The challenging part of vocal coaching is getting singers to understand the feeling of vocal placement for their particular voice. It’s common at some point to show a vocalist an actual anatomy picture of the throat and muscles involved in vocal production. After that, it’s a mind game to have them understand the nuance of their own instrument.
One way to have singers bring the sound forward is to have them push out with their hands slowly while they are singing. It will look something like water aerobics – a bit silly looking and awkward. But I’ve heard this work well with individuals and especially in larger vocal ensembles. Just in bringing the hands forward I would estimate a 30% increase in overall volume without degradation of tone.
With a vocalist recently we tried this excercise but it wasn’t producing the desired effect. So I had them actually walk forward slowly while singing several phrases. For this particular vocalist it did the trick. The lightbulb went off in their head and they were very excited to feel the difference in bringing the sound forward.
Often I have heard a vocalist who is singing individual notes, but not driving through the end of a phrase. It’s as if they are sitting complacently on each note. The hand and walking excersises prove useful in getting a vocalist to visualize the forward motion of a phrase.
When a vocal phrase is “given up on” before it’s completion, it’s not very interesting to listen to. Why should the listener be engaged if the vocalist is not interested in the phrase? By singing through with intent to the very last note of a phrase, the listener is engaged in what is happening.
The walking forward is nothing I have ever read about – but came about because of a related idea I keep in mind. If you are instructing someone and they are not fully grasping the thought then you have two basic approaches: you can keep repeating the same information until they get it, or you can find a new way to explain the concept. I have found that finding a new analogy or explanation is infinitely more productive. I’ve slowly made it a habit. The reward is seeing the lightbulb shine in someone’s eyes; yes, they’ve got it!
And the thought that drives the creation of different examples is this: Know the final outcome you want. Chances are there are many varied roads to get there. Just pick one.
Someone told me a couple days ago that they enjoyed this website here, especially all the insights into musical theater. Then they asked me “Is that what a blog is?”. I kind of bristled at this being called a blog. I do not write about cats. I write about all the very important issues of art, theology and science. But remembering my recent post on humility, I had to say “Yes, it’s a blog.” Of course with the qualifier that it’s really a repository for all the information I find while working on certain projects. That’s what I like to believe anyway.
What I enjoy most about about dynamic article based sites (web logs, or “blogs”) is the ability to archive information quickly while it’s on my mind. As soon as one project is finished the information is forgotten and I move on to the next. This site has been a great way to make that information available to others.
H. G. Wells, at the end of the 19th century, wrote about the need for a “world brain trust”. A place where all the knowledge in the world would be accessible by everyone at any time. Many consider this the first concept of what the internet is becoming. Blogs are part of the brain trust. When I need specific info on a small niche area, I usually find it now on a blog. And many narrow niche arrows I have written about, others use me as a reference.
I have run thousands of websites in the past and generated a lot of income on the web. But it’s only in the last year (with an active blog) that I have felt part of the global web team. Part of a team in that I now create information for others to an equal degree that I take information FROM others for my own use.
I haven’t heard many people talk about this, but the world is changing at a lightning speed in it’s understanding of many things. A “tipping point” is happening in areas of thought where in the past not all information was available to all people. Many myths are being exposed for what they are; mostly due to more information being available to study and compare.
To me, this is the most important event in my lifetime, and perhaps the most important of the last two thousand years. Do not underestimate the far reaching effects of this. Realize a great portion of the world is being re-educated in many areas all at the same time. I am sad that I will not be around in a hundred years to witness what new generations accomplish with all the global paradigm shifts in thinking currently taking place.
My contribution to further encourage this interchange was to equip my forum communities each with their own blogs on niche subjects. In addition to this website, we currently have about 100 community blogs running so each group can make their own information readily available. I will be expanding more on this in the coming year.
So, blog stats: This blog is currently in the top 60,000 blogs worldwide on technorati, has blocked over 6,000 spam messages and receives around 30,000 page views a month. Most popular subjects on my blog are translations of Latin text to English in classical music, information on Disney’s High School Musical, and some of my posts on how to fix particular problems with computer peripherals.
What the world is interested in hearing from me are not the subject matters I most passionately speak about. But that’s a lesson in itself too. And yes, this is my official self indulgent “bloggy cat-type post”.
I have received many questions about the proper use of various Ave Maria songs during Catholic church services and weddings. Not being Catholic, I am an inappropriate resource to provide specific and accurate information. However, a reader today kindly submitted detailed musical and theological information that applies specifically to the Ave Maria lyrics in a Catholic setting.
Humility does not mean thinking less of yourself than of other people, nor does it mean having a low opinion of your own gifts. It means freedom from thinking about yourself at all.
~William Temple
A man wrapped up in himself makes a very small bundle.
~Benjamin Franklin
It is far more impressive when others discover your good qualities without your help.
–Unknown
From The Art of Being Humble by Gemcee on RapDogs.com
Doesn’t it seem like there’s always so much to do and so little time to do it in? Before I left for Cirque Du Soleil it seemed like there was a million and one things to do. I was sitting here thinking about all the things I wanted to do but never got around to it before I left.
For instance here’s one thing. My sister has these cute cuddly pets and their just adorable. In typical boring blog fashion – here is a picture of her cat “Snickers”.
Mmm…I think I can find a better photo of snickers. Wait, here’s one from one of her photo shoots – in this shot she’s doing her trademark “Blue Steel” pose:
This will all make sense in a minute, just stay with me. So then my sister also has a dog called “Ginger”. You should know that Ginger pees all over the place and eats her own poop. If you don’t believe me come on over and smell her breath.
So here’s a picture of Ginger:
So one day I was sitting there and neither pet would come when I called them. I think they were out finding poop to eat or something. Then I happened to glance at her microwave and I had an idea…
That’s what I mean. So much to do, so little time.
High School Musical Part Two begins production soon. The movie is slated to begin production in Utah on February 19th, 2007.
On February 9th, it was reported that three of the cast members are holding out for a more lucrative contract. The actors reported to be involved in the dispute are Ashley Tisdale, Corbin Bleu and Vanessa Anne Hudgens. Disney Channel representatives claimed rehearsals would begin on schedule at the end of February.
HSM 2 PLOT
To stay together as a team during the summer, the East High Wildcats get jobs at the Evans’ country club as caddies, bus boys, and cooks. Every year the country club puts on a show in which all the club members and employees put on their own acts. Sharpay unites the club members, while the basketball team organizes the employees.
The producer, Bill Borden, has confirmed that Troy will kiss Gabriella, and that there will be a musical number that occurs at the swimming pool.
PLANNED CREDITS
Directed by Kenny Ortega
Produced by Bill Borden
Written by Peter Barsocchini
Starring Zac Efron, Vanessa Anne Hudgens, Ashley Tisdale, Lucas Grabeel, Corbin Bleu, Monique Coleman
Distributed by Disney Channel
Planned Release date August 17, 2007
Preceded by High School Musical
Followed by Haunted High School Musical
Richard O’Brien’s Rocky Horror Show music score calls for Piano/Conductor’s Score, Synthesizer, Bb Tenor Saxophone, Guitar, Bass Guitar, Drums. Having not received the scores yet, I am not clear yet whether the Bb Tenor Saxophone part is only played by a character or played throughout.
NEW RHS BROADWAY SOUNDTRACK RECORDING
The Rocky Horror Show – The New Broadway Cast Recording (RCA Victor 2001) – More than 25 years after the “Time Warp” The Rocky Horror Show returns to Broadway.
The new cast recording is a fresh serving of 70’s hedonism and raunch, with such songs as “I Can Make You a Man,” “Science Fiction Double Feature,” and “Damn It, Janet.”
Rocky Horror ShowThe Rocky Horror Show started on stage in London, flopped on Broadway, then was reborn in the 1975 cult film. With memorable characters including the super-square Brad Majors, his virginal fiancee, Janet Weiss, and Dr. Frank N. Furter, Rocky Horror is as much a part of 70’s rock history as Led Zeppelin.
The hit production reopened in November 2000, and includes Alice Rippley as Janet Weiss, Tom Hewitt as Frank N. Furter (the role made famous by Tim Curry) and Jarrod Emick as Brad Majors. Also appearing is Dick Cavett.
Rocky Horror ShowThe soundtrack was recorded on March 12, 2001, at Clinton Recording Studio A in New York City, with a band that included Henry Aronson as conductor and keyboardist, Jon Korba on synthesizer, Clint de Ganon on drums, Irio O’Farrill, Jr. on bass, John Benthal on guitar, and Lou Marini on saxophone.
If you’ve never seen The Rocky Horror Show, then get acquainted with the new Broadway cast recording.
High School Musical rehearsal schedule for musicians can be found here: HSM Musician Rehearsal Schedule. HSM musicians please visit that page for updates and musician-specific info. Still need two guitars and latin percussion. If you play either of these instruments and have contacted me, please email me again.
Would also still like two marching Sousaphones and a 4 team drum line for a couple numbers.
Note: These notes reflect how I approach the audition process. It may not be universal protocol, but has been consistent for all shows I have worked on.
A couple people have asked me why I didn’t cast certain individuals in different roles. This might be a good time to explain the casting process to eliminate some confusion. It’s important to note that as MD (music director) I do not directly cast parts, I only make recommendations for casting.
Directors are the ones that cast roles. Directors have the vision for a show and all other personnel work to make that vision a reality. When I work on a show as MD (music director), everything I do is intended to be approved by the director before I do it. My entire focus is to bring what I see needs to be done with music in so far as it aligns with the Director’s vision.
During the audition process my job (as music director) is to field candidates that have the technical ability to perform each individual role. I give my list of role possibilities to the director. This is the list the Director has to choose from for casting certain roles. The ultimate decision is up to the Director. Often the Director will have specific questions about some people on the list or ask me to look more closely at additional auditioners that are not on my lists.
A Director is in no way obliged to work only from my lists – but in a good working relationship it is hoped that the Director will take considerations from the MD with heavy weight.
Before auditions I chart out the range of each role and have a feel for the style needed for each part. During auditions I am checking projection, timbre (tone quality) and range to field for different parts. Often I will ask auditioners to sing additional bits to check ranges needed for a specific part.
My considerations in making these lists is only musical. The Director is the one who has the vision as to what chemistry will work best for each part. Often the casting of one part will be co-dependent on the casting of another if the characters interact as a pair.
The reason I am posting this is that I have recently seen a few people give up tremendous opportunities because of what I think is their inaccurate perception of the casting process. Not being cast for a specific role is not a reflection on an individual’s ability, it is just a reflection of that particular audition for that particular role at that time and how those elements fit into the Director’s overall vision. Please read that last sentence again, it’s important to understand.
Although I would like to, it does not seem proper for me to approach these individuals and have them be privy to the entire selection process – which is gruelling for all directors.
My one point I want to relay in this post is this: Throw your hat in the ring as much as you can and with your best work at all times. Do not give in to thoughts that are negative or make you question your drive and talents. Do not take things personal and know that all of us want you to do your best.
I hope this message reaches the right ears, and that others in various productions can extract some inspiration and guidance from this.
Suggested Films for Dracula Projects. I highly recommend the newer Masterpiece Theater presentation of Dracula from PBS. Very nice contrast by the Dracula actor between the old and young Dracula parts.
Dracula Films
Nosferatu, Eine Symphonie des Grayens (The Undead, a Symphony of Horror) (1922)
Directed by F.W. Murnau. A silent classic of the German expressionist cinema. Believed to be the first vampire film. Based loosely on Bram Stoker’s novel.
Nosferatu, Phantom der Nacht (The Undead, Phantom of the Night) (1979)
Directed by Werner Herzog. German remake of the original vampire film. Starring Klaus Kinski.
Dracula (1931)
Directed by Tod Browning and starring Bela Lugosi. Classic by Universal Studios, also responsible for the famous Frankenstein movies of the 1930s and ’40s. Based on the Deane/Balderston play, the film transforms Dracula into a type of suave, continental lover.
Horror of Dracula (1958)
Directed by Terence Fisher. Starring Christopher Lee (Dracula) and Peter Cushing (Van Helsing). The first of the Hammer horror series of Dracula films. Loosely based on Stoker’s novel.
El Conde Dracula (1970)
Spanish version directed by Jesus Franco and based fairly closely on Stoker’s novel. Stars Christopher Lee (Dracula). Franco portrays the Dracula story as a confrontation between youth and age.
Love at First Bite (197 )
Stars George Hamilton (Dracula). Parody of the Dracula legend. Dracula enters the Disco Age to pursue the reincarnation of his lost love. A dancing Dracula??
Dracula* (1973)
Made-for-television movie directed by Dan Curtis. Starring Jack Palance (Dracula) and Nigel Davenport (Van Helsing). Gives more sympathetic portrayal of Dracula as a noble warrior yearning for his lost love.
Dracula (1977)
BBC/PBS miniseries directed by Philip Saville and starring Louis Jourdan. More faithful to Stoker’s novel than previous versions. Filmed on location at Whitby.
Dracula (1979)
Set at the beginning of the twentieth century. Dracula is portrayed as a romantic, dashing hero/villain; Lucy is a sexually liberated woman who is Dracula’s perfect mate. Directed by John Badham. Starring Frank Langella (Dracula), Laurence Olivier (Van Helsing), and Kate Nelligan (Lucy).
Bram Stoker’s Dracula* (1992)
Very faithful to the novel, except for the inclusion of a love story between Dracula and Mina; Mina is the reincarnation on of Dracula’s lost love. The love story transforms Dracula from the Satanic to the Byronic hero type. Directed by Francis Ford Coppola. Starring Gary Oldman (Dracula), Wynona Ryder (Mina), and Anthony Hopkins (Van Helsing).
Dracula, Dead and Loving It (1997)
Parody of Dracula written and directed by Mel Brooks (Young Frankenstein). Lacks the brilliance of Brooks’ attempt at the Frankenstein legend. Stars Leslie Nielsen (Dracula) and Mel Brooks (Van Helsing).
Dracula 2000 (December, 2000)
Update of the Dracula story produced by horror master Wes Craven. Check out the trailer.
Related Vampire Films
Vampire Hunter D (1985)
A classic of Japanese animation. The story is imaginative, if bizarre. When the ancient vampire Count Lee plans to claim a village maiden as his bride, the mysterious vampire hunter known as “D” sets out to rescue her. Although Japanese, the film has strong similarities to American Westerns. It also features the theme of human duality that is central to Stoker’s novel. Contains scenes of graphic violence.
Dark Shadows (1966-1971)
An ABC Gothic soap opera recounting the adventures of the vampire Barnabas Collins. Episodes of the television series and two spin-off movies, House of Dark Shadows (1970) and Night of Dark Shadows (1971), are available on video.
Dark Shadows (1991)
Revival of the old television series. Stars Ben Cross as Barnabas Collins.
The Night Stalker (1971)
In this made-for-television movie, an eccentric Los Vegas reporter investigates a series of murders that he believes were committed by a vampire. A major influence on the later X-Files TV series. Stars Darren McGavin.
Salem’s Lot (1979)
Television mini-series (a shorter movie version is also available) of Stephen King’s horror novel . An ancient vampire attempts to take over the town of Salem. Stars David Soul and James Mason.
The Lost Boys (1987)
When two boys move to California, they become involved with a dangerous gang of teenage biker vampires. Stars Kiefer Sutherland and Diane Wiest.
Nick Knight (1989)
Made-for-television movie about a vampire who has become a Los Angeles police detective. He investigates a series of murders in which the victims were drained of blood.
Forever Knight (1992-93)
Television series based on the Nick Knight movie. While trying to recover his mortal nature, the vampire Nick Knight decides to serve humanity as a crime-fighting cop.
Interview With the Vampire (1994)
Film version of Anne Rice’s novel about a young vampire coming to terms with his new vampire nature. The three main characters, Louis, Lestat, and Claudia, make interesting comparisons to Dracula. Louis and Lestat can also be compared as Byronic (Louis) and Satanic (Lestat) heroes. Stars Brad Pitt (Louis), Tom Cruise (Lestat), and Kirsten Dunst (Claudia).
