I admire...

I really admire Maria Callas (see above). While opera may not be your type of music, large numbers of people would probably agree that Callas is the ultimate example of a world class diva soprano. Its hard to believe that a voice like that comes from such a tiny frame of a woman. Maria Callas has a very interesting (and perhaps sad) story so if any of you are extra interested in her, look her up. I really like a few things about Maria Callas including:
1. her effortless breathing through really tricky and long phrases (my weakness!)
2. her expression
3. her vibrato spin (not too fast, not too slow or boring)
4. her vowel placement (nice and open and long)
5. her dark tone quality (this aria is often too "brassy")
6. her overall classiness

Who do you admire as a singer? (Anyone, dead or alive, current or retired)... What specific things do you admire about their singing? (I don't mean their lyrics or their "beats)-- what do you actually like about them vocally?

Tri-M info

A couple people have asked when our first Tri-M meeting will be and I think we have finally got a consistant day that will not interfere with TOO much other stuff (class meetings, other honor societies, etc.) Kevin has been nice enough to type up a schedule which you can find on the Tri-M blog, or you can look in the Upcoming Dates section of MY blog (but its not as pretty looking). Basically, our meetings will be on the second Tuesday of every month. That puts our first meeting at October 14th. As part of our agenda, we will be asking to see if officers would like to keep their title. If any officer does NOT want to keep their title, we will vote on NEW officers so its really important that you be there. Other topics will be tapping, the Tri-M induction concert, induction night, fundraising, and etc. See you all there on October 14th in the music room! :)


CHORUS: if you are looking for your homework, its the post UNDER this one!! :) One more day til its due! Snaps!

Feedback please!

Chorus!
Take a couple minutes and let me know what you think about the progress we have made so far this year. What do you think of "sectionals"? Are they helping and do you find sectional work better than sitting quietly while another section is working with me? What do you wish we didn't do in chorus? What do you wish we did/did more of? And finally, what is your goal for this year in chorus?

Hmmm...

Let's remember this video when Amy from Las Pinas City's parents are trying to figure out why their daughter can't speak by age 8. Videos like these remind me why I teach 6 year olds to sing properly (and act their age).

Here's another!

Here's another video you can use as a practice resource of some sort if you have any sort of trouble with finding your notes still when you are outside of chorus class. Not the BEST quality performance at all, but not entirely horrible either. However, it is the best one I could find! Note differences in tone quality and energy especially between this chorus and ours. Please don't try to emulate this chorus, just use it for timing/notes when practicing on your own. :)

Double Trouble recording

Here is the recording of Double Trouble that I played for you guys in class today just in case you wanted to refer to it when practicing your part. Plus now you have something to watch to associate the song with if you are unfamiliar with either Harry Potter or Macbeth Have fun!

Afterschool Chorus

Hi everyone,

A lot of people have asked me when AFTER SCHOOL CHORUS will begin. I'd like to start next week but things are a little crazy afterschool...We WILL begin on Monday, September 15th. I'll either be in the auditorium or the music room, so check both places for me! I hope to see all the people from chorus last year who couldn't get chorus into their schedule. Also, any new faces are always welcome (bring friends!)
See you there!

Chorus, mark your calendars!

Just a reminder to mark the following date on your calendar:

October 19th, Time TBA: Wheaton Community Day
We will be singing 3 songs and will also be joined by the NMS 7th and 8th grade chorus for 3 of their own songs.

I'm really excited with chorus this year and I'm so happy all of you decided to join chorus whether you are coming back or brand new. Now let's get some stuff done!