More scheduling information

Folks, I've divided up some of the chorus work in the Purcell to keep those of you in the Britten from being overwhelmed. Here are the assignments, which of course will be confirmed once I hear these people as groups:

Witches: Valencia, Ashley, Stacia, Lindsay (all sopranos); Callie, Ariel, Madi, Lori, Sarah Grace (all altos); Isiah, Micah, Blake, Drew, Brad, Mark, Brett, Ryan, Trevor, Will. Guys, sing your usual voice parts, except Trevor, sing bass.

Sailors (which includes women): everyone who is a witch EXCEPT Lindsay, Ashley, Madi, Isiah, and Micah.

Courtiers: Valencia, Madi, Ashley, Stacia, Lindsay (all sopranos); Callie, Ariel, Lori, Sarah Grace (all altos); Blake, Drew, Brad, Brett, Gregg, Ryan, Trevor, Joseph. Guys, sing your usual voice parts, except Trevor, sing bass. Shane, please be prepared to join the tenors in Courtier scenes if needed.

Purcell / Britten schedule

The rehearsal schedule is below on Google calendar: click on each day for details regarding that rehearsal time. I've included the scene breakdown so you know who is in which scene as page numbers are indicated. I did my best to accommodate everyone, but realize there was only ONE DAY in all of January for which everyone was even in town. Email or post here with any questions!

Be sure to check the schedule DAILY. Things change as people get sick, have off-campus auditions, etc. As soon as you see a problem, email me! Don't say something to me in the hall or in rehearsal and expect me to remember it. Email me so I have a record of it. Scheduling is a moving target.

Spring 2011 lesson times

Folks, a few of you have asked about your lesson times for the spring semester. I cannot post lesson times until I have everyone's schedule, and I'm still missing two (whenever you're ready, Brad and Ariel!). We'll all meet Wednesday, 1/5/11 at noon at the required Convocation, and finalize spring semester plans. Shane and Callie will have lessons on 1/4 and 1/5; everyone else will start on Monday, January 10. Look at the repertoire assignments below and bring one piece to your first lesson (Callie and Shane, have all of your fall jury rep memorized and ready to go). In the meantime, enjoy break! Happy Holidays to all, and see you in 2011.

Repertoire assignments

Following are the repertoire assignments for the spring. Have one piece learned and ready to work for your first lesson. With the exception of Shane and Callie, lessons begin Monday, January 10. You may order the music online or get copies from the library: if you really have trouble, I own most of these pieces. Bring copies to our first meeting on Wednesday, 1/5/11 so that I can give them to Dr. Bowles before your lessons begin on the second week of class. Shane and Callie, you have lessons on the first and second day of class to sing through jury rep for your makeup juries. Be memorized!

Jess: recital rep (let’s start with Berlioz)

Charles: revisit NATS rep (bring copies)

Nancy: Another Dvorak; another Barber; perhaps Handel; Augusta’s aria; Duparc “L’invitation au voyage”

Madison: Chausson “Nanny”

Callie: “Now, o now” memorized for 1/5/11; Bellini’s “Dolente imagine”

Ashley: Puccini’s “O mio babbino caro”

Valencia: Handel’s “V’adoro, pupille”

Shane: Musical theatre songs; Donaudy “O del mio amato ben”

Brad: Quilter “O Mistress Mine”

Jen: Mozart’s “An Chloë;” Fauré “Mandoline”

Michala: Quilter “It was a lover and his lass”

Ariel: Fauré “Claire de lune ;” Purcell “Nymphs and Shepherds”

Hannah: Mozart “Als Luise die Briefe;” Quilter “It was a lover;” Stradella “Se nel ben”

Questions? Email or call my cell before tomorrow afternoon (12/22). Happy holidays and see you in the new year!

Musical Theatre Scenes DVDs available now!

Come on by and pick up yours today, for the low low price of only $1 (the cost of the DVD). What fun memories of a great night!

Jury sheets ready

Jury sheets are ready: stop by and we'll read through them together. I am still missing most of your schedules. Even if you have not registered yet, please send me the times you are MOST likely to NOT have class, so that I can begin to put a schedule together. Thanks, and happy holidays!

Study Away in Vienna 2011

Informational meeting Tuesday, December 14 at 1pm in Hulsey 249 with Dr. Kris. We'll talk dates, costs, fundraising options, and what the summer will entail. Earn 6 UAB credits (3 in music, 3 in German) in 3 weeks...all in Vienna, one of the great cities of the world. Spread the news! Email me with any questions: khw@uab.edu.

Opera schedule for spring

Folks, the opera schedule is in process. If anything has changed in your life that would affect your ability to be available T/Th 3:30-6:30, Fridays 2-6, or Sunday afternoons or evenings, speak now or forever hold your peace!

Britten tomorrow

Darlings, thanks for your patience as things have changed unexpectedly this week (heck, all semester). Britten rehearsal tomorrow (Friday) remains from 3-5 in HRH: we'll speak the text in rhythm and Les will be with us as well. Hang in there...the end is in sight!

Britten rehearsal/DVD viewing changes

A new DVD has been burned and will arrive tomorrow morning. Opera Workshop folks, we'll meet during class and watch the rest of the DVD. As soon as we're done, we'll start a speak-through of the Britten and go until 5:15. Britten folks that are not in Opera Workshop this semester, please arrive around 4:30 but please be flexible regarding time. Rehearsal on Friday will be as planned. CDs are available IF you ask me in advance!

Study Away in Vienna

Three Weeks in Vienna and 6 credit hours!

Guided by Dr. Kris (German Art Song from Mozart to Mahler) and Dr. Erika Rinker (German 101)

German counts as Core; Art Song is an upper-level music history course, required for music majors.

Dates: May 29-June 19 (OR July 3-24)

COST: $2,946-3,460 for May; $2,056-2,390 for July (more enrolled = lower price)

Breakfast, city transportation, museum trips, etc. included

Talk amongst yourselves: does one date work better than the other? Does price matter that much? If we go in May/early June, most folks will still be able to do summer programs. Let me know your thoughts.

Britten rehearsal

Next rehearsal: Thursday, December 2 at 3:45 in Hulsey Recital Hall (opera workshop folks meet for 15 minutes at 3:30). We'll speak the text in rhythm at that time: please look at it and/or listen to it before then. We'll also rehearse Friday, December 3 from 3-5 in the recital hall. More specific time breakdowns for that rehearsal to be posted. Happy Thanksgiving!

Intro to the Alexander Technique

A great introduction to the Technique: click here.

So proud of you!

Folks, your performance last night was fantastic. Your energy was infectious, and the audience response was deserved. You incorporated many of the things we worked on all semester, and I saw real progress in every single person onstage. I couldn't be prouder of you! No class this Tuesday: have a great Thanksgiving break. We'll watch the DVD the Tuesday after Thanksgiving. Love y'all madly!

An Evening of American Musical Theatre

Like Musical Theatre? Come enjoy an evening of scenes from OKLAHOMA!, TROUBLE IN TAHITI, INTO THE WOODS, AVENUE Q, LES MIZ, THE PRODUCERS, DIRTY ROTTEN SCOUNDRELS, and more. UAB Opera struts their stuff on Saturday, November 20 in Hulsey Recital at 7:30 pm. Admission is free.

Interesting web site

For those of you who worked with Jim Brody, our Alexander Technique guest clinician last spring, you might find this site of interest: The Art of Breathing Great NATS Chat just now with Jim. Let's revisit this often and regularly. Three precepts I vow to keep in mind: Rest often, especially once an hour if you can...Thinking IN activity: awareness is key...End-gaining often doesn't get you the end you want!

Great concert!

Congratulations to Brian Kittredge and the UAB Choirs on a beautiful concert today. I heard beautiful singing, and a wonderfully warm quality developing in your sound. Wonderful stylistic contrasts, great solos, and--as always--passionate, committed singing from all of you. It's great to hear and see you continue to grow every time you perform. Bravi tutti!

SNATS diction workshop

Our next meeting is Monday, November 8 at 3pm in the choir room. We'll do some IPA exercises, review some Italian rules, and do some more critical listening. We might even start a fun (and useful) project that everyone in voice and choirs can benefit from. Everyone is welcome!

Rehearsal time change

Folks, we'll start opera rehearsal this Friday at 3 instead of 2:30. You WILL have choir, but it won't run the full time. We'll work Britten ONLY: no need to bring anything but a pencil. Thanks!

Cast lists are posted

The cast lists for DIDO and FURNACE are posted. We'll have two great productions! Some of you have asked if you can be in the chorus for DIDO if you were only cast for FURNACE. The answer is yes, but let's talk about this on Friday...I'm trying not to overwhelm anyone with too much work. See you ALL Friday at 2:30 in Hulsey 308 for our cast meeting.

Riverchase

Choir, you sang beautifully today at Riverchase. The congregation was blessed to hear you, and you certainly uplifted my whole day with your angelic sound. Bravi tutti!

The funeral

Folks, thank you for being the beautiful people that you are. The gift you gave Madi and her family today was very special. I am touched by your kindness and generosity, and to be able to be part of your group for a few moments. Continue to support one another through tough times--it's what makes you so special.

Dr. Kris's Studio Class canceled for tomorrow

No studio class for Dr. Kris's students tomorrow, as many of us will be attending Madi's mother's funeral. If you were slated to sing tomorrow, sing next week instead. If you are a Mosteller student, do not assume your class is canceled! Check with your teacher. Thanks.

Thanks for auditioning

Heard lots of wonderful singing tonight: thank you for your energy. Cast list will be posted next week. Stay tuned!

Undecided about auditioning?

If you're nervous about auditioning for the opera and are worried that you don't have anything prepared, you can always audition for the opera chorus by bringing ANYTHING you're working on. Choir music is fine: just bring a copy of the music for Ms. Reynolds!

Auditions for UAB Opera 2011

UAB Opera will present a double bill of Purcell's "Dido and Aeneas" and Britten's "The Burning Fiery Furnace" in March 2011. Auditions are Tuesday, October 19. "Dido" is a mostly female cast, with plenty for an SATB chorus to do. "Furnace" is almost exclusively for men. There's something for everyone! To audition, prepare one memorized piece in English and bring sheet music for our accompanist. No unaccompanied auditions. Please sign up for a time at Hulsey 249. Questions? Email Dr. Kris at khw@uab.edu. Please spread the word: auditions open to all UAB folks.

Next SNATS meeting

Our next meeting is Monday, October 18 at 3pm in the choir room--the day we return from break. We'll watch YouTube videos: if you have any links of interest, post them here. Dr. Kris students: attending will count as one hour toward your listening grade for the semester! Bring food if you wish: it's casual.

Congratulations to UAB Voice Students

Beautiful work last night, folks! You all performed well and were very supportive of one another, both of which are equally important. I'm proud of each and every one of you. Keep working hard, and you'll see how far you can progress between now and next semester's recital!

Voice Studio Recital tonight at 7:30

Wishing you joyous, expressive performances tonight! Love y'all madly.

From Florentine Opera

The following was posted by William Florescu, director of Milwaukee's Florentine Opera. I thought it said it all (at least, what I find myself saying all time):

We have just started rehearsals for the company's first world premiere, Don Davis' Rio de Sangre. What I was struck by, at the first day of music rehearsal, is how prepared all of the artists (including our Studio Artists) were for this tough, but rewarding, score.

It is an obvious reminder, of course, but when you have a successful audition, two very important steps that need to be followed once you get the job are:

1. Be prepared when rehearsals commence

2. Be a great colleague

Follow these two obvious, but all too often not followed, rules, and you will find yourself not having to worry about auditioning for that particular company again - believe me - they will want you back!!

SNACKS FROM SNATS

Come enjoy some delicious baked goods and support UAB singers! Bake sale today in between Art and Hulsey. Indulge and know it's all for a good cause.

It's Official

Opera 2011: a one-act double bill of

Purcell’s DIDO AND AENEAS

&

Britten’s THE BURNING FIERY FURNACE

Auditions October 19 in HRH, 6-10pm

Sing one piece in English and bring a copy for Ms. Reynolds, who will play for us. No unaccompanied auditions!

DIDO AND AENEAS

Dido and Aeneas, based on books of Virgil's Aeneid, is set in Carthage at the court of Queen Dido. Her courtiers and sister, Belinda, persuade her to admit her love for Aeneas, a Trojan prince who has stopped in Carthage on his travels and is dallying with her. Witches plot the downfall of Dido and her city, and arrange to raise a storm so that the two lovers, who are out hunting, will be forced to seek shelter in a cave. There one of the witches, disguised as Mercury, the messenger god,will remind Aeneas of his duty to resume his voyage to Italy. He is persuaded to leave and makes preparations. He tries to explain his destiny to Dido, but she brushes his explanations aside and makes ready for her death.

ROLES

Dido, Queen of Carthage: high mezzo-soprano or soprano

Belinda, Dido's sister and handmaid: light soprano

Second Woman, Another Handmaiden: mezzo-soprano or soprano

Aeneas, Trojan Prince: tenor or baritone

Sorceress/Sorcerer: mezzo-soprano, contralto, countertenor or bass

First Witch/Enchantress: mezzo-soprano

Second Witch/Enchantress: mezzo-soprano

Spirit, in form of Mercury: soprano or countertenor

THE BURNING FIERY FURNACE

The Burning Fiery Furnace tells the story of Nebuchadnezzar and the three Israelites, Ananias, Misael and Asarias (corresponding Babylonian names; Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego), who were thrown into a furnace for their refusal to worship Nebuchadnezzar’s image of gold. However, God saves them from death, as the voice of an angel joins the Israelites in a "Benedicte."

ROLES

Nebuchadnezzar: tenor

Astrologer: baritone

Ananias (Shadrack): baritone

Misael (Meshach): tenor

Azarias (Abednego): baritone

Herald and Leader of the Courtiers

Chorus of Courtiers and Attendants

Snacks from SNATS

SNATS bake sale is all day Thursday. Hilary has our sign up times. Nora or Joan will have the key to room 221 with the table we'll need for set-up. Thanks for your help, and happy baking!

Voice Juries Date Announced

FYI: Voice Juries for fall semester will take place on December 10.

SNATS meeting Monday at 3pm

Choral Room. Be there! I've missed y'all.

The Business of Singing

Opera Workshop meets with Dr. Paul Houghtaling ("Pro-Ho") this Thursday during class time. Be there: attendance is required. He'll discuss resumes, head shots, and how to market yourself. He's a wonderfully energetic and entertaining speaker: enjoy!

SNATS on Monday

Thanks for your enthusiasm and beautiful singing for Ms. Hopkins yesterday! Great work, everyone. We'll meet next Monday, 9/27 at 3pm in the choir room to discuss further fundraising, as we came up short to pay for her visit. We'll also make plans for future activities.

Janet Hopkins Guest Master Class on Tuesday

Guest master class with Janet Hopkins is this coming Tuesday during opera class (3:30-5:15 in the recital hall). Everyone in opera workshop is required to attend; everyone studying voice who does not have another class is also required to attend. Singers for Tuesday are: Brian Denton, Tyler Henderson, Mark Kunkel, Jacob Wooten, and Jessica Johnson. There are still slots available for private lessons with her: the sign-up sheet is on my door. Her fee is $50 per hour (payable directly to her at the time of the lesson; no accompanist needed). If you are interested and able, do take advantage of this great opportunity! Read her latest news release here.

Performance Class and Jury Schedule

Performance Class Schedule (Fridays, 12:00 noon)

October 1 Separate studio performance classes. HC 308

October 8 VOICE STUDIO RECITAL REHEARSAL, 12-3 HRH

October 15 FALL BREAK – NO Class

October 22 Separate studio performance classes in HRH

October 29 All students meet together. HRH

November 5 Separate studio performance classes. HC 308

November 12 Separate studio performance classes. HRH.

November 19 All students meet together. HRH

November 26 THANKSGIVING BREAK – NO Class: ALL repertoire memorized by now!

December 3 Separate studio performance classes. HC 308 (LAST class before juries)

December 10 JURIES in HRH

Nancy's musings about singing

Nancy's voice journal is always so interesting to me, I asked if I could post her musings on technique. Enjoy, and feel free to comment.

More thoughts on “fingering”-- There is “proper” fingering for each instrument TYPE-i.e.-scales on a piano. We learn these patterns by practicing over and over. Then there is an adjustment since all specific instruments are not alike. Then ANOTHER since all musicians are different. There are short cuts, workarounds, yes, but in the end, there is a best way (generally speaking) for each artist to place his notes IN his instrument, especially if the instrument is his/her body.

I think that one of the biggest things I can do to Get Out of My Way right now is to redefine what is GOOD. There is fear of not being perfect, which creates tension. Accepting what IS, and what is GOOD (i.e. good ENOUGH), will probably free me to be better than I think I can even be. It was odd, realizing that I was losing the phrase-my FAVORITE thing -because I was too worried about not hitting a higher note the way I wanted to-perfectly.For me-the Phrase is IT-the true beauty and meaning of the composer.

Reminder, another one, to be unafraid to show your heart when we perform. We should still know that SOMETHING is going on in the pieces, whether we have the translations or not. Learn your body as part of the instrument that is YOU. Tension has no place from the neck down, either...

I’m ALWAYS amazed, in a good way, at the amount of meaning that is ABLE to flow from an artist once the material is memorized, hence internalized. It’s not even a planned thing--artistry isn’t always-usually isn’t- a tangible thing. It’s magic. It’s the biggest reason that not all musicians can be called Artists, I think.It’s what separates the ones who can duplicate/repeat music from those who can create something unique.The “It” factor...

A great journal entry!

The Google shared document seems to be working overall for your journals. Some of you have asked what a "good" journal entry looks like. It's different for everyone, since each of you have different assignments. All of you, though, should be journaling on what you hear/see in your lessons, what you experience in your practice sessions, and what you think (and learn from!) the YouTube clips you post. Here's a great example from Madi: It’s always interesting to hear my high notes during warm ups. They don’t feel hard to do at all, but they just seem so high. It’s strange when singing pieces something lower than that feels high, even though it’s obviously not the highest I can sing. I think maybe the technique for singing those high notes gets lost in translation, so to speak, from warm ups to being put into context. Not that I’m currently singing anything that currently calls for it. Just kinda thinking through my fingers (since I’m typing rather than speaking...)? As for the actual music, the first time through, my voice sounds a little stilted. Almost like I’m trying too much to achieve something, whether it be stay on full voice or making sure I’m getting the notes correctly. It just seems like I’m lacking a certain fluidity and legato. It almost sounds too... contrived, maybe? Like I’m lacking a freedom and flexibility.On the other hand, I can understand the text I’m singing a lot better this week. Practice these two weeks has gone rather well. I’ve worked on the text, making sure to grab those double consonants, and keeping my voice vibrant through the repeated notes. Also, working, Quia Respexit, I’ve been working the whole versus half steps that trip me up on the descending lines, which is basically every line. I look forward to beginning to work on this piece; it’s just so gorgeous. The only other part that’s still giving me problems is the last melisma on “beatam” but I think given a couple more times practice on it will get it pretty solid.

YouTube - Vedrai, carino Cecilia Bartoli - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IZM1WEm9nKw - She sings the aria with such tenderness and expression, but there’s no video to see any action, to see how she would perform the part. The tenderness of her voice doesn’t seem to portray much of an earthy quality, but indeed she does express a sensuality at 1’58 to the end, but especially at the “qua, qua”s at 2’45.

Anna Netrebko - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IZM1WEm9nKw - This recording pops quite a bit, but her voice has a heavier quality than Cecilia Bartoli’s and offers a different approach to the portrayal of Zerlina because of it. I’m not sure exactly how to phrase what I mean by that, but hopefully you understand what I’m trying to say. Also, this was a live recording, but again, there wasn’t any video of the actual opera.

Dawn Upshaw - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VQUXExa3uEE&feature=related - An actual recording from the Met. The way Dawn Upshaw performs Zerlina is simply captivating. She holds her Masetto in her lap and comforts him, and he really seems to be enjoying his position, with a smile on his face. While he may have had the crap beaten out of him, he seems to have forgotten about it now that Zerlina has shown up. It’s so personal the way Zerlina sings to Masetto, holds him, and comforts him. I think the love Zerlina has for him really shows through in this recording. It’s nice to be able to see it performed.

Karen Burlingame - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L65t87RxYBw&feature=related - This one’s in English, and after hearing the Italian so often, the English version seems a little awkward. However, it was interesting to see a different version. This one also had the dialogue between Zerlina and Masetto beforehand.

Miah Persson - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0bI1SyjzqxE&feature=related - This was the most sensual of the ones with video. But it also showed Masetto getting beaten by Don Giovanni. She opened her mouth a lot taller than others I’ve watched, but it seemed to work for her.

Be as thorough as Madi was, and you'll be in great shape!

SNATS AVON SALE ENDS MONDAY

Folks, Miss Nora needs your orders Monday or Tuesday at the latest. Sell like crazy this weekend, and bring your stuff to her by the end of Tuesday. Thanks!

SNATS meeting Monday at 3pm

TODAY (Friday) is the last day of our Avon SNATS sale...bring your stuff to Miss Nora. We'll meet at our regular time, Monday at 3 in the choral room, and continue with Italian diction. If you have a piece you're working on and want to bring it for all of us to work on, post here by Monday morning and I'll make copies. See you then!

The Business of Singing

It's official: Dr. Paul Houghtaling from UA-Tuscaloosa will join us for a "Business of Singing" class on Thursday, September 23 during opera workshop. Everyone in class is required to attend! It will be fun and informative. Have a great Labor Day!

SNATS meeting tomorrow

3pm in the choir room--be there for officer elections and an IPA review (International Phonetic Alphabet) for Diction. Bring a friend!

Thanks for a great picnic!

Great fun was had by all! Let's do it again next year, maybe without the crazy thunderstorm, but definitely WITH the DoubleStuff oreos.

OAK MOUNTAIN OPERA PICNIC TOMORROW!

Look for our kayaks near the beach tomorrow starting at around 2pm. We still need plastic silverware and napkins...and another dessert or salad if you think we don't have enough. Looking forward to some fun in the sun. See you then!

UAB Opera Picnic at Oak Mountain

Our picnic is coming up this Saturday from 2-6 pm. Bring your swimsuits and hiking shoes. Please note: NO ALCOHOL is allowed inside the park. Anyone who has been in Opera Workshop or who wants to be involved in UAB Opera is more than welcome to come! Here's what we have so far: hamburgers, hotdogs, condiments, and kayaks: Hurst-Wajszczuks Chips (2 bags each): Chris Reid, Tyler, Mark Plastic cups and plates: Madi Casserole: Will Soda and/or water (2 liters each): Charles, Shane, Jacob Wooten Desserts: Hillary and Jessica 4 bags hamburger buns: Ryan It looks like we still need: 4 bags hot dog buns Plastic silverware/napkins Maybe another salad and maybe another dessert Anything else I've forgotten Remember there's an entrance fee for the park! It's only a few bucks, but be prepared. Can't wait. Thanks, guys!

SNATS Meeting Monday

Great first meeting today! Thanks for your energy and your interest. As we said, we’ll meet in the choir room next Monday at 3 pm for officer elections, so have your stump speeches ready. We’ll also have our first diction class, starting with a review of IPA (International Phonetic Alphabet). I’ll keep it simple and fun. If you want to start selling Avon now, get your forms from Miss Nora. If you can wait till next week, she’ll bring the forms to our meeting. This is a GREAT opportunity—be sure to thank her for her help and generosity! Meanwhile, I’ll contact our possible master clinicians and see what I can line up. Follow my blog at uabopera.blogspot.com, and feel free to comment on posts if you like them or if you have ideas to share. Thanks so much for your enthusiasm. With this kind of excitement, we’ll have a fantastic year!

Voice students: schedule is posted!

Please see my door for more information, and check your email for the attachment. I've emailed a few of you with some questions, so please reply ASAP.

Voyage à Paris: Faculty Voice Recital

Faculty Voice Recital with Andrew Adams, pianist Saturday, August 21 at 7pm in the Alys Stephens Center, Birmingham, AL. This all-French recital includes works by Chausson, Debussy, Bizet, Hahn, and Poulenc, and features visual projections to appeal to the visual Francophiles! Bring a friend: admission is free.

Opera auditions: clarification

Hi folks, Just to clarify: auditions for the fall opera/musical theatre scenes will NOT take place on Sunday, August 15. Those are choir auditions. To be in the scenes, COME TO CLASS during the first week and plan to sing something from memory then. Class meets Tuesday and Thursday in Hulsey Recital Hall from 3:30-5:15. Bring music for the pianist: there will be no unaccompanied auditions. Thanks!

Drawing to a close

The glorious master classes, workshops, and lessons at Early Music Vancouver's "The Compleat Singer" program are coming to and end. While I'm sad to see these fabulous two weeks drawing to a close, I'm looking forward to sharing experiences from the summer when I return.

Guest Master Class Confirmed!

Metropolitan Opera mezzo-soprano and multi-talented diva Janet Hopkins is confirmed for a master class on September 21, during opera workshop time. Janet will be available for voice lessons Monday evening, September 20, at a reduced rate. We are very fortunate to have this lovely, gracious lady share her knowledge with us: plan to be there!

My cousin's children's book

It's finally published! While I haven't seen the book myself, Isaac is so witty and wonderful that I'm sure the book is too. All you with kids or young relatives, buy it here!

UAB Opera Picnic at Oak Mountain: August 28

If you've ever been in a UAB Opera production, or hope to be in one this year, come see some old friends and make new ones. Joe and I will bring the kayaks and spring for the cost of the pavilion. Everyone bring a little something to share: a salad, hotdogs, soda, or whatever: sign-ups for food will be posted here soon. Friend me on Facebook and RSVP there. We'll nail down a real time frame later when we know what works for everyone. Bring your bathing suits or hiking shoes, kick back, and let's start the school year off right!

My latest purchase

We'll have not only audio recording for lessons, but also video! I plan to integrate this into Opera Workshop, since y'all don't believe what I say until you see the video. More details to come...

New "send-to-mobile" audio streaming at UAB

Classical Music Library, a streaming music database available through Sterne Library, now has a “Send-to-Mobile” feature for listening to tracks, albums, and playlists from your smart phone or any mobile device with an internet connection. To get started, UAB users can click the cell phone icon next to a track, album, or playlist in Classical Music Library and get a link to send to a mobile device for playback. If you’re not a current UAB student, faculty, or staff member, check out Cheryl LaGuardia’s E-VIEWS column in Library Journal for access to a free playlist available through August 15 from Alexander Street Press, publisher of CML and other music, video, and full text databases. We provide several methods to send this link: * We can send a text message to your mobile. * We can email the link to your email address, which you can pick up on your mobile. * You can enter the link URL manually into your mobile's web browser. * On supported devices you can scan a QR-Code directly from your computer screen. You will need to download a QR-Code reader application to do so. At this time, this functionality is supported on: * Apple iPhone on 3G network or better * Mobile Device with Android OS Shortlinks cannot be accessed outside of your institution network after 48 hours but will still be usable within it. For more information please visit the Help page at http://muco.alexanderstreet.com/help/view/using_your_mobile_device

NATS National Conference

The conference in Salt Lake City was a wonderful time all around, and was capped off with a great banquet and inspiring speech by the great bass, Simon Estes. For those of you who have not attended a national conference, be sure to join us in Orlando in June 2012!

Tentative SNATS Activities 2010-11

Janet Hopkins, Asst. Professor of Voice at the University of South Carolina and a regular principal artist at the MET, is slated for a master class in October. Check her out here or here. She is a glorious mezzo-soprano. I have also applied for funding to bring New Triad for Collaborative Arts to UAB for five days of master classes, culminating in a recital. Get a sense of the work that New Triad does here. The founder, Arlene Shrut, has been my coach since 1994. Other requests? Post them here!

UAB Voice Student Heads to Aspen

UAB voice student Jessica Johnson, mezzo-soprano, is studying at the Aspen Music Festival this summer. She is covering both Marcellina in LE NOZZE DI FIGARO and Samira in THE GHOSTS OF VERSAILLES. We're all very proud of you, Jess! Enjoy yourself and soak up as much as you can.

Philadelphia Orchestra's New Leader

Read about the new music director of the Philadelphia Orchestra, who cites Westminster Choir College's Joseph Flummerfelt as a major influence, http://www.nytimes.com/2010/06/14/arts/music/14phil.html.

Arleen Auger sings Mozart's "Exsultate, Jubilate (2nd and 3rd movements)

Need Instructor Permission?

Email me with your B00 number, and I'll give you permission to enroll in Opera Workshop.

How to audition for opera workshop in the fall

Class meets Tuesday and Thursday from 3:30-5:15 in Hulsey Recital Hall. If you are interested in being part of the workshop (or wonder if you *might* want to be part of it), bring one MEMORIZED piece in English. Bring a copy of your music for the accompanist: no a cappella singing allowed for this audition. Since the plan is to do an evening od musical theatre (perhaps with some opera scenes mixed in), musical theatre songs are encouraged but not required. No need to register right away: I'll need to hear everyone before casting, and this gives anyone who might be on the fence a chance to "test drive" the class. Just come prepared to sing and have fun! The first day of class is Tuesday, August 17: we'll do some improvisation exercises that day and have auditions for the scenes on the 19th. The cast list will be posted in time for you to register before the drop/add deadline of August 24. Feel free to post here with any questions, or email me.

Uta Hagen Acting Master Class, part 6

Musical Theatre scenes: Fall 2010

The plan for Opera Workshop this year is an evening of musical theatre scenes. If I see a theme emerging, either this summer or as I hear in the fall and consider casting options, we may do a combination of musical theatre and opera. Feel free to post here if you have special requests!

and rocks it again...

Lawrence Brownlee rocks the house...

The last lecture

Score payment still needed

Those of you who have still not paid the department for your SEMELE score must do so by Friday in order to receive a grade. I won't embarrass you by posting names here. You know who you are!

Photo DVDs and scenes DVDs

SEMELE photo DVDs and fall Opera Scenes DVDs are available. See me if you're interested!

Thanks

Thank you for a fun DVD viewing experience, folks. I hope you enjoyed it! I'll keep you posted on next year's plans as they unfold. As of now, "Dead Man Walking" is off the table, but other great possibilities are emerging.

Uta Hagen Acting Master Class, part 5

Here she continues her coaching of the young man in part 4.

Uta Hagen Acting Master Class, part 4

The importance of knowing your space!

Uta Hagen Acting Master Class, part 3

SEMELE DVD viewing

Hi folks, There has been a cancellation in the recital hall: we can now have it Thursday, April 29 from 2-6. Please post here if 2pm works for you: I got the impression that would be better than 3pm, so you have more time before your evening recording session. Lauren, I'm so sorry the timing worked out this way...let me know if you'd like to arrange something else so you can see it too! Thanks to everyone for being so patient. Many unexpected events made this repeated re-scheduling necessary. Remember, those of you who have not paid for your opera score must do so in order to receive a grade.

Useful 4 Steps to Living

Per Jim Brody, who in this week's Alexander Technique sessions gave us this: 1. I know what I want... 2. ...and I really want it. 3. I can't do it all...yet. 4. ...and I am willing to arrange my thoughts and actions to achieve it. Wise words, Grasshopper. Simple, but not easy. Kind of like life.

James Brody Master Classes and Convocation

There are two fantastic events coming up, sponsored by the UAB department of Music and UAB SNATS, with grant assistance from the NATS national chapter. James Brody will present a master class in the choral room on Tuesday from 3:30-5:30. Singers from UAB Opera will work with him, finding new ways to use their bodies in efficient ways. All singing slots are filled, but all are welcome to attend. Invite your friends! Wednesday at noon, James will offer a Convocation as an introduction to the Alexander Technique. He is a fabulous teacher and an engaging speaker; be prepared to be entertained as well as educated! You'll never think of your body the same way again. James Brody has studied the Alexander Technique with Marjorie Barstow and Barbara Conable (among others), was teacher certified at The Alexander Foundation, and has created the Wellness Program for Musicians at the University of Colorado at Boulder, a comprehensive approach to the well being of music students. He has taught the Technique throughout the U.S. and Europe and hosts an annual Summer Course on the Boulder campus. Come learn from this extraordinary clinician. Having him here is an extraordinary opportunity.

Congratulations, voice students

Darlings, You all did a beautiful job today. There was plenty of fine singing to go around, you all looked very polished and professional, and many of you were very expressive. All of you are growing as singing actors. Bravi tutti! I'm very proud of all of you. Thank you for a wonderfully enjoyable afternoon!

UAB SNATS Summer Program Session

By popular demand: our Monday meeting at noon March 29 will be a discussion group on summer programs. We'll meet in Dr. Kris's office. Bring your lunch if you wish.

Uta Hagen Acting Class, part 2

Here is the second installment...

AlaNATS 2010

Congratulations to UAB voice students who competed at AlaNATS this past weekend: Tyler Henderson, 1st place senior men Jacob Wooten, 2nd place sophomore men Shane Bloemetjie, 2nd place freshman men Ryan Reese, freshman men semi-finalist Jessica Johnson, sophomore women semi-finalist and to ALL of the singers who represented UAB. We’re very proud of each of you. Bravi tutti!

Move over, SURVIVOR!

Drama about Forth Worth Opera wins... http://fwothescoop.ning.com/forum/topic/show?id=2432329%3ATopic%3A6450