Ahmal and the Night Visitors by Mennotti

I recently received an email of the upcoming operas/auditions for the school year. On it was Ahmal and the Night Visitors by Mennotti. I was excited because it will be my 1st fully stage opera in which I have a possibility of singing a lead. My challenge arises in that the role is typically done by a messo-soprano. Although it is a possible for a soprano to sing the role there is nothing for a soprano to show off the higher register and soar. I am excited to learn the role however. Auditions are not until the middle of September but I have already begun studying to be ready. I have listened to recordings, watched tapes and DVDs, and borrowed a copy of the Vocal and Piano score to begin learning and reviewing the role. I am currently perfecting The Mothers aria All that Gold. It is coming along well. I'm determined to make this role mine.

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Work, Work, and More Work.....

It's been a while since I posted to this blog but I vow to make it more often. I think it was a result of my summer break until Grad School starts. I began my summer with the intent of doing nothing however nothing turned into a lot of work. I wanted to give my mind a break until I started teaching at NYU as well as beginning my own Masters of Music curriculum.

My summer became interesting around July. I received a call from Wynton Marsalis Enterprises @ Jazz at Lincoln Center so I went from trying to relax to a working girl. I was excited for the call because I remember learning and hearing about Wynton throughout my childhood. In fact I just only completed my History of Jazz course the fall of Senior year and now I get the pleasure of saying that I have worked for Wynton Marsalis. It was an odd and different experience. I have been a classically trained musician my entire life and can have conversations about classical music and opera in particular.

I learned a great deal about myself in this internship. I am MEANT to be a PERFORMER. I am very business minded and savvy. I can come up with the concept and ideas. It was great because I was able to experience Wynton the artist as well as the business man. His name is his business his brand and I am glad that I was afforded the opportunity so to understand how to build my business my brand in music.

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Georgia State University Production of Carmen

On April 23, 2010 I had the pleasure of going to see Carmen at the Rialto put on by Georgia State University School of Music.  The performance was a wonderful one.  The cast was diverse in regards to Undergraduate and Graduate Students.  On the night in which I attend the lead of Carmen was performed by a graduating Masters student.  The role of Carmen is very meaty, and the ability for the singer to provide the dark and rich colors of Carmen is important.  On this night the role was preformed by a contralto.  It would have been interesting to compare the following evening when a soprano would sing lead.

The performer however, that stole the show for me was a sophomore who sang the role of Micaela.  Her voice was rich and bright and filled every inch of the auditorium.  It was amazing to hear such a young singer perform that role with such clarity and precision.  The Don Jose had a beautiful tenor voice.  As he began the aria La fleur que tu m'avais jetée his voice expanded and as he approached the higher parts of his register I noticed similarities between his and Pavarotti.  I believe the best man was chosen for the role of Escamilo.  He was not only fully committed to the music but committed to the acting in which the role required.  Anytime his character arrived on the stage it was his show.  It is important that I noted this because his stage presence and acting made it easier for him to become Ecamillo naturally.  

Each of the singers has tremendous potential in having a professional career in opera.  In fact my favorite roles of the evening were Micaela, Don Jose, and Escamillo.  I enjoyed the opera at Georgia State University.  I believe that when I return to Atlanta for visits I will stop by to check out some other productions.

The Return of Daniel Washington to Spelman College

Daniel Washington is the Associate Dean for Minority Services and has appeared with much acclaim in opera, recitals, and oratorio mainly in Europe, but also in the United States. He has sung leading roles in such prestigious venues as the Royal Opera House Covent Garden (London), Opernhaus (Zurich), Staatsoper (Hamburg), Alte Oper (Frankfurt), Theater des Westens (Berlin), Teatro la Fenice (Venice), and most frequently at the Stadttheater in Luzern. He has also been engaged as soloist with orchestras such as the Royal Scottish National Orchestra, Bournemouth Symphony, Bavarian Radio Orchestra, London Symphony Orchestra, Berlin Philharmonic, Nord Deutsche Sinfonie, Musikverein Wien, and the Czech Philharmonic under such distinguished conductors as Bernard Haitink, Simon Rattle, Charles Mackeras, and John Nelson.

Professor Washington maintained a private voice teaching studio in Luzern from 1995 to 1998. As Associate Dean, he oversees minority peer counseling services.

"University of Michigan School of Music, Theater, and Dance; Faculty & Staff Biography"

No stranger to the Spelman College community Dean Daniel Washington of the University of Michigan School of Music, Theater, and Dance returned to Spelman College on February 10, 2010.  It was great to have him on campus once again.  I recall his visit to Spelman in Fall 2007 in which I had the opportunity to sing for him as a Sophomore in a Master Class.

Although, this is only the second time in which I met Mr. Washington, I feel as if I know him.  A former classmate of mine is currently a graduate student at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor.  Her desire to attend Michigan was to study with Shirley Verrett however, she is currently a member of his voice studio.  As a trusted colleague she and I share information as well as keep track of the happenings in each other lives and Mr. Washington has become a major part of her life.

His visit to Spelman this time was to share information about graduate school, in particularly the University of Michigan.  Mr. Washington spoke at the Spelman College Department of Music's weekly Music Seminar.  In this seminar Mr. Washington shared information on his career path, summer programs, and the various avenues of study in which a singer can take.  He also shared the importance of advocacy for the arts and music.  He stressed the importance of keeping an art form in which we are passionate about alive.  A student asked the question: "If I get a Masters of Music in Vocal Performance than what's my next step".  Mr. Washington's words were simple: "In this economy Opera is your best bet to focus on and study however, studying oratorio and song literature is equally important".

Mr. Washington stayed after to speak with students but he also attended the departments Pre-Valentines Day Honors Student Recital later that evening.  I was presented with the opportunity to sing for Mr. Washington yet again.  At the recital I preformed Jules Massenet's: Il est doux, il est bon (from Herodiade).  Upon completion of the recital Mr. Washington made a point to speak with me about my plans upon completion at Spelman.  I shared with his how I am interested in the University of Michigan however, that I would be returning to  New York City for graduate school in the fall.  Mr. Washington shared that if I ever change my mind to get in touch with him and that he would continue to be in touch with me as well as speak with my voice teacher.

I am quickly learning that the classical music world is quite a small place and that the networks and contacts that you make are extremely important.  I did not ask Mr. Washington a question in Music Seminar that day which he made sure to bring to my attention.  So now I charge myself to find a question in which I need his helping in answering and getting in touch with him immediately.

The Road Less Traveled: Liberal Arts College vs. Conservatory

  VS.

My journey began four years ago when I made the desicion to attend Spelman College.  I was determined to become a Spelman Woman but those around me who knew of my musical gifts thought otherwise.  Indeed the thought had crossed my mind to attend a Conservatory but I knew that I needed an educational experience that would prepare me for both the world of music and business.  All of my life I knew a Spelman Woman to unstoppable, the world is hers for the taking.  The names of prominent Black Woman that Spelman produced I was determined, better yet I knew, I was destined to be a Spelman Woman.  However, at times I do think what if I chose to go to a Conservatory.

The decision to attend an liberal arts institution or a conservatory has its pros and cons.

The pros of attending a liberal arts institution:

• A nurturing learning environment,
• Great individual attention,
• Strong support systems,
• "College life" (Greek, Sports, Dorm life),
• A more rounded educational experience,
• Less competition,
• More time to improve technique

The cons of attending a liberal arts institution:

• Less competition,
• Bachelors of Arts Degree as compared to a Bachelors of Music Degree,
• Less music courses than those in a conservatory,
• Sheltered environment

The pros of attending a conservatory:

• Name recognition,
• Bachelors of Music as compared to a Bachelors of Arts,
• Strict focus on music courses,
• More performances opportunities,
• More competitive environment

The cons of attending a conservatory:

• Limited educational experiences,
• More competitive environment,
• Less interaction with applied instrument instructors

Although I feel as if I could have thrived in either environment I felt that it was necessary for me to obtain my undergraduate degree at a liberal arts institution.  As stated earlier, I wanted to have the opportunity to explore and gain knowledge in my other areas of interest.  A liberal arts college was also best for me because it allowed me to focus on me.  It gave me time to grown into the young woman that I am today.  A woman passionate about a career in opera.  The experience also aided in improving my technique by providing me with the resources, time, and individuals dedicated to developing me in to becoming the best musician I can be.

I am thankful for my time in a liberal arts program.  It has made me ready to jump into the world wind that is music.  I am more sure of myself than ever which is what you need to be in order to survive in the music in particularly the classical music industry.

Daniel Washington Spelman College Recital 2007

On October 29, 2007, Daniel Washington, Bass-Baritone and Associate Dean of the University of Michigan School of Music, was presented at Spelman College as a Guest Artist. The following day he held a Maser Class and luncheon in which he gave advice to students in regards to the search for graduate school and programs to participate in for those interested in a career in music. 

I have always shared my dislike for singing German however Mr. Washington made it easy. Rather than paying attention to consonants, he elongated vowels to make the pieces legato and beautiful. After the Intermission he began to sing English African American Art Songs and Spirituals. His transitions to the new styles were fluid. While sing Crucifixion arranged by Moses Hogan his diction was very precise so that the listener heard each consonant and vowel in the piece. 

The following day, at the Master class a few students from both Spelman and Morehouse sang for Mr. Washington. I sang the selection “Is There Anybody Here” arranged by Roland Carter. Once I completed the selection Mr. Washington complemented on my diction and then proceeded to ask if I was scared of my voice. While singing, Mrs., Robinson shared with him that this is the year I am willing to finding my voice. As I think back it is not that I was afraid of my voice but that I am becoming more willing to using my voice than I had been in the past. The experience of Mr. Washington on campus left me with a lot to think about in terms of my own music and where I want to take it.

Post-Grad School Audition Review

My graduate school audition went GREAT!!!  I came prepared with my pieces to sing however, I only preformed two of them, my French aria and English piece.  We discussed meeting with voice teachers and having a sample lesson with some once I am available.  I am so excited.  It is such a wonderful feeling to be able to say that I am going to GRADUATE SCHOOL.  I will be working on a Masters of Music next school year in a city that I love dearly.

Now the next question is money and how am I going to pay for graduate school.  I have applied for a fellowship and scholarships at the school however; there are scholarships available for the audition process.  I made a point of asking about scholarships and available funds to pay for my program.

I had worked myself up into a nervous energy about the sight-singing and verbal theory test but it all turned out in my favor.  I cannot wait until I receive official notification from the school.  This is a huge catapult in my development and in my goals of becoming a successful Opera Singer.

Graduate School Audition Preparation

My first graduate school audition is this coming Saturday.  I am excited because it is at my first choice school.  I will be heading back home to New York City for graduate school.  In preparation for my auditions, I have been practicing constantly with my accompanist.  I love him to death.  I think he is the greatest and we work wonderfully together.

Friday of last week, I had declared that I would be going on vocal rest for the week.  The only times in which I would permit myself to sing would be in my voice lessons and in my accompaniment sessions.  However, God gave me a huge operatic voice.  I had shared with the Glee Club Director that I would be on vocal rest for my auditions.  When he needed to hear a part in rehearsal, I had to jump in and sing.  Hey, that's the life of an opera singer.

My accompanist and I practiced yesterday. He feels that I am more than ready.  I feel ready and I am very confident in the material in which I will be performing.  My audition selections are in the order I wish to perform:  Il est doux, il est bon (from Herodiade) by Massenet; Deh, pietoso oh Addolorata by Verdi; Meine Liebe Ist Grun by Brahms; and lastly He's Got the Whole World in His Hands arranged by Margaret Bond.

My audition is Saturday, mid-afternoon.  I have plenty of time to warm up and get the voice ready. I have to get the ready to go to sound as if I am performing a Verdi or Puccini opera, which is no problem because I love them both to death and they fit my voice perfectly.  A friend of mine is also auditioning at the school but his audition is late afternoon, early evening.

I will update you all once I have completed my audition.  Sight singing is involved.  I have become much better at sight singing through my involvement in various ensembles.

WISH ME LUCK!!!!!!

P.S.  When I arrive in New York on Friday, I am going dress shopping for my Senior Recital.  I'm so excited!!!

Did I tell you all I'm singing with the Atlanta Opera this semester!!!! We are working on the production Aida. My first professional Opera experience. YAY!!!