BACK TO BASICS-PRACTICE TOOLS

Whether you are a pro or beginner, it's crucial to have a strong foundation in the fundamentals of singing. Reviewing scales and intervals daily is a must. I have my voice students buy "SmartMusic" by the people who created "Finale". It's on about $25.00 a year, and is really helpful in the studio. More importantly, a student has specific, clear-cut exercise assignments each week, plus a number of songs to access, change key or tempo, take out the melody, and record their voice.

Recent Musicals

The last few weeks has been packed with summer musicals. I was really proud of my son Austin who has been performing and mentoring junior and high school kids at Western Washington University's production of Disney's "High School Musical".

Next on the last was Core Theatrics production of "Les Miserables". This was a large production, with some terrific performances. I was proud of my student Sophie. This girl has a future. Marianni, Cathy, and Heath did a terrific job.

The next night was "Grease", done by Bellevue Community College. These kids had such enthusiasm and I was proud to see my student Jaron grow as a dancer, as well as a singer.

I'm sorry I missed "Anyone Goes" done by Studio East, but I heard it was terrific. This past weekend, I saw "Hair", done by Seattle Children's Theater. This was a bold and ambitious production, with most of the cast on stage dancing and singing for the whole show. I was impressed with old friend Terrance Kelley's choreography and David Duvall's band. I was especially proud of my student Miranda who played the role of Chrissy. Last night which as closing night, she sang "Frank Mills". She sang like an angel and received one of the loudest, longest ovations I've heard from an audience in years. She will remember that for a long time.

Next on the agenda is to see "25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee" and Woodinville Repertory Theater's one-act plays.

So Many Events, So Little Time

Austin's 21st Birthday and celebrating with him performing in "High School Musical" up in Bellingham, seeing Sophie in "Les Miserables", Woodinville Repertory Theater one-acts... all this weekend. Next week is Miranda in "Hair" at Seattle Children's Theater, plus Robert and Liz' wedding, and celebrating Jordan's 23rd Birthday.

FESTIVAL PIX part one

http://www.edta.org/educational_events/Festival/coverage.aspx

Back in the Studio

The Festival was amazing, but incredibly tiring, since I started at 8 am daily and got to bed usually about 1:30 am. I will get around t.o adding video and pictures in the next day or so. Vocal exercise for today is to sing the word "SINGING". Always do the "prep" (line, lower, lift, loosen) and do this exercise "sih-----ng-ih----ng-ih----ng--ng---ng---ng by keeping the throat expanded but letting the back of the tongue touch the soft palate without closing the mouth.

Saturday night show "Urinetown" WOW!

Tonight was the last show of Festival. "Urinetown"... done by the Denver School for the Arts Theater Department. Jeez... Un..believable!! The voices...the acting...dancing..sets.. This show had no weak spots. I've seen many professional shows not done as well as this.
I have a renewed appreciation of how well-written this show is. The director brought out the incredible humor and irony. Theater people especially appreciate all the "subtle" references to "Les Miserables", "Annie", "West Side Story", "Fiddler On the Roof", "Baker's Dozen", and even the wheel-chair bit in "Dirty Rotten Scoundrels" (probably thrown in due to the fact that that show was done here at the Festival).
What a tremendous end to an amazing week. I had over 400 kids take my singing classes and I am as inspired as so many of these incredible kids. I have to hand it to the great, tireless, giving teachers who give up so much time and energy to help build the lives of the next generation. If this the next group of leaders, then we, and our planet, will be in good hands.

Last Day of Festival

Saturday morning. I just heard the finalists from all the state thespian winners perform solos, duets, group songs, mime, monologues, duo, and group scenes. These high school kids are unbelievably amazing! As in past years, some of these kids have gone on to Broadway and professional theater. What a wonderful experience for all the teens who get to come see and perform here at the International Thespian Festival. I love teaching here and getting to meet these terrific teachers and students! Tonight we get to see "Urinetown: the Musical". There were some great shows including "You're A Good Man, Charlie Brown", "Working", "Pippin", and "How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying", and there were more, including small productions in the afternoons. Unfortunately, I couldn't see these, since I had to teach my workshops every afternoon. BUT... I was so fortunate to work with so many amazing kids. WHAT A THRILL!