It certainly has been a while since I've checked in - not for a lack of news or anything. I'll be singing Mlle Silverpeale in The Impresario and Mother in Amahl and the Night Visitors this fall, both for Oswego. I know - different fachs. But Amahl is with piano, maybe a string quartet at the most, and the lowest stuff is unaccompanied for the most part. I would never even consider it with full orchestra. And before that is Syracuse Opera's Otello - fabulous choral music there! And auditions in the middle of all of that!


I had a wonderful time again with the Civic Morning Musicals group in the recent "Glitter with Gershwin" concert benefit they did up at Arrowhead Lodge on Oneida Lake. It was a big success. I got to sing Summertime from Porgy and Bess, along with some ensemble numbers. Music Man is next.


I am dealing with allergies right now. I've been subbing all week (yay - money!), and fortunately the kids I was working with today were really pretty quiet and respectful about my lack of voice, especially considering it was the end of the year. The teaching assistants in the class were wonderful as well. It was just too bad that we couldn't end the day with more camp songs as we've done the last couple of days.

Okay - so I found these on the web site from Bravo. Here they are with my responses afterwards. And if you haven't seen The Actor's Studio with James Lipton, check it out - especially if you are into acting! And while you are at it, check out the new CD of James Lipton's musical Sherry - I love it! (Just be warned - there's absolutelyl noone famous in the cast! LOL) I went to Amazon, put in "James Lipton" and searched under "Popular Music". The link's too long to post here - I tried it, and it messed up my blog because it was so long.


http://www.bravotv.com/Inside_the_Actors_Studio/


The Questions



01. What is your favorite word? Love


02. What is your least favorite word? Hate


03. What turns you on creatively, spiritually or emotionally?


Creatively: Someone committed to their craft having fun doing what they do best.

Spiritually: Signs from God that I see around me all the time - especially the natural world. I don’t know how people can look around and say this universe is a random thing.

Emotionally: Pure love


04. What turns you off? Anger. Hatred.


05. What is your favorite curse word? Snickers. (Thank you Rising Sun ‘04!)


06. What sound or noise do you love? Rain in the forest. A child’s laughter. The cello


07. What sound or noise do you hate? Percussion class at 8 am. An air horn. A drill of any kind. Screeching brakes.


08. What profession other than your own would you like to attempt? Massage therapist or chef


09. What profession would you not like to do? Telemarketer


10. If Heaven exists, what would you like to hear God say when you arrive at the Pearly Gates? I love you - Welcome home. (followed by a great big hug!)

Things have been hectic. Pirates was a wonderful learning experience. I want to work with Tony Sallatino again. I learned so much just watching people work. I need to process my thoughts more, and I need to get back to my Rising Sun program and get life in shape.

I really love singing for a living. When you have a great director, conductor, and a hard working cast, things can really be fun. And I’ve been blessed twice in less than 6 months. First Little Night Music, and now Pirates. My grandfather is right. It’s not work if you enjoy it. I hope I always get gigs like this. And I hope I have great work for the summer. I’d love to get Schroon Lake (Seagal Colony). It seems like a great company to work with, and I can do the rep. Either that or a good summer musical would be nice - Cortland Rep has stuff I can do - especially Music Man.

Musical Thought For the Day (I am still trying to find time for myself in all that's going on - I've learned the hard way how important it is)


In re-reading some of the Artist’s Way notes, I want to jot down an idea I need to follow through on in greater depth:


True North: know where yours is, and have a role model. Three singers to look at: Edita Gruberova, Beverly Sills, and Ileana Cotrubas.

I’m living up to my promise to take care of me, so I’m really learning how to use this lovely new laptop. So far, I’m not impressed with the “Radio” portion of iTunes - it rebuffers way too much to really enjoy a piece. Although I’m sure its just me needing to learn how to use it. But it’s annoying to have something rebuffer every 10 seconds. I’d like to have it playing in the background, but when I do, or Entourage checks the email, it rebuffers. Very odd for a Mac. I’m thrilled that I’m going to be able to burn my own CDs. Very handy. And to have exercise DVDs with me when I’m on the road. Ok - so I’ve checked preferences - buffering stream was on medium. Well, a small buffering stream is worse - about a 3 second clip of music. Let’s try large. That rots too. I know - you’re saying “Why don’t you get your user’s manual out and read the blasted thing.” I will - I just need to find time to do it. However, I’m not opposed to playing around to figure things out on this machine. I know enough not to do anything stupid. Any advice is greatly welcomed. I’ll just stick in a CD for right now. I need to upgrade my internet connection.


I keep forgetting to include a link of the day - or entry - whatever. Anyways, today’s site:


http://aria-database.com/



It’s a good starting place to research an aria - it gives range and tessitura, or double check a translation (I firmly believe in translating as much as you can on your own, but if you need help, get it so you can give a literate, well-thought out performance).

It was wonderful to have my sister home over the holidays. I'm hoping her surgery goes well - she has a cyst on her thyroid. I'm praying it doesn't muck up her voice - it's really pretty. Mom and Dad will be going up when she has it done, so I'll be dog-sitting. More practice time.


While here, she introduced me to this fabulous web site:


http://www.digitalblasphemy.com/


These wallpapers are great. I wish I were that talented on computers. I think I'll stick to singing.


New Year's Resolutions:


1. Keep up with the weight loss and physical fitnesss

2. Keep eating better - less junk

3. Focus on singing business.

4. More auditions

5. Better financial control

6. Start with new acting coach - YAY!

7. Improve piano skills

8. Keep working on languages

9. Do a formal recital 1x/year

10. More quality Quiet Time