Since returning home, I have definitely appreciated what i have more than ever before. I love my family and snow in the yard and my comfy bed and beautiful Eau Claire tap water. Additionally, I've been motivated to make my professional goal a reality after the interview I had with a self-made Manhattan Voice and piano teacher.
The interview yielded more information, controversies, and motivation than I ever expected; it was a life changing experience. I say controversial, because the teacher I spoke to, although he's had formal education in his field, he has no credentials. Originally from Wisconsin, he began teaching after high school at age 18 and informally studied piano at Lawrence Conservatory. Soon after, he decided to enroll in classes but was eventually let go from the program from lack of engaging himself academically. Continuing his piano studio, he auditioned and was accepted to the Cincinnati Conservatory of Music even after being released from Lawrence, where he began studies in Music History. Additionally, he accompanied around 20 lessons a week and coached Musical Theater students in singing, gaining experience. After a while at CCM, he discovered that Music History wasn't his calling, and after an inheritance, he travelled the world. Upon his return, he moved to Manhattan and opened a studio where he now teaches a roster of 40 people, sings at a church gig and continues to take lessons himself with a MET singer, creating for himself a full time career from what he loves to do.
I asked him how he markets himself without an appropriate education and he replied, "There are many professors and teachers who have credentials that have taken years to obtain and, more than one Doctorate degree and field experience and expertise no one else can compete with, but that doesn't mean they are a good teacher. I am a teacher first which makes me a student as well; I learn with my students and I pride myself in being a good teacher." It was interesting to hear that, and although I agree with him to an extent, I believe both components necessary to be 100% successful; to be a great teacher, you must have the credentials to prove what you say you can do, always remembering the importance of a teacher/student relationship. Additionally, every teacher is different, no two teachers teach alike.
What was most impressive and impactful were think intricacies and details he had implemented into his studio to make his business successful. I asked him how he keeps track of his students, upon which he showed us his calendar on his computer. It was very intricate but user friendly and made me realize that I can do the same. This led into a question about taxes, which he had another calendar for. He told me that you can never be too detailed when organizing students, money, and scheduling; he organizes this aspect of his studio about 4 to 6 hours a week. "If you find out later that you've been collecting too much information, you can always delete it; it's better than finding out later, that you didn't collect enough."
Most impactful were the numbers of books laying around his apartment, on the couch, dinner table, the three full bookcases, above the kitchen cabinets, underneath the bed in tubs, in his studio space on the piano, in the closet and filled on another bookcase. I asked him about his collection and what he's currently reading which he mentioned reading new music theory books and one on teaching music theory successfully to reluctant students, as well as brushing up on his own theory. You never stop learning, never. Also surprising was the absence of a television; the man only reads.
A leaving thought he left me was to always market yourself, and remember that when you aren't trying to market yourself, others look at you like a poster; that your image is always at the forefront of others thoughts. If you want to teach, then be a teacher. Also tell people what you do and you will find students. Look for students because sometimes people don't look for a teacher.
Currently, I am a contracted voice and piano instructor at music school in Eau Claire, but my goal one day, more clear to me than ever, is to begin my own studio and create a career with what I love doing. I can't wait to make brochures!
Luke Otto
Friday, January 10, 2014
Thursday, January 9, 2014
Did that really just happen?
Looking back on this trip I feel
like it happened in the blink of an eye, but on the other hand navigating
through the city for the first time feels like ages ago! I have learned an
immense amount of knowledge that could not be learned anywhere else and I am so
grateful that I got to be a part of this experience. On Sunday we had vocal
coachings with David Sytkowski, he brought in his friend Michael Fabiano to
talk to us. If you don’t know this HE PLAYED THE ROLE OF ALFRED IN DIE
FLEDERMAUS AT THE MET. He is a phenomenal tenor and talking to him was so
awesome! The one main lesson I learned from him was things aren’t going to
happen to you unless you go out and try. He told us to “jump in the fire and
learn how nit to get burned.” If you never go out and pursue what you want to
do it won’t happen you have to work HARD for your dreams and that’s okay,
that’s what makes it worth it.
Then as a
group we had a two-hour class called “The Hustle.” We learned how as a
performer you need to sell yourself and market yourself so that people will
hire you. We learned about how the Internet can assist and hinder our careers
which was a good lesson because I think students our age need to start cleaning
up their Facebook pages and other social medias so that they look appealing to
the employers. She looked at our resumes and gave me some really good tips and
our headshots too. I found this extremely valuable because there’s no class at
UWEC on how to write a resume, or how to get great headshots. After her
lecture, I feel ready to take on the professional world when I graduate.
The
highlight of the trip for me was our last full day in the city. Late in the afternoon I had an interview with
Ana DeArchuleta. She is the president and founder of ADA Artist Management and
manages 63 opera singers. She talked to me about being a manager and what it
takes. You need to be caring, but you also need to make money and I think it’s
very important to find that balance in artist managing. She emphasized how
important it is to know what you’re managing. She knows all the repertoire of
many, many operas and what kind of singers should go in each role. She travels
once a month to watch her clients perform. After talking to her, I feel more
solidified in my career path. I want to do something along these lines. I also
talked about internship opportunities, which I am going to follow up on. Ana
was just so amazing and wasn’t afraid of sharing anything about how she runs
her business and her tricks of the trade. There’s a chance that she will be
coming to Eau Claire to teach students how to sell themselves as
performers.
Then that
night we saw the Broadway show Pippin. It was spectacular! The showmanship of
the actors and all their talent astounded me. Of course everyone could sing,
but on top of that, they could flip, balance on tin cans. Perform aerobatics,
and many other stunts that kept the audience on their toes. The music was so
fun. This trip has changed my career path and inspired me to work hard until I
am successful. I fell in love with the city all over again and I cannot wait
until I can return again.
Until then, NYC
-Leah
Travel Details: 2013/2014
Departure: moving through the city with luggage is always a fun task...the process is never identical to previous trips... Last year on this immersion experience, traveling to the hotel from the airport was a daunting and undesirable task. With many errors in routes and trying to keep our large group together, we quickly came to the realization that this is what you have to realistically do if one were to live in the city for let's say graduate school. Hailing a taxi every time is a luxury and is not practical for a college students budget. The experience of hauling luggage is a quick lesson in organization, efficient packing, and really adapting to only carrying the essentials with you.
Last years Immersion Experience trip 2013:
To the hotel- a very confused journey filled with awkward encounters, dealing with the initial culture shock, having to understand the subways systems quickly, etc.
From the hotel to the airport- the route was navigated prior and it seemed like an efficient one. However, it was determined early on that no matter how fast we hustled we possibly would not have made it to the airport in time so we hailed a taxi. When the taxi driver took off he announced that he had no idea how to get to the airport so he insisted that he knew which taxi the other part if our group was in so he followed it. I have never prayed so hard in my life that I would make it to a destination safely and on time. But thank goodness we did!
This years Immersion Experience trip 2014:
To the hotel- this year the journey from the airport was much nicer than the year before... However, we did get off with a comical start. We crossed the same street about 3 different times before we all agreed where to go to catch the bus. The trip to the hotel took about an hour. The only ways in which it was stressful was due to small delays that happened during our flight. Regardless, we were very fortunate to have landed safely while avoiding the incoming snow storm.
From the hotel to the airport- yay! We did it! We gave ourselves just enough time and we didn't have to rely on a taxi. Throughout the week all of us did a great job learning how to comfortably navigate around the city. Our flight into Chicago was smooth and now we
are waiting for our connecting flight to Minneapolis. This trip was outstanding but I grew rather homesick and I am looking forward to reuniting with my family. The trip felt so long yet it went by so fast. It was amazing and I can never articulate enough how impactful this immersion trip is. Not only is it a great learning tool but in my opinion it is absolutely essential to becoming a great performing artist in such a fast paced and demanding environment.
Kayla Shoemaker
Last years Immersion Experience trip 2013:
To the hotel- a very confused journey filled with awkward encounters, dealing with the initial culture shock, having to understand the subways systems quickly, etc.
From the hotel to the airport- the route was navigated prior and it seemed like an efficient one. However, it was determined early on that no matter how fast we hustled we possibly would not have made it to the airport in time so we hailed a taxi. When the taxi driver took off he announced that he had no idea how to get to the airport so he insisted that he knew which taxi the other part if our group was in so he followed it. I have never prayed so hard in my life that I would make it to a destination safely and on time. But thank goodness we did!
This years Immersion Experience trip 2014:
To the hotel- this year the journey from the airport was much nicer than the year before... However, we did get off with a comical start. We crossed the same street about 3 different times before we all agreed where to go to catch the bus. The trip to the hotel took about an hour. The only ways in which it was stressful was due to small delays that happened during our flight. Regardless, we were very fortunate to have landed safely while avoiding the incoming snow storm.
From the hotel to the airport- yay! We did it! We gave ourselves just enough time and we didn't have to rely on a taxi. Throughout the week all of us did a great job learning how to comfortably navigate around the city. Our flight into Chicago was smooth and now we
are waiting for our connecting flight to Minneapolis. This trip was outstanding but I grew rather homesick and I am looking forward to reuniting with my family. The trip felt so long yet it went by so fast. It was amazing and I can never articulate enough how impactful this immersion trip is. Not only is it a great learning tool but in my opinion it is absolutely essential to becoming a great performing artist in such a fast paced and demanding environment.
Kayla Shoemaker
New York, it has been a pleasure.
It really didn't set in until I left the airport today that this trip was over. I cannot wait to read over all my notes that I have taken this week and make a plan for the future. So many of the people we met have given me food for thought, which I am so thankful for.
I really enjoyed my interview the last day with Jana Burke, because even though she does not sing at the met, she worked for them for three years, so she has seen what the business is like. She also went to grad school for vocal performance and has worked at various opera houses around the state of new york, including the bronx opera. She talked to Laura and I about the audition process, resumes, and networking. She also had a lot of insight about competitions and young artists programs, which i am excited to get a chance to do soon. She was so nice, and very knowledgable about the field and she cleared up a lot of the grey areas I had.
I believe this trip has been so good for me because now we have to set up an action plan in class. I know making this action plan for the year to come will really help me narrow down what I need to do and exactly the way I would like to go about it. I am so thankful for this opportunity, and i cannot wait to bring the knowledge my classmates and I have back to New York!
Jessica
Final Days
The time in the great city has drawn to a close! Yesterday was our last full day, and we definitely got everything out of it that we could. We started the day off by heading across the bridge on the subway to the Brooklyn High School of the performing arts. We got to sing the first half of the recital that we had planned but the students were super receptive. They were cheering like crazy! I even heard a girl in the hallway say "They have really inspired me to sing opera! I'm gonna do it!" That in itself was worth it. Luke and I got to sing our duet for the final song and that was awesome. We had a really nice group lunch and it made me realize how close this trip has made all of us. It is amazing what being with a group of people can do for and entire week. It makes me so thrilled that these are the people that I will be rising through the industry with. Something that every single person that we interviewed said was to keep in touch with our colleagues because we will be helping each other out for the rest of our lives. Everyone on this trip has helped me grow as a person, musician, and performer and for that I eternally grateful.
xo
Lauren
xo
Lauren
Am I really leaving?
I'm pretty much all packed to go back to good ol' Wisconsin, minus actually shutting my suitcase; that may pose a problem.
I really really loved my experience in NYC. It was a fantastic time and I'm so grateful that I have had this opportunity due to the generosity of the University. What a great week! I've learned so much about myself, one being that I think it is time for me to come to New York by myself. This is the second year that I have been on the trip, and I think I have enough networking to spend a week here with myself and maybe one other person and have a successful time. I can really see myself maneuvering the city by myself. This was a new personal goal for me that I didn't know I had until I got here, but I am so glad I discovered it! Knowing that I could do this alone is very liberating.
Another thing I tried to do on this trip was to find my place in this city and in this industry. While I don't feel like I completely figured that out, I do feel like I am more inspired to figure this out. Do I want to sing musical theatre or classical? Or both? Is it even possible? I have talked to many people on this trip including the performer I interviewed, asking them personally about their careers, and I have gotten many mixed answers. I'm still going to pursue my answer when I get home, and through out this semester. One thing I know I am inspired to do is to prepare myself the best I can for both careers; continuing to get classical training, but also dance, and more acting. This way I will be available and ready for all auditions. I'm really glad that I learned this.
I will be home in several hours, and i'm going to use the plane ride to ponder a lot of these things, as well as reminisce this perfect and wonderful trip that we've all embarked on together! It was a wonderful and fulfilling time in NYC.
Laura Schachner
I really really loved my experience in NYC. It was a fantastic time and I'm so grateful that I have had this opportunity due to the generosity of the University. What a great week! I've learned so much about myself, one being that I think it is time for me to come to New York by myself. This is the second year that I have been on the trip, and I think I have enough networking to spend a week here with myself and maybe one other person and have a successful time. I can really see myself maneuvering the city by myself. This was a new personal goal for me that I didn't know I had until I got here, but I am so glad I discovered it! Knowing that I could do this alone is very liberating.
Another thing I tried to do on this trip was to find my place in this city and in this industry. While I don't feel like I completely figured that out, I do feel like I am more inspired to figure this out. Do I want to sing musical theatre or classical? Or both? Is it even possible? I have talked to many people on this trip including the performer I interviewed, asking them personally about their careers, and I have gotten many mixed answers. I'm still going to pursue my answer when I get home, and through out this semester. One thing I know I am inspired to do is to prepare myself the best I can for both careers; continuing to get classical training, but also dance, and more acting. This way I will be available and ready for all auditions. I'm really glad that I learned this.
I will be home in several hours, and i'm going to use the plane ride to ponder a lot of these things, as well as reminisce this perfect and wonderful trip that we've all embarked on together! It was a wonderful and fulfilling time in NYC.
Laura Schachner
Wednesday, January 8, 2014
Wow... Exactly a week ago I stood at my home in Eau Claire and took this picture. It is amazing how fast time passes. In preparation for this trip, I had to make several shopping trips, an emergency stop to reprint my headshot, countless hours of organizing my music binder, thousands of emails, networking, so on and so forth... This trip was thoroughly organized and required hard work from each individual in the group. Many things have happened over one week however my lack of sleep has not changed one bit! In fact, the lovely picture above was snapped during an "all nighter" pulled by moi! Oh we'll, I can sleep on the plane! At exactly 9:30 am today I will be all packed and prepared in the same way as the above picture!
Each new time I travel i improve on my packing techniques! I have always overpacked... But this time around I did a decent job! I didn't forget anything either! However the last day of the trip I broke my phone... That was a challenge throughout the day. As far as belongings were, I didn't lose Anything and I had what I needed!
The Beginning
Today was the last day of our 2014 New York City Immersion
Trip! Needless to say, this has been one of the most amazing journeys that I
have ever had! I learned so much professionally and personally. This journey
consisted of so many experiences from attending an opera at the Metropolitan
Opera to a master class with Claudia Catania. I have been inspired, motivated,
and guided throughout the whole trip. Each event had a different learning
lesson that I was able to apply within the whole trip and in my life as well.
If I were to pick one main lesson that I have learned along the trip is that
confidence is key. In our yoga for singers class that we attended on Saturday,
I learned that everything that a person can do and can give to the world is
already inside themselves, it is just matter of uncovering those qualities in
order for them to be an active participant in our lives. In my case, I knew
that the confidence was deep inside but it was just a matter of uncovering it.
Finding that confidence led me to wonderful experiences in master classes and
in vocal coaching’s and in conversations with professionals!
On our last day, I was able to attend, along with our group,
a preforming arts school in Brooklyn and perform a recital for the musical
theater students! Right when we walked in, they were singing in the auditorium
and really enjoying the act of singing and the act of preforming. I was so
inspired by them and how they responded to music! It was such a wonderful
experience! Later in the day I was able to attend an interview with Cory in
another school in Brooklyn. It was such a wonderful experience to be in a
school setting and learn about how young children respond and value music
within their lives. After the school visit, as a group we attended the Broadway
music Pippin! It was the best way to end such a wonderful trip! I have always
appreciated how musicals evoke feeling out of an audience and how they are able
to touch so many hearts. This musical did just that, and so much more. The
music, acting, singing, dancing, set, costumes, storyline, and cast was
absolutely amazing. I was able to immerse myself into the musical and the
feelings that the musical provided. I was so affected by the end of the music
that I was brought to tears. I was able to experience the joy of music through
a strong and an impactful storyline. Meeting the cast afterwards was amazing! I
was star struck! All I could say is thank you and wonderful job. I realized at
that very moment, that music has an everlasting, unexplainable, and a magical
effect on the heart and soul.
As I wright this last post, I just wanted to thank you all
for reading! It has been such an amazing, humbling, and magical journey that I
will carry within my heart for the rest of my life. I was able to really find
myself as a person and grow in ways in which I couldn’t have imagined! I also
want to give a very special thanks to our wonderful and amazing professors
whole guided us on this journey. Their advice, care, and support have really
made this trip an amazing experience. Their hard work and dedication to us as
students has been so wonderful and I am forever grateful! Also, a major thank
you to all who have made this experience possible which is my fellow classmates
and all of the people we have meet with us and provided us with important and
valuable information and advice. My mind refuses to stop thinking of all of
what I have learned and what my possibilities are in my career as a vocal
performance major. I am so excited to see what the future has in store for me
and whom I can impact with the use of my gift. Many thanks, and you will be
hearing from me in the future! What is certain is that I want to sing for the
rest of my life! This will require hard work, dedication, and continuous study,
and I am more than willing to achieve that!
I have been inspired a great deal while being on this trip! With an
inspired mind and a warmed heart, thank you!
The best of wishes,
Amanda
Oh, the Stars!
I am half way though this amazing experience and I have been
so amazed by all of the people that we have meet! On our first day, we meet
with the inspirational and wonderful Caroline Worra. She was such a joy to
listen to and learn from. She really inspired me to reach for the stars while
having a stable footing to grow upon. She is such a genuine person and had so
much to share with us. We were able to have lunch with her after our meeting
and I got to talk with her more on a one on one bases. It was wonderful to find
out that she has family that lives in my hometown. Just realizing that it is
such a small world, was amazing! And to know that we are both from similar
places, was very inspiring. We also met Michael Fabiano one of the lead tenors
of the Metropolitan opera. Getting to talk with another amazing performer was
such an honor as well. Each person gave use many different answers to our questions
which was wonderful. It was wonderful to know that there are many ways to make
it in the industry. To know that there are multiple ways of being successful in
this business is very comforting. It was amazing getting to see these amazing
musicians who are our stars, and knowing to reach for the stars when forming
our careers.
All of the shows that we have attended so far were extremely impacting.
The show, “Fun Home” had me in tears. I was moved by the standard at which the
actors preformed in. By the end, I was in tears and weeping throughout the
process of leaving the theater. Being affect by such an amazing piece or art
and leaving you with an experience brought upon the experience of other humans
was extremely inspiring. This also applied to the musical “ONCE”. I have always
loved the music and storyline of the musical, that I had to just see it. What
an amazing experience. I found it so interesting the different ways in which
Broadway musicals are being preformed. In this musical, you could walk onstage
before the show, and the music was preformed in a communal aspect. Each actor
played an instrument and used it to connect with each of the other characters;
creating an open musical dialogue. All in all, it was absolutely stunning and
moving. Thank you for reading!
Best!
Amanda
Continuing the Journey
Today was the last day of the NYC trip. These last couple days have been life changing for me. On Monday we began the day with a Masterclass with Claudia Catania. I learned so much from her. She is such an open and encouraging teacher and she gave me some great tools. Prior to the trip I came down with mono, and unfortunately my throat started not feeling good again so this was the last time I got to sing on this trip. After that I went back to the hotel to rest some and collect my thoughts. We then went to the Village Vanguard. The sound was fantastic.
On Tuesday we went to Logan Tracey where we learned more about the business aspect of performing. After that I had my two interviews. My first interview was with Patricia Sheridan, who is a voice teacher.At first she talked about current opportunities in NYC and singers I should listen to. She then talked more about her experience as a voice teacher. She then talked to me more about opportunities for voice teachers and how to build your voice studio up. After that I went to my next interview with Beth Greenberg whom is a stage director here. She gave me advice on different opportunities and how to learn more about stage directing such as interning for opera company's, observing rehearsals, research history, and take business classes. It was helpful to learn about the different opportunities and ways to prepare myself. After that we then went to "Die Fledermaus" where we got to see Michael Fabiano perform Alfred and the set was amazing. Its so inspiring to see an opera performed at that caliber.
Today we began by going to the Brooklyn High School of the Arts where some of us performed for the students and we observed some of their rehearsal. It was interesting to see a high school devoted to the arts and to see how the professors collaborated with each other to teach the kids. After that I went with Leah to her interview with Ana De Archuleta who is the president of ADA Artist Management and Representation. It was a really great interview and I learned a lot about how to get a manager, what the managers are looking for in a singer, what their job is, and more about getting connections. After that we went to the Broadway show "Pippin". The performers were amazing and it was a great end to the trip.
This trip was truly amazing for me and I learned so much about myself. I still need time to really collect and process my thoughts, but I know that my lenses have changed from these experiences in this last week. This trip has been more of a challenge for me to face my fears and answer questions I had, and that is exactly what I did. My goal was to figure out whats next for me, and I plan to work as hard as I can on achieving a solid technique I can always count on, impeccable musicianship, and great acting. I want to be the best performer I can be. I realize how lucky I am to be able to study this everyday and be around professors that care about me. I look forward to figuring out more as I continue to process my experiences. I am still here in NYC for a few more days as I will be traveling to the Roosevelt Hotel tomorrow morning to attend the NOA conference. I'm looking forward to continuing this journey with all of these new tools I have gained from this amazing experience!
Kelly
On Tuesday we went to Logan Tracey where we learned more about the business aspect of performing. After that I had my two interviews. My first interview was with Patricia Sheridan, who is a voice teacher.At first she talked about current opportunities in NYC and singers I should listen to. She then talked more about her experience as a voice teacher. She then talked to me more about opportunities for voice teachers and how to build your voice studio up. After that I went to my next interview with Beth Greenberg whom is a stage director here. She gave me advice on different opportunities and how to learn more about stage directing such as interning for opera company's, observing rehearsals, research history, and take business classes. It was helpful to learn about the different opportunities and ways to prepare myself. After that we then went to "Die Fledermaus" where we got to see Michael Fabiano perform Alfred and the set was amazing. Its so inspiring to see an opera performed at that caliber.
Today we began by going to the Brooklyn High School of the Arts where some of us performed for the students and we observed some of their rehearsal. It was interesting to see a high school devoted to the arts and to see how the professors collaborated with each other to teach the kids. After that I went with Leah to her interview with Ana De Archuleta who is the president of ADA Artist Management and Representation. It was a really great interview and I learned a lot about how to get a manager, what the managers are looking for in a singer, what their job is, and more about getting connections. After that we went to the Broadway show "Pippin". The performers were amazing and it was a great end to the trip.
This trip was truly amazing for me and I learned so much about myself. I still need time to really collect and process my thoughts, but I know that my lenses have changed from these experiences in this last week. This trip has been more of a challenge for me to face my fears and answer questions I had, and that is exactly what I did. My goal was to figure out whats next for me, and I plan to work as hard as I can on achieving a solid technique I can always count on, impeccable musicianship, and great acting. I want to be the best performer I can be. I realize how lucky I am to be able to study this everyday and be around professors that care about me. I look forward to figuring out more as I continue to process my experiences. I am still here in NYC for a few more days as I will be traveling to the Roosevelt Hotel tomorrow morning to attend the NOA conference. I'm looking forward to continuing this journey with all of these new tools I have gained from this amazing experience!
Kelly
The Last Day!
Today was our last day of activities on the 2014 UWEC New York City immersion trip. The day started off with traveling to Brooklyn to perform for a performing arts high school. Once we entered Brooklyn, I really liked the area. I am from Menomonie, WI which is only about 30 minutes away from Eau Claire. In comparison, the distance between the two boroughs was very similar, so it seems very homy to me.
I was very excited to sing for the students and felt very at home at the school since during the school year I spend approximately a third of my day in schools in the Eau Claire area. The students were amazing! Our concert was cut a little short because they were preparing for their The Wiz auditions, but the experience was still really fun. I was initially nervous to sing today because the class we were performing for was a musical theatre class, but they were extremely supportive and I think they enjoyed us as much as we enjoyed performing for them. It was also a treat because we got to watch their class as they worked on choreography. The students picked it up really quickly, which I thought was really amazing. During the experience, I felt that I learned just as much from them as they did for me.
Later in the day, I was thrilled to have the opportunity to observe at a charter school in Brooklyn with a math teacher and a music teacher. The experience was very interesting because it made me realize that I would really enjoy teaching in that environment. The school structure was something that I was not used to so it was great getting that kind of experience so I knew what other kinds of schools are out there. While observing I was also able see some great teaching tools and classroom management techniques that I will definitely be using in my classes at UWEC and in the schools.
On a separate note, while at dinner, my friend and I saw Andrew Garfield who played Spider-Man/Peter Parker in the Spider-Man reboot with Emma Stone. We did not talk to him even though he was sitting at the next table because he looked busy, but it was still cool to see him in person!
After our celebrity "encounter," we then went to Pippin, which was amazing! Honestly, we were very lucky to see a lot of amazing shows, but I feel confident in saying that Pippin is one of the best shows on Broadway right now. The singing and acting was superb, but what more was the talent of the dancers and acrobats in the show. I don't think I have ever been on the edge of my seat while watching a musical in my life and that was the case in Pippin! I think that the show was also a great choice to go to as a group because most of us were fairly unfamiliar with the plot. I was surprised to find out that I actually knew a few of the songs in the show. Of all of the shows we watched, which includes Natasha, Pierre, and the Great Comet of 1812 (which was also extremely amazing and I haven't stopped listening to the soundtrack since), Newies, Fun House, Die Fledermaus, and now Pippin, I would say that Pippin was my favorite musical, while Fun House was my favorite overall. In addition to broadway and off-broadway shows, we also went to the Village Vanguard and the New York Philharmonic, which were equally amazing. In general, I am found that no matter where you look in this city, there is never a lack of talent. I find that aspect of NYC very exciting but also potentially discouraging. Although I am not going to be a professional performing, I can only imagine how difficult it is to "make it" with so many others competing against you.
I was very excited to sing for the students and felt very at home at the school since during the school year I spend approximately a third of my day in schools in the Eau Claire area. The students were amazing! Our concert was cut a little short because they were preparing for their The Wiz auditions, but the experience was still really fun. I was initially nervous to sing today because the class we were performing for was a musical theatre class, but they were extremely supportive and I think they enjoyed us as much as we enjoyed performing for them. It was also a treat because we got to watch their class as they worked on choreography. The students picked it up really quickly, which I thought was really amazing. During the experience, I felt that I learned just as much from them as they did for me.
Later in the day, I was thrilled to have the opportunity to observe at a charter school in Brooklyn with a math teacher and a music teacher. The experience was very interesting because it made me realize that I would really enjoy teaching in that environment. The school structure was something that I was not used to so it was great getting that kind of experience so I knew what other kinds of schools are out there. While observing I was also able see some great teaching tools and classroom management techniques that I will definitely be using in my classes at UWEC and in the schools.
On a separate note, while at dinner, my friend and I saw Andrew Garfield who played Spider-Man/Peter Parker in the Spider-Man reboot with Emma Stone. We did not talk to him even though he was sitting at the next table because he looked busy, but it was still cool to see him in person!
After our celebrity "encounter," we then went to Pippin, which was amazing! Honestly, we were very lucky to see a lot of amazing shows, but I feel confident in saying that Pippin is one of the best shows on Broadway right now. The singing and acting was superb, but what more was the talent of the dancers and acrobats in the show. I don't think I have ever been on the edge of my seat while watching a musical in my life and that was the case in Pippin! I think that the show was also a great choice to go to as a group because most of us were fairly unfamiliar with the plot. I was surprised to find out that I actually knew a few of the songs in the show. Of all of the shows we watched, which includes Natasha, Pierre, and the Great Comet of 1812 (which was also extremely amazing and I haven't stopped listening to the soundtrack since), Newies, Fun House, Die Fledermaus, and now Pippin, I would say that Pippin was my favorite musical, while Fun House was my favorite overall. In addition to broadway and off-broadway shows, we also went to the Village Vanguard and the New York Philharmonic, which were equally amazing. In general, I am found that no matter where you look in this city, there is never a lack of talent. I find that aspect of NYC very exciting but also potentially discouraging. Although I am not going to be a professional performing, I can only imagine how difficult it is to "make it" with so many others competing against you.
Cory
The Last Night
Words cannot describe what I have experienced in the last week. One of the most rewarding things I have acquired from being here is the friendship of my classmates. Though I knew the people going on this trip, it has been so nice to get to actually know them, and all of their dreams and aspirations. I am so excited to see where our lives take us because we are all so talented, and I hope everyone got what they needed out of this trip. It honestly does not feel like it has been a week here. I feel like I truly understand how to get around here, and the steps I need to take to be successful here. Also, another thing I loved about going on this trip was going to all of the diverse shows. Never would I ever thought that I could even afford to get to see shows on Broadway, or at the met. I love seeing people do what they love for a living, because I know that will be me someday if I put in the work.
Without this trip, I would not have the sense of direction I feel right now. All the people we got to interact with have really opened my eyes. Though no one has a specific path in this industry, their are certain steps you need to take to get to where you need to be. Whether it be experience, getting organized, or simply working on yourself, I have a pretty clear idea of what steps I would like to take next. This trip has been one of the most rewarding and eye-opening things I have done in my life, and I am so very thankful to Mitra and Dr. Rieck for letting me have this experience. Also, I thank all of my classmates who have made this trip an unforgettable one.
Forever Changed,
Jessica
Small World
These last few days have been quite busy. I sang for Claudia Catania, saw the Vanguard Jazz Orchestra at the Village Vanguard, saw Die Fledermaus at the Met (quite a lavish production), and just got back from a production of Pippin (also quite lavish). I also had the opportunity to meet with three great composers of new opera and vocal music: George Lam, Daniel Felsenfeld, and Philip Wharton. Meeting with all these people was such an enjoyment and I got so much information from each of them.
Each of the composers we met was very personable and open. I have always had trouble in situations where I am talking to an "elder" over what to call them, what to say, how to act, etc. But although it was very professional the dialogue was also very informal and I realized that I can talk to them as equals, just as I would talk to any other person.
I got great ideas about how to go about writing for voice from each of the composers I talked with, and also many more professional goals to accomplish. George Lam and I had a great conversation about finding the right story and always asking the question "why opera?" or "why musical theater?," meaning why am I choosing to set this to music, what makes it worthwhile? Both Daniel and Philip recommended working with a playwright on a libretto instead of writing it myself (as did George), since it usually turns out better in the end and the collaboration aspect is a fun and rewarding experience. The biggest thing I got is just to experiment and practice writing for the voice, and work with singers when composing songs.
I also learned that the composing world, and by extension the music world, is actually very small, even in such a large place as New York City. I had set up an interview with George on my own, whose name I got from Chiayu. We got there and he asked us who we had been meeting with and he knew Caroline Worra from working with her in American Opera Projects. Then it turns out that George worked with Daniel Felsenfeld in that same program, so they knew each other well. Daniel told us that for a while when he was younger his best friends were John Corigliano, Mark Adamo, and Danny Elfman. Philip also knows John Corigliano, David Del Tredici, and Samuel Adler from studying with them at Juilliard. It further outlined the importance of networking and getting to know people in the business.
It has been such a great trip with amazing experiences with awesome people, and I will treasure this the rest of my life. I have learned so much from each event that I feel much more prepared and inspired to pursue this career in the arts. I have been pointed in the right direction by all the meetings, masterclasses, and shows we have seen. Working with these amazing people who are such great musicians has shown me the importance of your relationships with other people. I have gotten to know everyone on the trip so well now, and I call each of them my friends. They are wonderful people and I hope to always keep in touch with them.
And a huge thank you to Mitra and Dr. Rieck for organizing the trip, keeping us safe, and challenging our thinking. You guys have been the best advisors one could hope to have.
I will miss New York, but I am ready to go back home to my family, my girlfriend Katie, and my cat, Pipsqueak. It's almost time for Cabaret rehearsals to start and there is ever more work to be done.
See you later, NYC,
- Jordan
Each of the composers we met was very personable and open. I have always had trouble in situations where I am talking to an "elder" over what to call them, what to say, how to act, etc. But although it was very professional the dialogue was also very informal and I realized that I can talk to them as equals, just as I would talk to any other person.
I got great ideas about how to go about writing for voice from each of the composers I talked with, and also many more professional goals to accomplish. George Lam and I had a great conversation about finding the right story and always asking the question "why opera?" or "why musical theater?," meaning why am I choosing to set this to music, what makes it worthwhile? Both Daniel and Philip recommended working with a playwright on a libretto instead of writing it myself (as did George), since it usually turns out better in the end and the collaboration aspect is a fun and rewarding experience. The biggest thing I got is just to experiment and practice writing for the voice, and work with singers when composing songs.
I also learned that the composing world, and by extension the music world, is actually very small, even in such a large place as New York City. I had set up an interview with George on my own, whose name I got from Chiayu. We got there and he asked us who we had been meeting with and he knew Caroline Worra from working with her in American Opera Projects. Then it turns out that George worked with Daniel Felsenfeld in that same program, so they knew each other well. Daniel told us that for a while when he was younger his best friends were John Corigliano, Mark Adamo, and Danny Elfman. Philip also knows John Corigliano, David Del Tredici, and Samuel Adler from studying with them at Juilliard. It further outlined the importance of networking and getting to know people in the business.
It has been such a great trip with amazing experiences with awesome people, and I will treasure this the rest of my life. I have learned so much from each event that I feel much more prepared and inspired to pursue this career in the arts. I have been pointed in the right direction by all the meetings, masterclasses, and shows we have seen. Working with these amazing people who are such great musicians has shown me the importance of your relationships with other people. I have gotten to know everyone on the trip so well now, and I call each of them my friends. They are wonderful people and I hope to always keep in touch with them.
And a huge thank you to Mitra and Dr. Rieck for organizing the trip, keeping us safe, and challenging our thinking. You guys have been the best advisors one could hope to have.
I will miss New York, but I am ready to go back home to my family, my girlfriend Katie, and my cat, Pipsqueak. It's almost time for Cabaret rehearsals to start and there is ever more work to be done.
See you later, NYC,
- Jordan
The Last Night
This wonderful trip to New York is sadly coming to a close, and I could not be happier with the outcome. I just got back to the hotel from Chinatown, after taking subways around the city all day. Travel went extremely smoothly - I am very confident that I could get around NYC by myself. Accomplishing my travel fears was my personal goal, and I consider it a big success! I had two wonderful lessons with oboists that play with the two major orchestras in the city, and I feel as if they were pleased with my playing, my second goal therefore was a success!
Goals aside, when I first arrived in the city, I did not like what I was experiencing. The city was overwhelming, crowded, and busy. To be put very bluntly, the complete opposite of back home! Now, on the night before I leave NYC, I really do love being here. Yes, living here would be very expensive, and I would always be busy working and studying, but there is always something rewarding and exciting to do. There are restaurants on every street corner, bazaar shops that one would still probably be discovering months after moving, and countless interesting interactions with people to be had. New York is a fascinating city because it offers so much to anyone willing to take a chance. Once you enter, the city has a way of teaching you things, like how to get around, how to be smart, and how to live. People seem to truly live in this city. Unlike many places in the country, there are so many varied personalities, each living their own unique life. Will I come back here to study and perform? I definitely do not have the answer yet. However, when do I return, I know that I will be very excited and confident. The person returning to NYC will be the very opposite of the one who arrived last Thursday.
Thank you Mitra, Dr. Rieck, everyone in the cohort and everyone else who made this trip possible.
This experience has changed my life.
Jonathan Conjurske
Goals aside, when I first arrived in the city, I did not like what I was experiencing. The city was overwhelming, crowded, and busy. To be put very bluntly, the complete opposite of back home! Now, on the night before I leave NYC, I really do love being here. Yes, living here would be very expensive, and I would always be busy working and studying, but there is always something rewarding and exciting to do. There are restaurants on every street corner, bazaar shops that one would still probably be discovering months after moving, and countless interesting interactions with people to be had. New York is a fascinating city because it offers so much to anyone willing to take a chance. Once you enter, the city has a way of teaching you things, like how to get around, how to be smart, and how to live. People seem to truly live in this city. Unlike many places in the country, there are so many varied personalities, each living their own unique life. Will I come back here to study and perform? I definitely do not have the answer yet. However, when do I return, I know that I will be very excited and confident. The person returning to NYC will be the very opposite of the one who arrived last Thursday.
Thank you Mitra, Dr. Rieck, everyone in the cohort and everyone else who made this trip possible.
This experience has changed my life.
Jonathan Conjurske
My life is a lovely disaster
In the past few days, I have lost a part of my glasses at the Met, left my phone in a taxi, have gotten lost numerous time, and accidentally hit a waiter in the face. Yet none of these things really upset me! I have this wonderful way of stumbling through life. I've learned how to fall, and man I can fall in the most extravagant of ways. This is what makes me so strong, professionally and personally. No matter what happens to me, I will always be ok, that's just who I am. Today when the group performed for the Brooklyn High School of the Arts, I realized that I am a performer and a good one. When it comes to "the show must go on" I am your man. And I am a composer as well. Speaking with the various composers and vocalists on this trip, I have learned something very important. My path will be completely different than everyone elses. Let face it, I have some difficulties to overcome but I have no choice but to overcome them. I've decided that if anyone looks at me and says I can't do something, I'm just going to stop listening. If I told myself that a can't do things where would I be now? My parents told me I can do anything and they are absolutely right! I
should have been listening to them this entire time. Who would have thought?
Chris
should have been listening to them this entire time. Who would have thought?
Chris
Coming to a close
The last six or seven days have flown by. I remember first coming to the city, and although I would argue at the time that I wasn't overwhelmed by the hustle and bustle, New York and this immersion experience has humbled that inner voice and I can say with confidence I was very stressed and overwhelmed. Having gone through this experience has taught me so much about who I am, but most importantly, who I want to become. We've just finished performing for a musical theater class in Brooklyn, which was rejuvinating and inspiring. Dr. Rieck told us last night to, "Be prepared for the unexpected", which made me nervous at first. After realizing how engaged the kids were and eager to hear us, it was so comforting and encouraging to do what we do; perform.
Last night was my first time at the Metropolitan Opera which was life-changing. Hearing and watching performers that are world class professionals was refreshing and soul satisfying. I am humbled to say that I would never choose to do what they do; the amount of time, energy and enthusiasm for that profession is exhausting and daunting. They truly are masters at their craft and convey it magically. Having discovered this has confirmed and encouraged me to pursue what I thought was right, a path to opening my own private voice and piano studio. I want to take my experiences, passions, and knowledge to inspire and motivate a younger generation of people to make a performing career a reality and additionally, to spread the performing arts specifically to kids on an individual level.
With the help of Logan Tracy, who I wouldn't have met if it wasn't for this trip, and Scott Wesley Hawley, a teacher who is running his business very successfully, I have the confidence, know-how, and resources to begin working towards my goal as a professional.
Personally, I have discovered things about my personality and demeanor that before I would have had difficulty pinpointing. New York is a place to discover the individual self and I will never forget that. I have been reminded how important my family is to me; I've missed my wife and son very much and CANNOT WAIT to see them tomorrow. However, New York is a wonderful place, full of culture and diversity that I want to show and share with my family one day.
Loving Life,
Luke Otto
Tuesday, January 7, 2014
Composers Galore
Day six has been completed! It's a late night here in NYC, we got back from the Metropolitan Opera pretty late. Today was a wild day. I think it was crazy because I didn't realized just how booked it was until I experienced going to all the events. This morning we had "the Hustle" With Logan Tracey. She was extremely helpful in telling us all about the business side of being in the field. There were so many things I hadn't ever given much thought to--you are your own brand. This is definitely food for thought as I venture into second semester. I am going to practice a lot of the things we learned in preparing for my senior recital! Shortly after Jordan and I were off to Jamaica, Queens to interview Dr. George Lamb met with us where he teaches at York College. We really focused on talking about the process of writing opera, from picking a story to set to producing it. I have never heard anyone talk about that before so I feel so much more informed now that I know more about just how lengthy the process of composing opera is! Then we hopped back on the subway south which took about 45 minutes and then we were off to the lincoln center where we met Danny Felsenfeld. We had a really great talk with him over the hour that we had we covered everything from having a family while being a working composer and author to opera to what keeps him in NYC after 15 years. I feel so lucky to have met both of these amazing people and look forward to keeping in touch with them. We ended the night with Die Fledermaus at the Met. It was a beautiful show, the new translations and rewrites were interesting. I'm not sure how I feel about that aspect yet, I am still processing it. Thats all for now folks!
Lauren
Lauren
getting adjusted
This week has been nothing short of amazing. It has been everything I expected it to be, and everything I wanted it to be.
One of the most impactful shows I've seen so far in my life has been the one we went to go see last night. "Fun House" was that show. I laughed, I sympathized, and I did a lot of crying because the story really spoke to me. My relationship with my father is everything to me, and I really connected with the story even though the horrible events that happened in the show have never happened to me. I found myself being concerned if I was the only person being emotional during the show, and it was comforting to see my friends around me feeling exactly the same way. It was one of those shows that impacts you greatly, and you feel even better after you walk out. Thats the kind of experience that I think off broadway shows are the best at doing, giving you a new perspective without always trying to please everyone, or give the average tourist a energy rush like some shows on Broadway.
Even in the frigid cold I still find a way to love an appreciate where I am, in this awesome city. It's always inspiring, always giving a new perspective, and keeps my dreams alive.
I still have so much to explore and learn in these next two days, and I'm so excited for it.
Laura Schachner
One of the most impactful shows I've seen so far in my life has been the one we went to go see last night. "Fun House" was that show. I laughed, I sympathized, and I did a lot of crying because the story really spoke to me. My relationship with my father is everything to me, and I really connected with the story even though the horrible events that happened in the show have never happened to me. I found myself being concerned if I was the only person being emotional during the show, and it was comforting to see my friends around me feeling exactly the same way. It was one of those shows that impacts you greatly, and you feel even better after you walk out. Thats the kind of experience that I think off broadway shows are the best at doing, giving you a new perspective without always trying to please everyone, or give the average tourist a energy rush like some shows on Broadway.
Even in the frigid cold I still find a way to love an appreciate where I am, in this awesome city. It's always inspiring, always giving a new perspective, and keeps my dreams alive.
I still have so much to explore and learn in these next two days, and I'm so excited for it.
Laura Schachner
Drag Queens and Puppets
Friday night we saw an Off Broadway show called "Natasha, Pierre and the Great Comet of 1812" The music and the talent just blew me away. It was sort of a dinner theatre where we could order dinner and we were served appetizers. The show happened around us in all directions and the actors were so close and interacted with the audience. The music was also absolutely stunning, and I still have some of the songs stuck in my head. Before the show there was a drag queen walking around warming up the audiences, cracking jokes and talking with everyone. She asked me how old I am i responded, "20" and she yelled obscenities which I don't think I can write on here, basically saying "Live it up, I wish I were that age again." This really had an impact on me because back at school I have anxiety over the fact that I'm graduating in a year and a half, I just feel like I'm growing up so fast. This was a slap in the face saying settle down, you have so much time, it's okay if you don't know what you want to do the rest of your life right now. So far this was one of my favorite experiences. After we got to talk to Amber Gray one of the performers. She was incredibly nice and encouraging for us to move to the city and follow our dreams.
Saturday morning we participated in "Yoga Voice." I will admit I was one of the skeptical ones but I did learn how involved your body has to be when you are singing. You need to stay grounded and make sure that you know how your body should be involved and get strength and power from it. It also felt really nice to be in a relaxed situation in New York City. Then We met with Abigail Wright, a chorister who sings at the Met. It was really great to hear how her schedule worked and the different types of contracts that the performers have.
That night we had a free night and Jess, Jordan and I went to see Avenue Q. I was a little skeptical about the puppet part and didn't know if it would be entertaining for me but I fell in love with it. It was hilarious and all the songs are still stuck in my head. I was so impressed with the performers, they all had multiple roles and different voices for each one, it was just so impressive! The next evening we saw a show called "Fun Home." I had no idea what to expect, all I knew going in was that it was an off-broadway musical and it was at the public theatre. It turned out to be the most heartbreaking musical I've seen and was such an emotional experience. As our group was walking out of the theatre there was not a dry eye. Literally everyone shed a tear. It was great to see such a huge variety in shows, there are so many different kinds and I think when people hear broadway they are expecting Phantom of the Opera and Les Miserables. After seeing these shows I truly believe that anyone could find a show that is entertaining to them.
-Leah
That night we had a free night and Jess, Jordan and I went to see Avenue Q. I was a little skeptical about the puppet part and didn't know if it would be entertaining for me but I fell in love with it. It was hilarious and all the songs are still stuck in my head. I was so impressed with the performers, they all had multiple roles and different voices for each one, it was just so impressive! The next evening we saw a show called "Fun Home." I had no idea what to expect, all I knew going in was that it was an off-broadway musical and it was at the public theatre. It turned out to be the most heartbreaking musical I've seen and was such an emotional experience. As our group was walking out of the theatre there was not a dry eye. Literally everyone shed a tear. It was great to see such a huge variety in shows, there are so many different kinds and I think when people hear broadway they are expecting Phantom of the Opera and Les Miserables. After seeing these shows I truly believe that anyone could find a show that is entertaining to them.
-Leah
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