Field trip to the gym

As some of you have requested, this week we'll make a field trip to the gym. I'll be there on Saturday at 12:30 if you'd like to join me. No harm, no foul if you can't: just come if you want. I can get you started, show you around, etc. We may also do another time later this month.

Opera rehearsals

Folks,

A friendly reminder that your syllabus indicates that, in your first rehearsal, your music must be note-perfect. Most of you were not there, which means there is work to be done outside of class. We are not even adding text yet, unless your scene is in English. Additionally, I have started every rehearsal under tempo, and given you the tempi we are aiming for as a courtesy. Note-perfect is not an unachievable goal when the composer is Mozart.

Be sure you are doing the work you need to do to be truly musically prepared. Work slowly and carefully, and sing what is on the page. It's fine to listen to your scene online to get a sense of how it goes, but if you haven't done the grunt work under tempo, you're not going to find that you are prepared enough in your coaching.

Remember also that your scene must be translated if we are performing in a foreign language. That does NOT mean relying on the English version in your score--those are "poetic" and rarely accurate. Use the translation books in the library. Translate everyone's part in your scene: you need to know what everyone is saying so that you can react appropriately.

I gave the handout "How to prepare a role" early in the first week. If you need another because you added the class late, let me know or copy it from someone else. 

Everyone gets another shot. Step it up! If you have any questions or concerns, please ask. 

Opera schedule: slight change

The remaining music has been on my door for several days. Please pick it up.

Following is the schedule. Arrive early, warmed up, and prepared. If your music is in a foreign language, singing it on a neutral syllable is fine. We'll do text together.

Please note: MUSICAL REHEARSALS THIS WEEK AND NEXT WILL BE IN MY OFFICE. Class on February 2 will be in HRH. 

Tuesday
3:30-3:50 Rae and Briana "Via resti servita"
3:50-4:25 Cindy and Maria (arias only)
break
4:30-4:50 Hunter and Mallory "Papagena" duet (in English)
4:50-5 Michael aria (without text)
5-5:15 Siobhan and Mallory duet (on a neutral syllable: we'll do text together)

Thursday
3:30-4 Toure and Ashley "Cinque...dieci...se a caso"
4-4:35 Bastien duets: Austin and Siobhan
break
4:35-5 Beau and Maria "Signor...crudel!"
5-5:15 Michael, Ashley, Hunter "Du feines Täubchen"

Tuesday 2/2
No singing for this half hour: all called 3:30-4 (we should be in HRH for this)
4-5:15 in KHW studio for diction coachings and musical rehearsals:
4-4:25 Austin and Siobhan: finish your scenes musically
4:30-5 Toure and Ashley: diction only (no Dr. Steele)
N.B. we'll end at 5pm: Cindy is sick!

Thursday 2/4
3:30-3:50 "Hm! Hm! Hm!" Quintet
3:50-4:10 "Signor...Crudel!" Beau and Maria
4:10-4:25 Cindy, Maria, and Macy (diction: recitative only)
break
4:30-4:50 "Via resti servita" Rae and Briana (add text, under tempo with Dr. Steele)
4:50-5:15 "Aprite" Siobhan and Mallory (add text, under tempo with Dr. Steele)

Tuesday, 2/9
All called (HRH): Alexander Technique with Jim Brody: learn about his Wellness Program here

Speaking of syllabi...

...I encourage all of my students, in voice or in opera, to review the syllabus with regard to my attendance policy. It would also be advised to review excused vs. unexcused absences.

Syllabi hard copies available

Folks,

Thanks for our meeting today, which I know was a busy one for you. The copier is finally fixed, and I have hard copies of the syllabus should you like one. If not, you know they are always available here.

Looking forward to your concert tonight. I'll be in the audience, cheering you on!

Voice performance class

Folks,

We will have performance class tomorrow at 12:20, but will meet in my studio rather than in the recital hall. No one is singing, so it'll be just a quick meeting to discuss the syllabus, etc. This should give all of you some time to inhale lunch during Honor Choir!

See you then.

Voice lesson schedule: FINAL

Yes, there are already revisions. Check this often until it's settled!

Monday
Briana 9-9:50 (Dr. Steele)
Addie 10:10-10:40 (Carolyn)
Alyse 10:50-11:20 (Carolyn)
Nicole 11:30-12 (Carolyn)
Maria 12:30-1:20 (Dr. Steele)
Nole 3:40-4:30 (Dr. Steele)

Tuesday
Kristin 2-2:30 (Dr. Steele)

Wednesday
Rae 9-9:50 (Dr. Steele)

Thursday
Selina 10-10:30 (Dr. Steele)
Toure 10:35-11:05 (Dr. Steele)
Beau 11:10-12 (Dr. Steele)
Madison 2-2:50 (Dr. Steele)

Friday
Mallory 9:20-9:50 (Dr. Steele)
Michael 11-11:50 (Dr. Steele)

I know these times are not necessarily ideal, but given your schedules (many if which were late) and the schedules of your pianists, times were very limited. Try to make this work, and let me know IMMEDIATELY if for some reason I have scheduled you during a time you indicated is not free or if you name does not appear. There was quite a bit of juggling I had to do!

If you wish to have your pianist join you for your first lesson, please inform her/him and give him/her the music beforehand. You have their emails. Mallory and Toure, please come without a pianist.

Let's hit the ground running! Looking forward to this semester.