MOLM scripts and scores are IN!

You may sign out your copies in the main music office during business hours. BE SURE TO ONLY MARK these in pencil. No ink or highlighters, as they are rentals. Thanks, and enjoy!

Man of La Mancha

Check your email for information regarding music and scripts! Our first rehearsal on Tuesday, January 10 will be a full read-through and sing-through of the show. Be prepared to show your best and enjoy the ride.

Happy Holidays, all!

More info on Diction class

Folks, Diction will meet on Wednesday and Friday from 1:25 to 2:15 pm, most likely in HC 307 (room to be confirmed after January 3). Please also reserve the same time on Monday for occasional "catch-up" class meetings. This is the "1F" time block. We will register students via "Independent Study," and Dr. Irving will be the "instructor of record." Don't be thrown by this whe you register: Dr. Cho will teach the class.

Class information: MU 399-00B, Independent Studies (CRN 32587), 2 semester hours of credit.

Spring Voice Lessons

Folks, it's that time: please email me your schedule for the spring so I may set voice lesson times. Lessons will begin Monday, January 9. I believe all of us talked about repertoire you should have prepared for your first lesson: if you are at all confused or uncertain, please email me.

If you have not registered for lessons yet, please do so ASAP. I have cleared all of you to register. If you have any trouble registering, email me with your B00 and I will clear you again.

Happy Holidays!

Opera Folks, You are WONDERFUL!

I was so proud of you today, and to be able to be with you one last time. You had me all choked up. Thank you for your beautiful singing, your collaborative spirit, and for giving your time during this finals week. You are loved and appreciated...even if you didn't want to go to YoMo. ;-)

The following is from Dr. Panion, who arranged our appearance at the Rotary. Enjoy!

Kristine, just let me take this opportunity to tell you that I have never been more proud of our students than I was today. The performance was simply stellar. It was so captivating. To see that crowd, one that is not shy to walking out on a presenter and back to their businesses, stay for the entire performance and to hear the many, many comments praising the production...and you were simply priceless. All I can say is "I remember when" we simply didn't have enough quality musicians in our program to come close to being able to make such a presentation. But to see what you have been able to do at such a high level really makes me proud to be associated with our program. Please express my thanks to all the students who sacrificed their time and stayed around. I believe it will pay big dividends. Happy Holidays!

Tomorrow at the Harbert Center

Folks, I just returned from meeting with the wonderful folks at the Harbert Center (click here for directions if you've forgotten):

1. Please get there by 10am. Folks with finals, come ASAP, as we'll need to run a few things in the space, much as we did at Southside.
2. Park across the street in the parking deck and BRING YOUR TICKET INSIDE the Harbert Center for them to give you a sticker for it. When you exit the parking deck, go out one of the monitored exits; your parking costs will then be free.
3. You WILL be fed! You'll eat from the same buffet as everyone else.
4. The moving van will be parked in the alley behind the Harbert Center, and we will load up the stairway from there. The easiest thing is to come in the front entrance, and have them point you in the right direction.
5. Afterwards, we'll make three unloading stops: one at the Theatre Prop Shop at 4th Ave S and 11th St. S, then at Hulsey (in front) to bring the set back up to the 3rd floor and the costume rack to my office. We will also need to unload all costumes into my car.
6. You should be done by 2pm if we all move quickly; then it's off to Yoghurt Mountain to celebrate your success. TELL me we're going! :-)

Directions to the Harbert Center

10 am call Wednesday for our performance at the Harbert Center! Please be early if you were unable to help load the truck on Monday night. Allow extra time to find parking and carpool if you can, as parking can be tight. Here are the directions.

AMAHL Monday touch-up rehearsal

Our plan for Monday: come get props starting at 3:30. No costumes. Warm-up in HRH at 3:45. Sing-through of the quartet at 4; Kings leave right afterward for their final exam in Geology. Run-through of the show, skipping kings' parts. Loading of set into the truck no late than 5pm; done by 5:30. Thanks, folks!

Diction: at long last!

I am very happy to inform you that we ARE offering diction class in spring.

It will be offered under MU 399 just for one semester, then will be offered under the proper course number & title starting fall 2012.

MU 399-00B CRN# 32587 (2 hour) - Instructor: Howard Irving (But Dr. Cho will be teaching it). The time frame is Monday/Wednesday 3:35-4:25.

Please register, folks! We fought hard to offer this class for you.

Yoga with Dr. Kris

You asked for it: you got it! I'll lead a little light stretching, breath work, and meditation to ease you through finals week. Bring a yoga mat if you wish and comfortable clothes that allow you to move. If you want to just unwind but aren't interested in yoga, feel free to just come and enjoy the chance to relax and do the breath work. Everyone is welcome: spread the word.

AMAHL run-through

Due to Jessica's schedule, we need to reschedule our run-through for Monday, December 12 at 3:45. Pick up props in my office beforehand, I'll warm you up from 3:45-4, then we'll begin the run-through at 4. We'll be done by 5, at which point we'll need to load the set, props, and costumes into the truck. Spread the word: I know this is a change. Thanks in advance!

Dr. Kris Voice Students

We've made it to the last week! Remember to complete four hours of listening and journal briefly on it in your Google doc. I'll accept these until the end of juries on Friday. All listening assignments are tailor-made to you and are in your Google doc, and/or we've talked about it in your lesson. See me or email me if you have any questions!

Thanks, MOLM cast!

This is going to be a great show, folks. Thanks for your read-through today and flexibility with regard to space issues. This is a terrific cast, and I truly look forward to our play/work!

Everyone has been cleared to register...if I already had your B00 number. If not, send it to me and I'll clear you to register for Opera Workshop.

Remember to email me any conflicts as soon as you know of them. I'll be making a production calendar once juries are over. Stay tuned on the blog and come get your script and score the minute they arrive! I'm also happy to burn CDs for anyone who wants them.

Thanks again, and good luck with finals and juries.

Handel's RODELINDA at Patton Creek

Saturday at 11am, there is a MET broadcast at Patton Creek of Handel's RODELINDA with Renee Fleming and Stephanie Blythe. Anyone want to go?

AMAHL photo DVDs and Gala DVD have arrived

Let me know if you want one: $1 each. I'll burn them once I have your money!

UAB Opera wins first place at NOA!

Congratulations to the UAB Opera cast of BURNING FIERY FURNACE: you have won FIRST PLACE in the National Opera Association opera production competition. Remember how difficult it was to put that piece together...and the gratification you felt afterward? I couldn't be more proud of you. Even if we hadn't won, it would have been all worth it: but this is the icing on the cake. You are the reason I love my job! Bravi tutti.

Janet Hopkins

Hi folks,

As you scatter for Thanksgiving, remember that the day we return--Monday, November 28--is Janet Hopkins's master class from 3-5 pm. Your USGA dollars are at work: enjoy this wonderful class and ask any questions you may have of this fantastic woman. Also, she is available for lessons the following morning. Sign-up times are on my door.

Happy Turkey Day!

NO OPERA TODAY

In fact, no opera until we watch the DVD on December 1. Happy Thanksgiving!

MAN OF LA MANCHA CAST LIST

CAST LIST

(Understudies are indicated in parentheses)

Cervantes/Don Quixote	Charles Daniel
Sancho	Shane Bloemetjie
Aldonza	EmKay Whatley
Governor/Innkeeper	Joe Hardy (Gregg Stuart)
The Padre	Micah Brooker
The Duke/Dr. Carrasco	Gregg Stuart
Maria, Innkeeper’s Wife	Allison Davis
Antonia	Callie Courter
The Barber	Jake Hemminger
Pedro, Head Muleteer	Logan O’Brien
Anselmo, a Muleteer	George Griffin
Jose, a Muleteer	Jeremy Ryan
Juan, a Muleteer	Dominique Hector
Paco, a Muleteer Tenorio, a Muleteer	Brett Kilgore Bennett Alldredge
Housekeeper	Valencia Callens
Fermina	Allison Davis
Moor	Logan O’Brien

Thanks to all who auditioned: your time and talents are appreciated. Our first cast meeting and read-through is 3pm (not 2!) on Friday, December 2 in the Choral Room. Please check the blog regularly! Thanks.

Janet Hopkins returns!

The master class with MET diva Janet Hopkins will take place Monday, November 28 from 3-5 pm. This is the day we return from Thanksgiving, and is a great opportunity to work on a jury piece. Please notify your teacher if you would like to sing for her.

Miss Hopkins is also available for private lessons at a reduced rate on Tuesday morning the 29th. You may sign up for half hour or hour slots. If the times are filled or don't work with your schedule, please email me and I'll see if she can work at additional times. She plans to arrive midday Monday.

Don't miss these events, open to all UAB students and sponsored by USGA.

MAN OF LA MANCHA CALLBACKS: location change

MAN OF LA MANCHA callbacks will take place in Hulsey 308 instead of the recital hall. For new folks, this is the same place you did the original audition. See you there!

CONGRATULATIONS, Amahl cast!

Folks,

Thank you for your work on AMAHL. The performance at Southside was a lovely finale to this weekend's performances. Bravo to the chorus: you did your best singing, and even when your backs were turned to me in this new space, you were together. Shane, you resolved all "box" issues, sang beautifully, and established age in a very believable way even without a beard. Charles, you were consistently wonderful and your aria brought tears to many in the audience. Ryan, your elegance and resonant sound were perfect for the character. You and Charles had several wonderful moments of interaction: during Shane's aria in particular, I enjoyed watching all three of you being beautifully engaged. Hap, you were charming, and improved your comic timing as the shows went. Jess, you sounded more like yourself on Sunday and sang well in spite of your illness. You were also fully engaged dramatically throughout. Micah, you were rock solid every time and helped make for a very believable fight scene (Jake, you did too). Joe and Ally, you brought something truly special to the dance and were absolutely consistent. All of you grew as a cast and as a team, and for that I thank you. Taking responsibility for your part of the process--whether moving sets and props or paying attention to where the focus needed to be on stage--is part of becoming a real professional.

We'll watch the video on December 1st during opera time. Enjoy your time off until then, and do attend Janet Hopkins's master class the Monday after Thanksgiving during SNATS time. She will also be available for lessons Monday and Tuesday morning for $50/hour. Sign up times will be posted when her arrival time is confirmed.

Congratulations, and love y'all madly.

AMAHL final performances

Nice job last night, folks. Chorus, you were particularly wonderful! Here's the plan for the next two days:

Tonight, same call. My office should be cleared out by 6:05, so that everyone is at warm-up in HRH at 6:15. If you don't feel the need to be dressed before warm-up, that is fine: being present and participating in group warm-up is the important part. You'll be finished by 6:45 or 7 at the latest.

Please stay out of sight of the audience before the show and during intermission. It not only ruins the effect, it breaks your concentration. No friends or family backstage; bask in their admiration afterward. The best way to use your time before the show is by reviewing your score, running text, and working with props. Don't waste your energy.

After the performance, spend a while visiting with your fans, then move all props and set pieces to the loading dock. We'll load the truck tonight. All costume pieces must be on the clothing rack, which will also go into the truck. Everyone must help: we're a team, and anyone not working to help will have a reduced grade.

Tomorrow: 1pm call at Southside Baptist. Be on time: again, teamwork. Unload the set and props, then we will do a quick check of Kings' and Shepherds' entrance timings. Afterward, same drill as tonight: visit with the audience, then we load the truck. We return everything to Hulsey, then gather for final attendance. Then, at long last, to YoMO??

Looking forward to tonight,

Dr. Kris

AMAHL Tech Week

We're in the final stretch! Reminders:

Sunday, 5pm all called. Load in the set as quickly as possible so we can work with it. Kings, you'll work with beard makeup to be sure it looks as we hope. We'll run the show if we have time, then everyone except those in the Gala will be dismissed.

Tuesday, be ready to START at 3:30. Move very quickly from choir to get the props (everyone must help), move the set into position, and get into costume. This is also a photo shoot!

Wednesday, noon Convocation performance, 11 am call. Full costume and makeup.

Thursday, again be ready to START at 3:30. Move very quickly from choir to get the props (everyone must help), move the set into position, and get into costume. If needed, this may function as a second photo shoot. This will be a run of the show including the Gala portion, so bring your diva wear so you get used to the costume change. We will have a camera crew arriving shortly after 3 asking for a Christmas greeting for President Garrison.

Friday, 7:30 performance, 6pm call. Everyone be sure to strike all props and hang your costumes after the show.

Saturday, 7:30 performance, 6pm call. After the performance, we will load everything into the truck so Sunday isn't a huge rush for those of you with church jobs.

Sunday, 3pm performance, 1pm call at Southside Baptist Church. Everyone MUST be there at 1 to load in the set: we will need all hands on deck.

Friendly reminders: no one is excused or allowed to be late for any reason from now on. Tech Week is all about teamwork and everyone is valuable and needed. No one is dismissed after performances until every costume and prop is accounted for. Be sure to check your props and your costumes for any problems before and after every show: if you carry it onstage, it is your responsibility to check it. Let me know immediately if there are any problems (or anything you think may become a problem). If I don't know about it, I can't fix it!

Thanks for your great work this semester, folks. I'm looking forward to a wonderful run!

MAN OF LA MANCHA callbacks

Thanks to all who auditioned for MAN OF LA MANCHA. I will need to hear some musical numbers from some of you before making final casting decisions. Since AMAHL opens this coming week, callbacks will be on Thursday, November 17 starting at 3:30 pm in Hulsey Recital Hall. I will email some of you individually, indicating which song(s) I would like you to learn and if there is something specific that I want to hear in your preparation. To those of you not called back, this does NOT necessarily mean you are out of the running for a role! Thanks for your time and your patience.

"AMAHL AND THE NIGHT VISITORS" TICKETS NOW ON SALE: CLICK ON THE IMAGE TO BUY ONLINE!

UAB Opera 2012: Man of La Mancha

Our spring 2012 production will be Man of La Mancha. You can read the synopsis and learn more about the history of the show here. Auditions will be held in November 4 in Hulsey room 308 from 3-6:30, and are open to anyone on the UAB campus. Bring one memorized song in English, preferably from musical theatre, with a copy of the sheet music for our accompanist. No unaccompanied auditions, please. Plan to stay for an hour to do dialogue reading. Questions? post here, or email me at khw@uab.edu.

Exercise for Singers

OK, y'all know how I worship my personal trainer. Now you get to meet him in person, and he'll even put me through a few paces for your amusement. His presentation will focus on why exercise is important for singers, and what things to do (and avoid) to get yourself into shape. Be there: Monday, October 3 from 3-4 in the Choral Room. Check the blog for Diction class times with Dr. Cho!

A wonderful journal

Folks, Callie's journal was reflective of a great shift for her this week. She practiced very thoughtfully and carefully, since she couldn't sing too much due to a sore throat. The progress she made on her piece (her very first one in French) was demonstrable, and I thought it would be useful to share with all of you her journal for the week. This might help all of you re-evaluate how you use your practice time. Thanks, Callie, for allowing me to share it. And brava on your wonderful work!

I think the most interesting part of my warm up in the video was the ‘Ha ah le loo oo oo ooo ooo oo oo jah’ exercise. Hearing the difference between when my voice was flipping up to the higher oo’s versus when I was thinking more legato. The sound was just all together bigger, and it surprised me how differently it sounded, because at first the higher oo’s were actually softer and less full.

I’ve noticed in my practice that the sections of the music I have the most difficulty with are the sections that have continuous eighth notes. I’ve been working on my rhythm with them, because for some reason I always want to hold some out longer than others. Normally the third one, I try to hold out longer. It’s also at those places that I accidentally slow down during practice, because I am trying to fit in the words where they should be, and getting used to tying certain words together as they should be.

I finally found some videos on Mai on YouTube by typing in Hahn, and I think it’s interesting because I was working on text this week, and it sounds to me as if this girl is singing it incorrectly. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-tljIZBmUMU It sounds like a lot of her vowels are different than what I’ve been learning

I worked slowly at first just listening to the recording of how to pronounce the words, and going over them in my head. I then spoke through the text, and then spoke through it on rhythm. and then sang through it slowly at first. The first page came easiest, and the text got harder for me on the second page, I had to slow down even more until I could pick up the speed and keep it even. I also realized while doing this, that the reason I was having difficulty with the rhythm in measures 9 and 10 was probably because I knew something was wrong. I was not singing the Bb to Db correctly and so my intervals were off until I heard Ksusha double it in the piano.

Another part that has been more difficult for me is on the last page ‘y trouve parmi ses douleurs’. I can clap and count the rhythm fine, but for some reason when I am singing it I have been wanting to hold out the Db on ‘parmi’ instead of the Bb on ‘ses’ which is the actual dotted eighth note that should be being held out, and then that throws off my ability to get the words right. So I worked on correcting that, because every time it happened out of habit, or if I wasn’t paying attention to it, I would sit down and sing through it correctly a few times.

Performance Class changes: Sept. 30

Every voice student is required to attend performance class every Friday at noon. We'll meet as a large group in Hulsey Recital Hall (HRH) each week, except on days otherwise noted. The schedule is:

August 19: everyone in HRH

August 26: poetry day

September, every Friday except Sept. 30: HRH

September 30: library meeting in Seminar Room 163

October 7: all in HRH

October 14: fall break; no class

October 21: Voice Studio Recital dress rehearsal

Sunday, October 23: Voice Studio Recital, 3pm (HRH)

October 28: all in HRH

November 4: all in HRH

November 11: all in HRH

November 18: all in HRH

November 25: Thanksgiving break

December 2: last performance class before juries (HRH)

Juries: December 9

Sunday recital canceled

Sunday's recital with our East Carolina friends has been canceled, as has the master class on Monday. Stay tuned for a rescheduled date, possibly in the spring.

Janet Hopkins returns to UAB

Janet Hopkins, mezzo-soprano with the MET for the past 16 years, is returning to UAB for a master class on Monday November 28, 3-5pm. Read about her performing and teaching here. Like last time, she will be available for voice lessons at a reduced rate of $50 on Monday, November 28 before 2pm and part of Tuesday the 29th. She is brought to you courtesy of SNATS at UAB. If you would like to sing in the master class, let me know. Priority goes to those who helped with the SNATS bake sale: there will be another one next month if you'd like to jump on the bandwagon!

SNATS bake sale today

Invite your friends and spread the word: today is our bake sale outside the Humanities building at UAB. Come support the folks that bring master clinicians to everyone in the voice area: the work they do benefits everyone. Mangia, mangia!

Funding forms due Friday

Our funding request for the spring is due Friday. What would you like to do this spring? We're having Dr. Hiester, the tenor I mentioned, come in the spring, but have other options in addition to that. Post here with your requests so Hillary knows what you want! Thanks.

Diction with Dr. Cho

The first Diction workshop will be Wednesday, September 7 from 3-4 in the Choral Room. Be there! In the meantime, have a great holiday weekend.

Performance Class Friday: sign up!

Folks that have been assigned to sing in class this Friday: please sign up on Dr. Mosteller's door. This will determine the order in which you sing. Thanks!

HELP! revised time...

Folks, I'll need help moving the AMAHL set from the Alabama Ballet tomorrow morning (Wednesday) to UAB. Meet at 8:40 in Hulsey lobby; we'll get the Ballet by 9, hopefully done unloading by 9:30. Please rally some friends, even if just to meet us at Hulsey upon our return. I can't move it alone! Thanks. Your pal, Dr. Kris

SNATS schedule

REVISED: Following are the diction workshops and other activities we discussed: all will take place in the choir room from 3-4 pm.

Wednesday, September 7: Diction with Dr. Cho

Wednesday, September 14: Diction with Dr. Cho

Wednesday, September 28: Diction with Dr. Cho

Monday, October 3: Fitness for Singers with Eric Agee

Wednesday, October 5: Diction with Dr. Cho

Wednesday, October 19: Diction with Dr. Cho

Monday, October 24: Yoga with Dr. Kris (in Hulsey 312)

Wednesday, November 2: Diction with Dr. Cho

Monday, November 7: Diction with Dr. Cho

Monday, November 14: Diction with Dr. Cho

Monday, November 28: Diction with Dr. Cho

Kashu-do (歌手道): The Way of the Singer: Kashu-do (歌手道) and Once More With Feeling: The Rossini Tenor

Kashu-do (歌手道): The Way of the Singer: Kashu-do (歌手道) and Once More With Feeling: The Rossini Tenor Great article with wonderful links.

Party Saturday!

Don't forget about the Opera/Choir picnic at Oak Mountain this Saturday from 11-4. Sign up for food on the FB event page.

Yoga for Singers class

Monday, August 28 from 3-4 is our first SNATS activity...YOGA FOR SINGERS! Everyone, regardless of experience or physical fitness, is welcome to come. Poses can be adjusted to your comfort level. Bring comfortable clothes you can move and stretch in, and a yoga mat or towel (or "sticky" yoga socks). Everyone is welcome: this is not restricted to SNATS members. Bring a friend!

For those who wonder why we are musicians...

this is why.

Dr. Kris Studio Class: Poetry Day

Friendly reminder: Friday is poetry day, so everyone needs to have a memorized poem to share with everyone. Please choose a poem that you especially love, and preferably from a piece of music you plan on singing this year. Bring a copy of the text for everyone, which you'll pass out AFTER reading it aloud. We'll meet in the conference room. See you then!

AMAHL AND THE NIGHT VISITORS

The Mother: Jessica Johnson

Kaspar: Shane Bloemetjie

Melchior: Charles Daniel

Balthazar: Ryan Reese

The Page: Micah Brooker / Jake Hemminger

THE CHORUS OF SHEPHERDS

Everyone else who auditioned will serve as our shepherds. You are crucial to the show and we need more of you! Please recruit your friends, especially men. We may discuss moving you from your usual voice part if necessary. Please see me if you are interested in dancing!

Mother and Kings: buy your score online. It’s available at Amazon.com; you might consider ordering scores as a group to get free shipping. Chorus, your music will be provided.

Everyone enrolled in the course is called to rehearsal for the next two weeks for improvisation games. Dress comfortably and come ready to play, with open minds and courage to try new things! We will meet in Hulsey 312 until musical rehearsals begin. Purchase and learn your music in the next two weeks.

Voice lesson schedule: Dr. Kris

After much juggling, I think we've found a voice lesson schedule! Following are times, with your pianist for your lessons in parentheses:

Mondays (Ksusha accompanies all)

10-11 Emkay

11-12 Shane

12-1 Brad

1-2 Callie

Wednesdays

1-2 Valencia (Ksusha)

3-4 Charles (Ksusha)

Thursdays

9:30-10:30 Jake (Ksusha)

12:30-1:30 Jess (Ksusha)

Fridays

9-10 Ariel (Ksusha)

10:20-10:50 Michala (Ksusha)

11-12 Jen (Ksusha)

Remember to have one piece learned for your first lesson, and get Ksusha your music ASAP. If Dr. Adam Bowles is your pianist, please leave me a copy of the sheet music on my door. Thanks, and have a great weekend!

Friday Voice Class Dates

Every voice student is required to attend performance class every Friday at noon. We'll meet as a large group in Hulsey Recital Hall (HRH) each week, except on days otherwise noted. The schedule is:

August 19: everyone in HRH

August 26: poetry day (Dr. Kris's students in the conference room)

September, every Friday except 9/30: HRH (singing begins on Sept. 2!)

September 30: library meeting in Seminar Room 163

October 7: all in HRH

October 14: fall break; no class

October 21: Voice Studio Recital dress rehearsal

Sunday, October 23: Voice Studio Recital, 3pm (HRH)

October 28: all in HRH

November 4: all in HRH

November 11: possible performance of AMAHL in HRH

November 18: all in HRH

November 25" Thanksgiving break

December 2: last performance class before juries (HRH)

Juries: TBA

Dr. Kris Voice Students

I need your schedules to plan lesson times. Please fill one out (on my door) or email it to me ASAP. Thanks!

Amahl synopsis and links

For those of you who would like to know more about our one-act opera for the fall, following is the synopsis of AMAHL AND THE NIGHT VISITORS. The show is about 50 minutes long and is the most frequently performed English opera in the world. The first opera commissioned for television broadcast, it was the first network television Christmas special to become an annual tradition.

Amahl, a shepherd who has difficulty walking, tries to tell his mother about what he has seen outside; an enormous star with a long tail. His mother, used to his habitual lying, grows angry; she is even angrier when Amahl tells he that three kings have come to visit them. To his mother's great surprise, Amahl is telling the truth. The kings enter and tell the two peasants that they have come to find a king, and they show the rich gifts they have brought him. While Amahl's mother is out gathering wood for the fire, Amahl asks the kings questions about their lives. The mother returns with her neighbors, and the villagers present their gifts to the visitors. That night, Amahl's mother tries to steal some of the kings' gold to use to help her child; she is caught, and when the kings offer to let her keep the gold, explaining that the king they seek will need nothing but love to rule his kingdom, she returns it. Amahl offers his crutch as an additional gift, and suddenly finds that he can walk. He leaves with the kings to pay homage to the child who has healed him.

The following links are from the 1978 TV version of the opera, with Teresa Stratas as the Mother. For Kaspar's aria, "This is my box," visit this link. The aria begins 2:10 into the clip. The Mother's aria, "All that gold," is at the very beginning of this link. Melchior's aria is 3:55 into the same clip.

Church jobs available

Southside Baptist Church offers the Martinson Scholarship program for students studying voice in college. They currently have a soprano position and alto position open. The scholarship pays $1,300.00 per semester with summers as a paid option. The director is Dr. Paul Dease, a wonderful musician who has done great things with their small but enthusiastic choir. The group is a great bunch of folks, the pastor is a dear friend of mine, and the church is warmly welcoming to people of all walks of life. Please let me know if you're interested in these positions!

Repertoire Assignments

Here are rep assignments for the fall, as of now (more to follow). I've included more than you'll need, so if you don't like something, you have options. The library should have many of these; if you can't find what you need, see me. Try the library first though, as everyone should get used to finding their way through the stacks.

Brad: from the Italian Arias book: "Sento nel core," "Sebben crudele," or "Per la gloria;" Brahms's "Sonntag;" Ireland's "Spring Sorrow;" Handel's "O ruddier than the cherry;" Hundley's "For Your Delight"

Charles: bring something that you worked on in Salzburg, as well as "Oh woman, you may keep the gold" from AMAHL; the rest of the Barber set; Haydn's CREATION arias; "O vin dissipe la tristesse" from Thomas's Hamlet; Avant de quitter; Purcell's "Music for awhile;" Beethoven's "Adelaide"

Shane: Menotti's "This is my box" from AMAHL; Bach's "Deposuit;" Argento's "Six Elizabethan Songs;" let's finish "Una furtiva lagrima;" more selections from "Die Schoene Muellerin;" Tom Rakewell's aria from Stravinsky's THE RAKE'S PROGRESS

Ariel: "Batti batti" from Mozart's DON GIOVANNI; Clara Schumann's "Er ist gekommen in Sturm und Regen;" Fauré's "Rêve d'amour;" John Duke's "Lov'liest of Trees;" Caldara's "Selve amiche"

Jen: you had several requests and we discussed those. Brava! Other ideas: Bellini's "Per pieta;" Rossini songs; Handel's "Verdi prati;" Dowland songs

Hannah: "Se tu m'ami" from 24 Italian; Hahn songs; Debussy's "Beau soir;" Schubert's "Nur wer die Sehnsucht kennt;" Copland's "All the pretty little horses;" Wolf's "Das verlassene Maegdelein;" Berlioz's "Le Roi de Thule" from DAMNATION OF FAUST

Michala: Debussy's "Les Cloches;" any aria from Mozart's BASTIEN UND BASTIENNE (in English OR German); Schubert's "Heidenroeslein;" let's talk about requests too.

Callie: Bellini's "Malinconia;" Britten's "The Sally Gardens" and "The Ash Grove;" Hahn's "Mai;" Ireland's "I have twelve oxen;" Massenet's "Crepescule;" Schubert's "Lachen und Weinen"

Valencia: Handel's "Vittoria" from 24 Italian Songs; "O sleep, why dost thou leave me?" "Bel piacere" and/or "Va godendo;" Mozart's "Welche Wonne" from SERAGLIO; Debussy's "Romance;" Menotti's "The Black Swan" from THE MEDIUM

Jess: let's resurrect the SAMSON AND DELILAH aria; "Adieu, forets" from PIQUE DAME; finish the Emily Dickenson songs; "All that gold;" Chausson's "Chanson perpetuelle"

Jake: "Tu lo sai" or "Pieta signore" from 24 Italian Songs; Faure's "Lydia;" any of Bastien's arias from Mozart's BASTIEN UND BASTIENNE; Tosti's "Malia;" Quilter's "Now sleeps the crimson petal"

MK: we'll meet and discuss!

Dr. Kris's Voice Students

Hi folks! Welcome back...almost. Some housekeeping as we gear up:

Wednesday, August 17 at noon is a required meeting for all voice students. Whether you're new or not, plan to meet with me in my office after the short Convocation.

Friday, August 19 is our first studio class. We WILL MEET that day (and every Friday), place TBA.

Purchasing music: all of you should be buying at least one book of music per semester, with my guidance. ALL of you should own the 24 (or 26) Italian Songs and Arias. If you don't, buy it now.

Repertoire assignments: some of you have requested to sing specific pieces, which as you know makes me very happy. Requests are highly encouraged, but if you have no requests, that's fine too. Remember that it's always fine to say you don't like something I've assigned...just so long you don't wait until your lesson time to tell me. Be sure you have *something* you've prepared at each lesson, i.e., please don't show up with nothing to sing only to say that you didn't like the piece I gave you. Tell me in advance!

If You Want a Guarantee, Buy a Toaster! - Clint Eastwood

From Carol Kirkpatrick's monthly newsletter:

"It would be interesting to find out what goes on in that moment when someone looks at you and draws all sorts of conclusions." - Malcolm Gladwell

What is your attitude after a performance? Are you in it for the accolades, the audiences immediate response, and then the good things people say to you after a performance starting with your colleagues, conductor, stage director, stage manager, fans, to family and critics, etc? Does this help give you your identity that totally depends on the amount of approval you get from performing? If so this means that how you feel about yourself; your self esteem, your “self talk”, depends on “how” you feel you are perceived as a performer. There is no other touch stone for you to check in with to know who you are or if you are living a full and balanced life.

In my experience, this kind of crazy making can hold you prisoner on the inside. It creates an imbalance in you. If you are not performing or when you have an occasional not so good performance, the audience doesn’t love it and neither do the critics, it can quickly send you into a downward spiral that often creates a place that is hard to recover from and moving on to the next job seem impossible. You are afraid you will never be hired again, or if you are, those that hired you will be looking closely to see if there are cracks in what you are presenting and there will be a repeat of the previous “not so good” performance. So you start the crazy making by playing the part you think they are looking for, not as the performer, but as the person. You adjust, scrutinize and judge your every movement, sound and action to conform to what you think they want from you.

This is only the beginning of Carol's wonderful article about balance in one's life. Check out www.ariaready.net for more.

UAB Fall Opera Auditions

This fall, we'll be performing Gian Carlo Menotti's AMAHL AND THE NIGHT VISITORS, with several local performances. Roles in the opera may be double cast, depending on what I hear. Auditions will be held during the first week of class, and registering for class beforehand is not necessary. If you think you might be interested in being part of the show, just come to class! We meet Tuesday and Thursday from 3:30-5:15 in Hulsey Recital Hall. If you are cast, you'll have to register for the class before the drop/add deadline of August 24.

AUDITION REQUIREMENTS: sing something in English, with piano accompaniment. All pieces must be memorized, and may NOT be "a capella" or with recorded accompaniment. It does not matter if you've sung your piece before: if it's memorized and you're comfortable singing it, sing it again! If you are interested in the role of Kaspar, please sing "This is my box;" if you are interested in the role of the Mother, sing "All that gold," and if you are interested in the role of Melchoir, sing "O woman, you may keep the gold."

We will be performing AMAHL as a double bill with an Opera Gala, during which anyone who wishes may sing an aria, duet, or trio. This will give everyone in AMAHL a solo opportunity. These pieces must be chosen with your voice teacher, and will coach them during opera class. One last thought: this semester will be very low-stress and low time commitment. Relax and enjoy!

UAB Opera Picnic on Saturday, August 27

It's time for our picnic at Oak Mountain: Saturday August 27, from 11-4. Joe and I will bring kayaks for some fun in the sun. We'll also bring burgers and hot dogs: everyone else bring the buns, chips, and somebody BETTER bring Oreo double stuff again!

UAB SNATS

UAB Student Involvement has several requirements for our SNATS group to continue receiving funding. Each year every student organization is required to renew in order to keep their status with the university. The student organization renewal and registration process will open on August 1st, 2011. You MUST have your student organization renewed by September 30th.

In addition to renewing your profile, in order to maintain your registered status organization officers MUST attend the student organization orientation on Sunday, August 21, 2011 from 1pm until 4pm. PUT THIS IN YOUR CALENDARS NOW, PLEASE! Other officers and members of your organization are more than welcome to attend. All students that plan to attend must RSVP on BSync. (Note: You must be logged into BSync to access the event RSVP.) There will be a variety of sessions offered to fit every officer position. Having multiple members attend this training is a great resource to prepare your organization for the rest of the year. We'll talk about this in our first meeting. Advisors MUST attend the mandatory advisor information session on Monday, August 15th at 5:00 PM: I'm planning on attending this.

Finally, the Department of Student Life will host its annual Student Life Day Organization Expo on The Green on Thursday, August 25 from 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM. Student Life Day is a fair designed to inform students about life beyond the classroom at UAB. We invite you to showcase your organization and to be available to answer questions from students about your organization. I'm happy to help with this: be thinking about who is available. We can do it in 15 or 30 minute increments, to lighten everyone's load.

This event is meant to be festive as well as educational. Please feel free to decorate your table and surrounding area. You are also encouraged to offer promotional items, candy, etc. at your table. Please limit the number of volunteers at your table to no more than three. Student Life will be serving free refreshments. To register your organization for a table please fill out the online form. Please have your confirmation completed and returned by Friday, August 19, 2011.

See you soon! First fall meeting: TBA. Stay tuned and enjoy the rest of your summer.