Monday, October 29, 2007
"Enjoying a Busy* Performance Schedule"
*Every singer wants to have a "busy performance schedule". Let me just take a moment to explain the difference between "busy" and "hectic". To be busy is to have a show and then to take a week or two off before having another show, possibly having a recital or concert in between or even during the rehearsal times. To other emerging professionals out there, heed this advice: "Stop there". That is all. Just stop, do not schedule more things. It may not seem like you have a lot scheduled, but when it comes around you will understand.
I made the mistake of signing up for a vocal competition during these performances of La Boheme/L'amico Fritz. The week after the Boheme and Fritz shows are done, I have the Boston Singers Resource select auditions. Then 2 weeks later I have the performances of Rigoletto in which I will be singing Borsa. During all of this I am juggling rehearsals for the Opera Scenes program at Gordon College. I would define this type of schedule as "hectic". To me it does not look too crazy. In practice however, it is. Trying to prepare arias for a competition and an audition while having rehearsals for 5 different roles and performing shows for 2 of those roles is difficult. I am not saying that I do not or will not enjoy these next crazy 5 weeks, just that is will be a bit more stressful and tiring on my voice then I am use to. I still intend on singing well enough to make it to the finals of the competition this weekend. Even though that would mean singing the finals and then driving straight to the performance of La Boheme/L'amico Fritz. Needless to say, I will be tired.
Speaking of the Boheme and Fritz, we are halfway through the performances of that now. Last night saw a slight dip in attendance (about half the numbers of opening night, no doubt caused by), but they were very responsive and enjoyed the show thoroughly. This is my first experience with the level of singing all in one night. It is definitely difficult to sing and after the show is over my voice is tired. Not so tired that I have to take a week off from singing, just a day or so. This is definitely helping with my stamina though, as last night I was not nearly as tired as opening night.
While I suggest having a busy schedule for you other emerging professionals, I recommend not going overboard too often. I have been performing and rehearsing every weekend since I got married this summer and it is not easy. It is fun yes, but you have to give yourself a rest. Learn from my situation and make sure to give yourself some room to breathe because you may not think so, but when the time comes you will be very glad that you have that brief respite.
- Gregory -
I made the mistake of signing up for a vocal competition during these performances of La Boheme/L'amico Fritz. The week after the Boheme and Fritz shows are done, I have the Boston Singers Resource select auditions. Then 2 weeks later I have the performances of Rigoletto in which I will be singing Borsa. During all of this I am juggling rehearsals for the Opera Scenes program at Gordon College. I would define this type of schedule as "hectic". To me it does not look too crazy. In practice however, it is. Trying to prepare arias for a competition and an audition while having rehearsals for 5 different roles and performing shows for 2 of those roles is difficult. I am not saying that I do not or will not enjoy these next crazy 5 weeks, just that is will be a bit more stressful and tiring on my voice then I am use to. I still intend on singing well enough to make it to the finals of the competition this weekend. Even though that would mean singing the finals and then driving straight to the performance of La Boheme/L'amico Fritz. Needless to say, I will be tired.
Speaking of the Boheme and Fritz, we are halfway through the performances of that now. Last night saw a slight dip in attendance (about half the numbers of opening night, no doubt caused by), but they were very responsive and enjoyed the show thoroughly. This is my first experience with the level of singing all in one night. It is definitely difficult to sing and after the show is over my voice is tired. Not so tired that I have to take a week off from singing, just a day or so. This is definitely helping with my stamina though, as last night I was not nearly as tired as opening night.
While I suggest having a busy schedule for you other emerging professionals, I recommend not going overboard too often. I have been performing and rehearsing every weekend since I got married this summer and it is not easy. It is fun yes, but you have to give yourself a rest. Learn from my situation and make sure to give yourself some room to breathe because you may not think so, but when the time comes you will be very glad that you have that brief respite.
- Gregory -
Comments:
I thought the Boheme thing was over - do you have another performance? Tell me because if I can come I would love to hear you sing - and Nathan would too.
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