Recital wrap-up

Congratulations to everyone who participated in Saturday's voice department recital! I was impressed by the level of performance and stage presence, especially from those of you who have sung on previous recitals; it's so rewarding to watch your growth as singers and performers. I also know how hard you all worked to polish your pieces and it paid off Saturday night.

For those of you thinking of singing on a recital, I encourage you to talk to your fellow students about their experience. Yes, it can be scary, but it's also exhilarating, cathartic, satisfying...and did I mention FUN? A student recital is one of the best places to start because the audience is full of your fellow students who will support and encourage you. You couldn't ask for a better group to sing for.

The best way to become a better performer/singer/musician is to make music on a regular basis outside of your lesson. Join ensemble class or a choir, take part in coachings and master classes, sing on a recital - not only will you improve your performance and musicianship skills, but you'll be part of a community.

December performances

Tis the season for lots of holiday concerts! Here’s what your fellow students are up to in December, plus a few other fun shows:

Saturday, December 12th, 4 pm
The Gift of Music holiday recital
Music Center Recital Hall
Come hear Lexi Hagans, Achil Jackson and many other Music Center students sing holiday favorites old and new.

Saturday, December 12th, 8 pm
The Esoterics present CHIAROSCURA
St. Joseph’s Cathedral, 18th and Aloha
Hear an unforgettable program of choral music, featuring the rarely-performed Concerto for Mixed Chorus by Alfred Schnittke.

Saturday, December 12th, 7:30 pm
Northwest Chamber Chorus presents Comfort and Joy
Greenlake United Methodist Church
Deon Miyoi is a member of NWCC and their holiday program looks fantastic.

*****
Sunday, December 13th, 6:30 pm
Messiah Sing/Playalong
St. John’s United Church, 55th and Phinney
Warm up those “Hallelujahs” and celebrate the season by participating as a singer or instrumentalist in Music Center’s annual sing and play along of the Christmas portion of Handel’s masterpiece. Please bring a food or cash donation for the FamilyWorks food bank.

Sunday, December 13th, 3 pm
The Esoterics present CHIAROSCURA
Holy Rosary Catholic Church, 4139 42nd Ave SW (West Seattle)

*****
Wednesday, December 16th, 7 pm
Ensemble Class Concert
Come see Janessa, Jonathan, Arlene, Barbara, Achil, Donnie and many more Music Center voice students as they present an evening of scenes from opera, musical theater and the choral catalogue. This is a MUST-SEE event!

*****
Saturday, December 19th, 8 pm
Seattle Women’s Chorus presents Making Spirits Bright
Meany Hall, UW Campus
Arlene Havlark and the rest of the amazing SWC singers will knock your socks off at their annual holiday concert.

Sunday, December 20th, 2 pm
Seattle Women’s Chorus presents Making Spirits Bright
Meany Hall, UW Campus

*****
December 4-21, Fridays, Saturdays and Mondays at 8 pm
PIECES (The Authors Voice and Salome)
TPS Theatre 4, Seattle Center
Janessa Cummings Penn is currently starring in a one-woman show! The full description is available at https://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/81566; please note that the production may not be appropriate for children under 17.

Also, congratulations to Barbara Leigh on her November concert with Seattle Bach Choir and to Halle Townes who has been cast as Mrs. Potts in Ingraham High’s production of Beauty and the Beast. I love to see so many students involved in the community arts scene! If you’re not performing but would like to be, talk to me at your next lesson about preparing for auditions.

Recital wrap-up 9/20/09

Whenever I watch my students perform, I try to listen with a neutral ear so I can give honest feedback if it's requested. Still, every once in a while I can't help but wonder if my reaction will be more like the mom in Bride and Prejudice during the "Cobra Dance":



Okay, I'm probably not quite that bad! But I definitely feel a sense of pride for my students and the work that they've put into their performances. Last night that feeling was especially warranted as Achil Jackson gave an impressive solo voice and composition recital. For the 45-minute program, she prepared 14 songs, including one solo and three ensemble pieces of her own composition. Jeremiah Oliver accompanied as Achil sang her way through a variety of musical genres and styles, with songs themed around the sun, moon and stars. Fellow students Arlene Havlark and Barbara Leigh lent their voices to the recital for the duet and trios that Achil had composed, and the three blended beautifully on the final two a cappella pieces.

Congratulations to Achil on an outstanding achievement, and thanks to everyone who participated and attended!

(And yes, this post was an awesome excuse to share that clip.)

Recital wrap-up 6/20/09

Congratulations to Achil, Arlene, Donna and Taryn who were fantastic in Sunday's student recital! I received many compliments about the caliber of preparation and performance by everyone on the program, and I have to say I wholeheartedly agree. It was a real treat to sit back and watch the fruition of all your hard work, and everyone looked so comfortable onstage. Thanks again for your contribution to a lovely evening of music.

If you didn't sing this time but would like to in the future, here's your chance. Shawna and I are planning a joint studio recital for October, so start thinking about what you might like to sing. There will also be other performance and ensemble opportunities available this fall - stay tuned!

Duet recital postponed

Just a reminder that tonight's scheduled recital, Shawna and Kristen Sing Their Faces Off, has been postponed to August 8th at 7:30 pm, still at Music Center of the Northwest. We apologize for any inconvenience but promise you an amazing show in August!