New Opportunity

I had an audition on Saturday that I felt pretty good about for a cappella group DeCantus. Especially having just had sinus surgery a week and a half earlier and having woken up with a migraine that morning, I thought it went well.

Apparently it went VERY well because I've been asked to join as mezzo for their holiday season! There are three people for each part, so I will be dividing gigs with my two fellow mezzos. They have about 45 songs in their repertoire (for this season) that I will need to learn (not memorize), and I will need to acquire and construct some Victorian caroling garb. They provide a pattern and material for the skirt so, does anyone know a good seamstress? My grandmother taught me to sew, but without a machine I'm pretty limited to buttons and hems. I have three rehearsals with just the newbies, then full group rehearsals start September 13th. I've got a lot of music to digest before then.

Surgery Recovery

I finally got my long-anticipated sinus surgery on July 20th.  Everything went well and I'm recovering as expected.  My sore throat (I was intubated while under general anesthesia) has disappeared and now I'm dealing exclusively with the sinus pressure from the packing and swelling as I heal.

Interesting side-note: I met with the anesthesiologist before the surgery and he asked me the normal questions about allergies and underlying medical conditions. In passing, I mentioned that I was a singer, which prompted him to assure me that they would use a smaller tube when they intubated me.  I was taken aback because I didn't even know that was an option.  So, to any singers getting surgery, be sure to mention your profession!  I admit I was a little nervous about the intubation in the first place, but didn't realize they could do anything differently.  I have learned my lesson and will now make it a point to mention that I'm a singer whenever seeing a new doctor.  When your body is your instrument, there's no telling what complications can arise that could put you out of work.

Attempted Improvements

We set up the sound system to record the funeral this morning to aid me in my attempt to get some updated sample tracks to use for this website.  Something went wonky and it only picked up my microphone and not the instrument mic that was setup to record the piano and organ.  So, if anyone wants to hear my a cappella version of On Eagles Wings... (you really don't).

We'll do better next time.

In the meantime, I need to sit down and actually order those business cards that I keep telling myself I need to get.  Maybe next time someone compliments me on my performance, I can casually slip them a business card.  Girl's gotta make a living, right?  Need to be careful of appropriate business-card-giving moments.  After a funeral? Probably not.  Working with a new accompanist?  Definitely!

I think the trick to getting jobs in this business is referrals.  I mean, we all want to work with people we know, and barring that, we want to work with people whom the people we know know, you know?

Hope you are all enjoying your summer!

Blessed

After Mass today, a parishioner approached me, squeezed my hand, and said, "Hun, let me tell you... Hearing your voice was the most wonderful thing I've ever heard in my life." She looked like she'd had a long life.

Once again I'm reminded just how blessed I am to have this talent and what a privilege it is to be able to share it with others and bring them joy. While I'd like to be able to make a living by singing and performing, this is ultimately why I do what I do. This is what brings me life.

May we all find renewed joy in our artistic endeavors.

A Cappella, Baby!

I was contacted last week by Harmonic Patina director, Laura Adams, concerning the possibility of upgrading my participation in the group from swing to full time vocalist. There has been some shifting lately as we lost one member, and another is traveling for an undertermined amount of time in the Fall, so they are bringing me in and reforming as a 3W, 2M balance. For the most part I will be jumping in on the Tenor 1 line, whether as written or an octave above. I also will be singing lead on a couple songs, and we are adding Black Horse & the Cherry Tree to our repertoire just for me!

I am excited about the possibilities, looking forward to rehearsal tonight, and ready to buckle down this summer to get ready for gigs!

Hope to be posting performance info for Harmonic Patina soon!

The Price of Genius

Poorly Attended | MinnesotaPlaylist.com

Excellent article by director, Kevin T. Houle for MN Playlist. Check it out at the link above!

Audition-palooza

So, just because I'm taking the summer off from doing shows, doesn't mean I'm not actively preparing for the Fall. And that means doing lots, and LOTS of auditions! This presents some unique challenges.

First of all, it's hard to take the time to find new audition material when you are busy going to auditions 2-3 times a week as well as performing. I was able to reecently add another 2-min and 1-min monologue to my repertoire, but they are not the impressive showy pieces that I'm looking for. Sometimes I bore myself rehearsing them. Why would anyone else want to cast me if I'm not even impressed. So, on my priority list is to find some new material and that means asking for suggestions and reading a LOT of plays. Same goes for my uptempo, and contemporary 16/32 bars. I'm just not convinced that what I'm presenting really shows what I can do. And that's no way to feel after an audition.

Someone once said, and I think it applies most especially to the performing arts, that success is where preparation and opportunity meet. I happen to live in a metro area that is full of opportunity for creative and talented people such as myself. It's up to me to be prepared. So, that's the point of this summer... Now if I only knew where to start.

I welcome suggestions; feel free to throw 'em out there!