
Did it again! Fell asleep while writing! More later. Notice how the last sentences didn't make any sense...
Mitra
OK, catching up. Some of our group went out for lunch with Naomi, and I decided to tackle my weakest spot as far as navigating NYC--the subway. I pulled out my subway map, studied it ahead of time, and made sure that I knew how to use my subway trip application on the iPhone (thank you Jordyn). I then got myself from the Hotel Deauville in Murray Hill to Lincoln Center on the upper westside--no mistakes! It really helped me gain some Metro-confidence, and I texted the whole group who responded with happiness for me!
Got a ticket for "War Horse" at the Vivian Beaumont and then spent a little bit of time walking around the area--I went into the front lobby of Juillliard, talked to a guy in the box office about the recital we will see tomorrow night, and scoped out the Juilliard bookstore to return later.
Friends, "War Horse" was probably the finest piece of theatre I have ever seen. If you are going to be traveling to NYC during the run of the play, I highly recommend you go. The entire audience was breathless as the horses were brought to life through full-sized puppets manipulated by actors who we could see but basically became part of the living, breathing animal. It is not possible to describe the magic--just see it!
http://www.warhorseonbroadway.com/
Afterwards I caught my breath and returned to the Juilliard bookstore. They have a wonderful disc, music, and book collection and I purchased a number of acting books and some scores that I hadn't been aware of previously. It is definitely worth a visit. I am always struck by the wonderful heritage of the school and the students and teachers who are affiliated with it. But, I know that good music goes on outside of NYC (despite what some believe) and that we create excellent art and music in the midwest as well.
Took a cab to McGee's Pub to meet Evan and Marie--apparently it is the pub that inspired the pub featured in "How I Met Your Mother."
It is a possibility that Evan and Marie have spent too much time together...
I got "the" booth there that features the pictures of the cast and enjoyed the atmosphere and read a bit of Don DeLillo's "Falling Man" while waiting for the two Chipotle-eaters.
When they arrived I had a nice side salad and an Irish Curry (which was delicious but tasted just like a regular curry). We grabbed a cab (Marie was successful in hailing a cab in about 5 seconds!!!) to Lincoln Center where we met the group for "L'elisir d'amore" by Donizetti. The four leads--Diana Damrau, Juan Diego Florez, Mariusz Kwiecien, and Alessandro Corbelli--were all at the top of their game and sang incredibly. The production was lighthearted, the chorus quite hilarious, the orchestra and conductor sublime. I think the singing of the leads was an example of the best singing going on in the world today. Florez was very different than I expected, with a charming stage presence and a resplendent sound. He had some laugh out loud dance moves! Damrau was as magical as I had hoped--she is the idol and model for most of the young sopranos I teach, and they were so inspired by her. Abby, Meagan, and Jordyn stayed afterwards at the stage door and were able to meet her (see their blog entries) and get their picture with both she and Florez!!!
Some dialogue tonight with Britney--what an introspective, intelligent, thoughtful young woman. You can see the wheels turning in her head as she experiences each new thing.
This trip is exceeding my hopes and dreams for the students.
Mitra
She is now in NYC having done the Minnesota Opera residency program and other successful singing. Some of the students heard her sing Musetta at the MN Opera! She is closer to the age and experience that our previous speakers, and she has an incredible positive energy and the combination of the two made for a fantastic meeting.
Ken, Naomi and studentsShe continuously told the students that they can do this if they just don't give up. She shared her amazing personal story, and told the students that we was happen to help them down the road in any way she would concerning making the transition to the city.
Did it again! Fell asleep while writing! More later. Notice how the last sentences didn't make any sense...
Mitra
OK, catching up. Some of our group went out for lunch with Naomi, and I decided to tackle my weakest spot as far as navigating NYC--the subway. I pulled out my subway map, studied it ahead of time, and made sure that I knew how to use my subway trip application on the iPhone (thank you Jordyn). I then got myself from the Hotel Deauville in Murray Hill to Lincoln Center on the upper westside--no mistakes! It really helped me gain some Metro-confidence, and I texted the whole group who responded with happiness for me!
Got a ticket for "War Horse" at the Vivian Beaumont and then spent a little bit of time walking around the area--I went into the front lobby of Juillliard, talked to a guy in the box office about the recital we will see tomorrow night, and scoped out the Juilliard bookstore to return later.
Friends, "War Horse" was probably the finest piece of theatre I have ever seen. If you are going to be traveling to NYC during the run of the play, I highly recommend you go. The entire audience was breathless as the horses were brought to life through full-sized puppets manipulated by actors who we could see but basically became part of the living, breathing animal. It is not possible to describe the magic--just see it!
http://www.warhorseonbroadway.com/
Afterwards I caught my breath and returned to the Juilliard bookstore. They have a wonderful disc, music, and book collection and I purchased a number of acting books and some scores that I hadn't been aware of previously. It is definitely worth a visit. I am always struck by the wonderful heritage of the school and the students and teachers who are affiliated with it. But, I know that good music goes on outside of NYC (despite what some believe) and that we create excellent art and music in the midwest as well.
Took a cab to McGee's Pub to meet Evan and Marie--apparently it is the pub that inspired the pub featured in "How I Met Your Mother."
It is a possibility that Evan and Marie have spent too much time together...
I got "the" booth there that features the pictures of the cast and enjoyed the atmosphere and read a bit of Don DeLillo's "Falling Man" while waiting for the two Chipotle-eaters.
When they arrived I had a nice side salad and an Irish Curry (which was delicious but tasted just like a regular curry). We grabbed a cab (Marie was successful in hailing a cab in about 5 seconds!!!) to Lincoln Center where we met the group for "L'elisir d'amore" by Donizetti. The four leads--Diana Damrau, Juan Diego Florez, Mariusz Kwiecien, and Alessandro Corbelli--were all at the top of their game and sang incredibly. The production was lighthearted, the chorus quite hilarious, the orchestra and conductor sublime. I think the singing of the leads was an example of the best singing going on in the world today. Florez was very different than I expected, with a charming stage presence and a resplendent sound. He had some laugh out loud dance moves! Damrau was as magical as I had hoped--she is the idol and model for most of the young sopranos I teach, and they were so inspired by her. Abby, Meagan, and Jordyn stayed afterwards at the stage door and were able to meet her (see their blog entries) and get their picture with both she and Florez!!!
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| The Met's Nemorino with Abby and Jordyn |
Some dialogue tonight with Britney--what an introspective, intelligent, thoughtful young woman. You can see the wheels turning in her head as she experiences each new thing.
This trip is exceeding my hopes and dreams for the students.
Mitra
Wednesday, March 21, 2012
Boom!
I had a self-realization today. New York is a big city, and big cities are BIG.What I realized was that I was getting throne off by big cities. The same thing happened to me when I had my grad school audition in Chicago. I was getting overwhelmed with the people, the buildings, and the way of life. I am this small, mid-western girl, who is very modest and polite to everyone she meets. It makes me happy to to give others chances they've never had before myself. It happened yesterday in the masterclass: I waited to sing last so that everyone else got an opportunity first to get a coaching. I wasn't assertive enough last night to get an autograph and picture with one of the cast members of "End of the Rainbow" (which was PHENOMENAL by the way). Tonight, again, I wasn't assertive enough to get an autograph and picture with a wonderful tenor (but I did get Diana's!).
Something you HAVE to have here is "assertiveness," which Nicole has touched on briefly in a previous blog.
I don't have it.
It's something that others can't push me into.
I need to do it myself.
But I'm still learning.
-Meagan
Something you HAVE to have here is "assertiveness," which Nicole has touched on briefly in a previous blog.
I don't have it.
It's something that others can't push me into.
I need to do it myself.
But I'm still learning.
-Meagan
All of us with John from Sunday.
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