Apps Gone Free

On Friday I was telling the folks in my voice studio about Apps Gone Free, an i-App. It makes available at no charge Apps that normally cost something (anywhere from $.99-9.99)...but for one day only. Today, one of the Apps Gone Free is Study Habits--Helping Students. Looks like it might help you organize your academic life! Here's the catch, though: the apps usually change around 11am, so if you want this one, you probably have to jump on it this morning. Sometimes they stick around for 2 days, but that's unusual.

Accompanist policies

Folks, though we have not assigned pianists yet, the following policy is for those who will work with Dr. Steele. His policy serves as a good model for anyone you would work with, though I recommend always checking with your pianist regarding his/her policy. Remember to treat your pianist well: you cannot do anything without him or her. Thanks!

Accompanist Policies

Dr. Chris Steele HC 242 steelec@uab.edu

As soon as you are assigned a piece with piano accompaniment, please do the following:

1) Provide me with the score in one of the following formats: 

• Original score

• Double-sided copies (no hole-punches or tape) 

• Emailed PDF

2) Email me the following information: 

• Your name and instrument

• Your instructor’s name and your lesson day/time 

• Title of your piece and which movement(s) you will be preparing 

• If known, when you want to begin rehearsing and any planned performance dates

The above should be done with the following deadlines in mind:

1) Lessons/rehearsals: 2) Individual recitals:

3) Student Recital #1: 4) Voice Studio Rec: 5) Student Recital #2: 6) Student Recital #3: 7) Juries:

due 1 week before due 3 weeks before

due Sept.17 due Oct.3 due Oct.15 due Nov.5 due Nov.14

* You are welcome to make requests for which the deadline has passed. I will make every effort to accommodate the request, but cannot make any guarantees.

* Please do not forget to tell me if something has been cancelled, or if your repertoire has changed.

ELIXIR cast list

Adina: MK Whatley

Nemorino: Shane Bloemetjie

Dulcamara: John Lyons

Belcore: Nole Jones

Auditions for Giannetta will be held after Chamber Singers rehearsal, probably the week after next. If you are interested in the part, please start learning her part on pp. 36-47.

Again, if you know of any tenors who might be interested in singing in the chorus, please tell them to come to our pizza party and improv day tomorrow (Friday) at 3:30!

Thanks, folks.

ELIXIR auditions TODAY!

Auditions for principal roles in the fall production of THE ELIXIR OF LOVE are today at 3:30 in the choir room (Hulsey 308). Please bring an aria from the opera (listed below on this blog): a pianist will be provided. If you are interested in auditioning but do not have an aria, please come anyway! Bring whatever music you have, and let's talk! The deadline to register is not until Tuesday. Please also being your schedules for the semester, with any commitments you have already made, particularly in November.

Thanks, and break a leg!

"Elixir of Love" auditions

Auditions will take place Thursday, August 28 in Hulsey 308 (the choral room) from 3:30-5:30. See below for requirements to audition for a leading role. An accompanist will be provided. If you would like to rehearse with the pianist and/or do a "dry run" of your audition aria, with or without an audience, come to class on Tuesday, August 26 at 3:30 in Hulsey 308. I'm happy to work with anyone who would like guidance during that time. We can work privately or with an audience, depending on your preference.

Scroll down to read more information on the opera!

When in doubt, ask!

Dear students, new and otherwise: it's that time. I don't know about you, but it doesn't seem possible that school starts next week. Here we go!

Just a friendly reminder that we--all of the UAB faculty with whom you work--are here to help. If you are confused about anything, please ask. We're here for you.

Looking forward to seeing your shining faces and hearing your gorgeous voices soon.

Your "personal brand"

This is an important article from a great web site. How you represent yourself can make or break you! Good thoughts as we enter a new school year and audition season.

How to choose audition repertoire

This is a GREAT article for aspiring and experienced singers! Lots of information here.

Twelve Tiny Changes

Hi folks,

Several of you asked for bodywork classes for SNATS, as well as a mezzo-soprano guest clinician. You asked, and shall receive! Coming this fall:

Jim Brody, Alexander Technique, director of CU's Musicians' Wellness Center: November 4-5
Julie Simson, mezzo-soprano (Rice University): October 24
Eric Agee, personal trainer: our guru in residence! Here he is:

Now, don't be afraid...Eric may be a fitness god, but he won't hurt you. He and I have been talking about how to structure our offerings, and are thinking that TWELVE TINY CHANGES is the way to go. (Why 12, you ask? Well, there are 14 weeks in the semester, and we're likely to miss a week or two.) We'll keep them simple, because you can't change the world overnight. But little things, integrated slowly over time, can make a big difference in your life.

The first change to start thinking about is breakfast. Yes, breakfast. Do you eat it every day? Many people don't like to eat breakfast. Changing this little habit can affect your blood sugar, cravings, and calorie intake throughout the day. At this point in the game there are not even guidelines on what to eat. Just eat something!

Sound doable? Make that your goal between now and the beginning of classes. Eat something within one hour of waking. And if you can't bring yourself to eat, drink a protein shake!