Getting my life back...(for awhile)...

I've meant to post every weekend for the past month, and it hasn't happened.  Why?  Because life has been happening.


Some of the highlights:

New headshots/photos which are now on my photo page.


Workshop with C&J Casting.  I have to admit, I wasn't looking forward to it.  It was literally about the 5th workshop I'd been to in just over a month, and I was workshopped out.  However, Paige Johnston was a fabulous speaker and it ended up being very fun and informative.  I loved how "real" she was about what goes on behind the scenes - even if it's not what we want to hear.  I'd rather know the honest truth than hear fluffy fantasies.


Mariana is in the middle of her Wizard of Oz performances at Matthews Playhouse - she's got a matinée today and one tomorrow.  She is a little Poppie, and for her first role in a musical, it's probably just the right size for her.

I have one performance down and one to go with the Oratorio Singers of Charlotte as we sing an All Brahms concert with the Charlotte Symphony.  So far, it's gotten great reviews.  There is another performance tonight at 8PM, and I'm sure there are still tickets left!  Maestro Christopher Warren-Green, director of the Charlotte Symphony has also been asked to conduct the Royal Wedding at the end of this month, so it sort of makes me feel famous by association getting to sing under his direction.


I also did a day of filming on In the Interest of Justice with Flatshadow Productions.  We didn't get through everything we wanted to, but I'm really glad that the director and producers are going for quality over quantity of filming.  It may take us a little longer to get the film finished than what they had originally wanted, but I'd rather have a great movie that took awhile to put together than something we rushed through.

So, what's coming up for us?

Well, we're all (Mariana and I, and even Ernesto!) auditioning for Matthews Playhouse's production of The Sound of Music.

I am once again singing with the Chamber Singers (which is a smaller group from within the Oratorio Singers of Charlotte) in the Piccolo Spoleto festival in Charleston, SC Memorial Day weekend.  Last year was a blast, and I'm looking forward to this year.  Our program is "American Hi-Fi" and the music is all challenging, but really fun!  We'll be doing a free preview concert here in Charlotte, and I'll post details when I get them.

Other than that, we're not filming any scenes that either John or I are in, so no trips to Asheville this month.

I think we're going to keep it in low gear for a little while - unless something comes up...which usually happens. So...until the next big thing....

OSC

Today, I wanted to take the time to talk about a wonderful group that I've had the pleasure of being a part of for almost a year: Oratorio Singers of Charlotte (and Chamber Choir).  OSC is the official Choir of the Charlotte Symphony.  So far, we've done everything from Beethoven's 9th to Rachmaninoff's All Night Vespers to Haydn's The Creation.  Our current repertoire is Handel's The Messiah.

Being involved in this group has allowed me to grow in my musicianship.  I've always struggled at sightreading (it's one of the main reasons I never finished my music degree), and I feel like the constant sightreading required of the ensemble has really improved this skill 1000%.  I can pick up a new piece of music and feel confident that, while I still may not get every note right the first time, I will follow right along and confidently carry my part.  I've been slated in this choir as an Alto I, but have also stepped up and sang Soprano I when called on to do so for Holst's The Planets.  We also occasionally get asked to give the tenors a helping hand.  It's really served me well having a large vocal range (the D on the middle of the bass clef to the F above the treble staff).

One of the most amazing parts of this ensemble is its leader: Scott Allen Jarrett.  His ear for the slightest nuances is just spectacular and he always expects (and mostly receives) the highest level of musicianship the group he is directing is capable of performing.  He also has a way of explaining the history and style of a piece of music that really make you understand what the composer was attempting to do.  Another thing that really counts is that he takes time to personally get to know his singers.  In our 130+ member choir, he not only knows everyone's name, but their vocal quality and height (yes, that's important for placing everyone where everyone has a sightline).  I believe that he really makes the ensemble what it is.

So, if you've got nothing better to do (or even if you do - cancel your plans - you're not going to want to miss this), we are singing Handel's The Messiah this Thursday and next Tuesday at the Knight Theatre in uptown Charlotte.  It's definitely a great way to brighten your holiday season!