UAB Voice & Opera

Voice recital this Thursday

2012-01-31T18:46:00.003-06:00

Voice students, there is a guest recital this Thursday night in the Alys that would function very well as a "make up" recital for those who missed Friday or will miss one of the recitals this semester due to class conflicts. Soprano Jeanine DeBique will perform in the recital hall at 7pm Thursday, and all student tickets are $10. Show me the program afterward and you'll get credit for attending! You can read more about her here.

Choir room

2012-01-31T11:57:00.002-06:00

Today right after choir, folks that are not in the opera will be moving the risers out of the way. Folks that ARE in the opera should go immediately to the loading dock to get props out of the music van. We'll be able to keep these in the choir room. No more schlepping back and forth from my office!

NATS forms due Thursday

2012-01-30T19:10:00.002-06:00

NATS forms and payment are due into my hands before I leave campus at 6:30pm on Thursday. I'll be mailing them Friday morning BEFORE I come to campus! See me with any questions regarding repertoire. Guidelines are here: for your repertoire requirement, click on Southeastern_Regional_NATS_Guidelines_for_Alabama_Chapter_1_.doc.

Man of La Mancha rehearsal canceled today

2012-01-29T10:56:00.002-06:00

Folks, I've been sick since Saturday morning, and you don't want me around you. Three hours in the emergency room is not something I want to pass around. NO rehearsal today.

Plan to use the time you would have spent in rehearsal to brush up on anything tricky, though: get comfortable with your lines so there is no stumbling over words or lagging on pickups, work out any musical issues (email Ksusha at kseniia@uab.edu if you want to work with her today), and explore your character. Use the time productively so we start from a strong place on Tuesday. I hope to be up and running by then.

TODAY: master class and recital!

2012-01-24T22:37:00.007-06:00

Abra K. Bush and Philip Everingham will give a master class on Friday, January 27 at 12:20 in Hulsey Recital Hall, and recital in the same space that evening at 7:30. Read more about them here, and be there for these two events, brought to you by USGA, UAB SNATS, and The Department of Music. Dr. Bush is a wonderful soprano, and Dr. Everingham is a glorious accompanist. This is a great opportunity to learn from them.

Syllabi and required attendance

2012-01-21T14:17:00.003-06:00

Voice and opera folks, all syllabi, which include required performance attendance, are on this blog. Rather than handing out paper versions, I posted everything here some time ago. Feel free to save them onto your own computers. Thanks!

Minnesota Opera

2012-01-19T13:26:00.002-06:00

Minnesota Opera just appointed a new music director, the wonderful Michael Christie. Read about it here.

Next year: opera in the fall

2012-01-19T08:49:00.001-06:00

Next year's full opera production will be in the fall. We will load into Sirote on October 22 and our performances will run November 15-17. That's nearly four weeks in the theatre! Opera title to be announced in May.

MOLM cast

2012-01-16T08:52:00.002-06:00

Remember to check the blog daily! I've re-worked tomorrow's schedule to reflect what we accomplished last week and to incorporate our new cast member, Brett. Be sure to welcome him tomorrow, and enjoy your day off! Happy MLK Day: take time to remember that incredible man.

Google calendar, take two

2012-01-12T08:14:00.002-06:00

I think I fixed the Google calendar. Someone try it and email me that it is indeed now readable! My apologies for a techie goof.

How to read the Google calendar

2012-01-11T15:29:00.003-06:00

Hi folks, if you don't know how to access the information in the Google calendar below, here it is: be sure you click on the "+Google calendar" icon in the lower right hand corner of the calendar. Then everything should be accessible to you! Contact me if that doesn't work. A few of you have had problems, and while I haven't changed any calendar settings from previous years, I'll need to know if it's causing issues for you. Thanks!

Performance Class Schedule

2012-01-09T18:52:00.002-06:00

Following is the Performance Class schedule for spring 2012:

January 13: no class

January 20: first singing class; memorization techniques

January 27: Guest master class with Abra Thomas and Philip Everingham

February 2: class

February 10: class

February 17: NATS (no class)

February 24: class

March 2: class

March 9: class

March 16: no class (Man of La Mancha matinee)

March 30: class

April 6: class

April 13: Dr. Cho runs class (all attend)

April 20: Studio Voice Recital dress rehearsal

April 27: last class

Lesson Schedule

2012-01-08T15:08:00.012-06:00

WELCOME BACK! Here is the revised schedule. We'll proceed with this at least for the first week, and it may change again, so keep checking. Lessons have BEGUN: be sure you are registered. Please note the new class times: this is due to the new university schedule, which allows more passing time in between classes. Please also remember that this Wednesday, Convocation is required for EVERYONE in the studio, regardless if you are finished with PA requirements. Here are your times:

MONDAY
Callie 11:15-12:05
Brad 12:20-1:10
Jake 1:25-2:15

TUESDAY
Shane 11-11:50
Charles 12:55-1:45

WEDNESDAY
EmKay 10:10-11
Ariel 11:15-12:05
Valencia 1:25-2:15

FRIDAY
Jen 11:15-11:45
Michala 11:45-12:15
PERFORMANCE CLASS 12:20-1:10

Please let me know immediately if there are any problems with the time I have assigned you.

Schedules

2012-01-02T15:41:00.002-06:00

Darling students, I hope you've had a great break. Mine was fantastic, though it's sadly ending before yours. I need your schedules by Wednesday, as I'll be at a convention through Sunday and lessons begin a week from today. PLEASE send me whatever you have by WEDNESDAY morning, even if you don't know every detail, just so I can schedule lessons for the first week. Please be ready to sing the first day of class. Looking forward to seeing you and hearing you again. Happy New Year!

MOLM scripts and scores are IN!

2011-12-28T10:33:00.004-06:00

You may sign out your copies in the main music office during business hours. BE SURE TO ONLY MARK these in pencil. No ink or highlighters, as they are rentals. Thanks, and enjoy!

Man of La Mancha

2011-12-22T18:50:00.002-06:00

Check your email for information regarding music and scripts! Our first rehearsal on Tuesday, January 10 will be a full read-through and sing-through of the show. Be prepared to show your best and enjoy the ride.

Happy Holidays, all!

More info on Diction class

2011-12-21T09:11:00.005-06:00

Folks, Diction will meet on Wednesday and Friday from 1:25 to 2:15 pm, most likely in HC 307 (room to be confirmed after January 3). Please also reserve the same time on Monday for occasional "catch-up" class meetings. This is the "1F" time block. We will register students via "Independent Study," and Dr. Irving will be the "instructor of record." Don't be thrown by this whe you register: Dr. Cho will teach the class.

Class information: MU 399-00B, Independent Studies (CRN 32587), 2 semester hours of credit.

Spring Voice Lessons

2011-12-19T15:29:00.003-06:00

Folks, it's that time: please email me your schedule for the spring so I may set voice lesson times. Lessons will begin Monday, January 9. I believe all of us talked about repertoire you should have prepared for your first lesson: if you are at all confused or uncertain, please email me.

If you have not registered for lessons yet, please do so ASAP. I have cleared all of you to register. If you have any trouble registering, email me with your B00 and I will clear you again.

Happy Holidays!

Opera Folks, You are WONDERFUL!

2011-12-14T17:18:00.002-06:00

I was so proud of you today, and to be able to be with you one last time. You had me all choked up. Thank you for your beautiful singing, your collaborative spirit, and for giving your time during this finals week. You are loved and appreciated...even if you didn't want to go to YoMo. ;-)

The following is from Dr. Panion, who arranged our appearance at the Rotary. Enjoy!

Kristine, just let me take this opportunity to tell you that I have never been more proud of our students than I was today. The performance was simply stellar. It was so captivating. To see that crowd, one that is not shy to walking out on a presenter and back to their businesses, stay for the entire performance and to hear the many, many comments praising the production...and you were simply priceless. All I can say is "I remember when" we simply didn't have enough quality musicians in our program to come close to being able to make such a presentation. But to see what you have been able to do at such a high level really makes me proud to be associated with our program. Please express my thanks to all the students who sacrificed their time and stayed around. I believe it will pay big dividends. Happy Holidays!

Tomorrow at the Harbert Center

2011-12-13T14:49:00.003-06:00

Folks, I just returned from meeting with the wonderful folks at the Harbert Center (click here for directions if you've forgotten):

Please get there by 10am. Folks with finals, come ASAP, as we'll need to run a few things in the space, much as we did at Southside.
Park across the street in the parking deck and BRING YOUR TICKET INSIDE the Harbert Center for them to give you a sticker for it. When you exit the parking deck, go out one of the monitored exits; your parking costs will then be free.
You WILL be fed! You'll eat from the same buffet as everyone else.
The moving van will be parked in the alley behind the Harbert Center, and we will load up the stairway from there. The easiest thing is to come in the front entrance, and have them point you in the right direction.
Afterwards, we'll make three unloading stops: one at the Theatre Prop Shop at 4th Ave S and 11th St. S, then at Hulsey (in front) to bring the set back up to the 3rd floor and the costume rack to my office. We will also need to unload all costumes into my car.
You should be done by 2pm if we all move quickly; then it's off to Yoghurt Mountain to celebrate your success. TELL me we're going! :-)

Directions to the Harbert Center

2011-12-13T08:58:00.002-06:00

10 am call Wednesday for our performance at the Harbert Center! Please be early if you were unable to help load the truck on Monday night. Allow extra time to find parking and carpool if you can, as parking can be tight. Here are the directions.

AMAHL Monday touch-up rehearsal

2011-12-10T11:15:00.003-06:00

Our plan for Monday: come get props starting at 3:30. No costumes. Warm-up in HRH at 3:45. Sing-through of the quartet at 4; Kings leave right afterward for their final exam in Geology. Run-through of the show, skipping kings' parts. Loading of set into the truck no late than 5pm; done by 5:30. Thanks, folks!

Diction: at long last!

2011-12-07T13:04:00.005-06:00

I am very happy to inform you that we ARE offering diction class in spring.

It will be offered under MU 399 just for one semester, then will be offered under the proper course number & title starting fall 2012.

MU 399-00B CRN# 32587 (2 hour) - Instructor: Howard Irving (But Dr. Cho will be teaching it). The time frame is Monday/Wednesday 3:35-4:25.

Please register, folks! We fought hard to offer this class for you.

Yoga with Dr. Kris

2011-12-06T17:45:00.004-06:00

You asked for it: you got it! I'll lead a little light stretching, breath work, and meditation to ease you through finals week. Bring a yoga mat if you wish and comfortable clothes that allow you to move. If you want to just unwind but aren't interested in yoga, feel free to just come and enjoy the chance to relax and do the breath work. Everyone is welcome: spread the word.

AMAHL run-through

2011-12-05T15:04:00.002-06:00

Due to Jessica's schedule, we need to reschedule our run-through for Monday, December 12 at 3:45. Pick up props in my office beforehand, I'll warm you up from 3:45-4, then we'll begin the run-through at 4. We'll be done by 5, at which point we'll need to load the set, props, and costumes into the truck. Spread the word: I know this is a change. Thanks in advance!

Dr. Kris Voice Students

2011-12-05T11:57:00.003-06:00

We've made it to the last week! Remember to complete four hours of listening and journal briefly on it in your Google doc. I'll accept these until the end of juries on Friday. All listening assignments are tailor-made to you and are in your Google doc, and/or we've talked about it in your lesson. See me or email me if you have any questions!

Thanks, MOLM cast!

2011-12-02T17:25:00.004-06:00

This is going to be a great show, folks. Thanks for your read-through today and flexibility with regard to space issues. This is a terrific cast, and I truly look forward to our play/work!

Everyone has been cleared to register...if I already had your B00 number. If not, send it to me and I'll clear you to register for Opera Workshop.

Remember to email me any conflicts as soon as you know of them. I'll be making a production calendar once juries are over. Stay tuned on the blog and come get your script and score the minute they arrive! I'm also happy to burn CDs for anyone who wants them.

Thanks again, and good luck with finals and juries.

Handel's RODELINDA at Patton Creek

2011-12-01T18:26:00.003-06:00

Saturday at 11am, there is a MET broadcast at Patton Creek of Handel's RODELINDA with Renee Fleming and Stephanie Blythe. Anyone want to go?

AMAHL photo DVDs and Gala DVD have arrived

2011-12-01T12:15:00.002-06:00

Let me know if you want one: $1 each. I'll burn them once I have your money!

UAB Opera wins first place at NOA!

2011-11-27T18:00:00.002-06:00

Congratulations to the UAB Opera cast of BURNING FIERY FURNACE: you have won FIRST PLACE in the National Opera Association opera production competition. Remember how difficult it was to put that piece together...and the gratification you felt afterward? I couldn't be more proud of you. Even if we hadn't won, it would have been all worth it: but this is the icing on the cake. You are the reason I love my job! Bravi tutti.

Janet Hopkins

2011-11-22T21:32:00.002-06:00

Hi folks,

As you scatter for Thanksgiving, remember that the day we return--Monday, November 28--is Janet Hopkins's master class from 3-5 pm. Your USGA dollars are at work: enjoy this wonderful class and ask any questions you may have of this fantastic woman. Also, she is available for lessons the following morning. Sign-up times are on my door.

Happy Turkey Day!

NO OPERA TODAY

2011-11-22T14:17:00.002-06:00

In fact, no opera until we watch the DVD on December 1. Happy Thanksgiving!

MAN OF LA MANCHA CAST LIST

2011-11-19T12:42:00.007-06:00

CAST LIST

(Understudies are indicated in parentheses)

Cervantes/Don Quixote	Charles Daniel
Sancho	Shane Bloemetjie
Aldonza	EmKay Whatley
Governor/Innkeeper	Joe Hardy (Gregg Stuart)
The Padre	Micah Brooker
The Duke/Dr. Carrasco	Gregg Stuart
Maria, Innkeeper’s Wife	Allison Davis
Antonia	Callie Courter
The Barber	Jake Hemminger
Pedro, Head Muleteer	Logan O’Brien
Anselmo, a Muleteer	George Griffin
Jose, a Muleteer	Jeremy Ryan
Juan, a Muleteer	Dominique Hector
Paco, a Muleteer Tenorio, a Muleteer	Brett Kilgore Bennett Alldredge
Housekeeper	Valencia Callens
Fermina	Allison Davis
Moor	Logan O’Brien

Thanks to all who auditioned: your time and talents are appreciated. Our first cast meeting and read-through is 3pm (not 2!) on Friday, December 2 in the Choral Room. Please check the blog regularly! Thanks.

Janet Hopkins returns!

2011-11-18T21:49:00.003-06:00

The master class with MET diva Janet Hopkins will take place Monday, November 28 from 3-5 pm. This is the day we return from Thanksgiving, and is a great opportunity to work on a jury piece. Please notify your teacher if you would like to sing for her.

Miss Hopkins is also available for private lessons at a reduced rate on Tuesday morning the 29th. You may sign up for half hour or hour slots. If the times are filled or don't work with your schedule, please email me and I'll see if she can work at additional times. She plans to arrive midday Monday.

Don't miss these events, open to all UAB students and sponsored by USGA.

MAN OF LA MANCHA CALLBACKS: location change

2011-11-15T12:29:00.002-06:00

MAN OF LA MANCHA callbacks will take place in Hulsey 308 instead of the recital hall. For new folks, this is the same place you did the original audition. See you there!

CONGRATULATIONS, Amahl cast!

2011-11-14T14:06:00.004-06:00

Folks,

Thank you for your work on AMAHL. The performance at Southside was a lovely finale to this weekend's performances. Bravo to the chorus: you did your best singing, and even when your backs were turned to me in this new space, you were together. Shane, you resolved all "box" issues, sang beautifully, and established age in a very believable way even without a beard. Charles, you were consistently wonderful and your aria brought tears to many in the audience. Ryan, your elegance and resonant sound were perfect for the character. You and Charles had several wonderful moments of interaction: during Shane's aria in particular, I enjoyed watching all three of you being beautifully engaged. Hap, you were charming, and improved your comic timing as the shows went. Jess, you sounded more like yourself on Sunday and sang well in spite of your illness. You were also fully engaged dramatically throughout. Micah, you were rock solid every time and helped make for a very believable fight scene (Jake, you did too). Joe and Ally, you brought something truly special to the dance and were absolutely consistent. All of you grew as a cast and as a team, and for that I thank you. Taking responsibility for your part of the process--whether moving sets and props or paying attention to where the focus needed to be on stage--is part of becoming a real professional.

We'll watch the video on December 1st during opera time. Enjoy your time off until then, and do attend Janet Hopkins's master class the Monday after Thanksgiving during SNATS time. She will also be available for lessons Monday and Tuesday morning for $50/hour. Sign up times will be posted when her arrival time is confirmed.

Congratulations, and love y'all madly.

AMAHL final performances

2011-11-12T14:18:00.003-06:00

Nice job last night, folks. Chorus, you were particularly wonderful! Here's the plan for the next two days:

Tonight, same call. My office should be cleared out by 6:05, so that everyone is at warm-up in HRH at 6:15. If you don't feel the need to be dressed before warm-up, that is fine: being present and participating in group warm-up is the important part. You'll be finished by 6:45 or 7 at the latest.

Please stay out of sight of the audience before the show and during intermission. It not only ruins the effect, it breaks your concentration. No friends or family backstage; bask in their admiration afterward. The best way to use your time before the show is by reviewing your score, running text, and working with props. Don't waste your energy.

After the performance, spend a while visiting with your fans, then move all props and set pieces to the loading dock. We'll load the truck tonight. All costume pieces must be on the clothing rack, which will also go into the truck. Everyone must help: we're a team, and anyone not working to help will have a reduced grade.

Tomorrow: 1pm call at Southside Baptist. Be on time: again, teamwork. Unload the set and props, then we will do a quick check of Kings' and Shepherds' entrance timings. Afterward, same drill as tonight: visit with the audience, then we load the truck. We return everything to Hulsey, then gather for final attendance. Then, at long last, to YoMO??

Looking forward to tonight,

Dr. Kris

AMAHL Tech Week

2011-11-05T16:43:00.003-05:00

We're in the final stretch! Reminders:

Sunday, 5pm all called. Load in the set as quickly as possible so we can work with it. Kings, you'll work with beard makeup to be sure it looks as we hope. We'll run the show if we have time, then everyone except those in the Gala will be dismissed.

Tuesday, be ready to START at 3:30. Move very quickly from choir to get the props (everyone must help), move the set into position, and get into costume. This is also a photo shoot!

Wednesday, noon Convocation performance, 11 am call. Full costume and makeup.

Thursday, again be ready to START at 3:30. Move very quickly from choir to get the props (everyone must help), move the set into position, and get into costume. If needed, this may function as a second photo shoot. This will be a run of the show including the Gala portion, so bring your diva wear so you get used to the costume change. We will have a camera crew arriving shortly after 3 asking for a Christmas greeting for President Garrison.

Friday, 7:30 performance, 6pm call. Everyone be sure to strike all props and hang your costumes after the show.

Saturday, 7:30 performance, 6pm call. After the performance, we will load everything into the truck so Sunday isn't a huge rush for those of you with church jobs.

Sunday, 3pm performance, 1pm call at Southside Baptist Church. Everyone MUST be there at 1 to load in the set: we will need all hands on deck.

Friendly reminders: no one is excused or allowed to be late for any reason from now on. Tech Week is all about teamwork and everyone is valuable and needed. No one is dismissed after performances until every costume and prop is accounted for. Be sure to check your props and your costumes for any problems before and after every show: if you carry it onstage, it is your responsibility to check it. Let me know immediately if there are any problems (or anything you think may become a problem). If I don't know about it, I can't fix it!

Thanks for your great work this semester, folks. I'm looking forward to a wonderful run!

MAN OF LA MANCHA callbacks

2011-11-05T12:07:00.002-05:00

Thanks to all who auditioned for MAN OF LA MANCHA. I will need to hear some musical numbers from some of you before making final casting decisions. Since AMAHL opens this coming week, callbacks will be on Thursday, November 17 starting at 3:30 pm in Hulsey Recital Hall. I will email some of you individually, indicating which song(s) I would like you to learn and if there is something specific that I want to hear in your preparation. To those of you not called back, this does NOT necessarily mean you are out of the running for a role! Thanks for your time and your patience.

"AMAHL AND THE NIGHT VISITORS" TICKETS NOW ON SALE: CLICK ON THE IMAGE TO BUY ONLINE!

2011-10-29T12:27:00.004-05:00

UAB Opera 2012: Man of La Mancha

2011-10-08T15:38:00.004-05:00

Our spring 2012 production will be Man of La Mancha. You can read the synopsis and learn more about the history of the show here. Auditions will be held in November 4 in Hulsey room 308 from 3-6:30, and are open to anyone on the UAB campus. Bring one memorized song in English, preferably from musical theatre, with a copy of the sheet music for our accompanist. No unaccompanied auditions, please. Plan to stay for an hour to do dialogue reading. Questions? post here, or email me at khw@uab.edu.

Exercise for Singers

2011-09-26T21:06:00.000-05:00

OK, y'all know how I worship my personal trainer. Now you get to meet him in person, and he'll even put me through a few paces for your amusement. His presentation will focus on why exercise is important for singers, and what things to do (and avoid) to get yourself into shape. Be there: Monday, October 3 from 3-4 in the Choral Room. Check the blog for Diction class times with Dr. Cho!

A wonderful journal

2011-09-26T14:57:00.000-05:00

Folks, Callie's journal was reflective of a great shift for her this week. She practiced very thoughtfully and carefully, since she couldn't sing too much due to a sore throat. The progress she made on her piece (her very first one in French) was demonstrable, and I thought it would be useful to share with all of you her journal for the week. This might help all of you re-evaluate how you use your practice time. Thanks, Callie, for allowing me to share it. And brava on your wonderful work!

I think the most interesting part of my warm up in the video was the ‘Ha ah le loo oo oo ooo ooo oo oo jah’ exercise. Hearing the difference between when my voice was flipping up to the higher oo’s versus when I was thinking more legato. The sound was just all together bigger, and it surprised me how differently it sounded, because at first the higher oo’s were actually softer and less full.

I’ve noticed in my practice that the sections of the music I have the most difficulty with are the sections that have continuous eighth notes. I’ve been working on my rhythm with them, because for some reason I always want to hold some out longer than others. Normally the third one, I try to hold out longer. It’s also at those places that I accidentally slow down during practice, because I am trying to fit in the words where they should be, and getting used to tying certain words together as they should be.

I finally found some videos on Mai on YouTube by typing in Hahn, and I think it’s interesting because I was working on text this week, and it sounds to me as if this girl is singing it incorrectly. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-tljIZBmUMU It sounds like a lot of her vowels are different than what I’ve been learning

I worked slowly at first just listening to the recording of how to pronounce the words, and going over them in my head. I then spoke through the text, and then spoke through it on rhythm. and then sang through it slowly at first. The first page came easiest, and the text got harder for me on the second page, I had to slow down even more until I could pick up the speed and keep it even. I also realized while doing this, that the reason I was having difficulty with the rhythm in measures 9 and 10 was probably because I knew something was wrong. I was not singing the Bb to Db correctly and so my intervals were off until I heard Ksusha double it in the piano.

Another part that has been more difficult for me is on the last page ‘y trouve parmi ses douleurs’. I can clap and count the rhythm fine, but for some reason when I am singing it I have been wanting to hold out the Db on ‘parmi’ instead of the Bb on ‘ses’ which is the actual dotted eighth note that should be being held out, and then that throws off my ability to get the words right. So I worked on correcting that, because every time it happened out of habit, or if I wasn’t paying attention to it, I would sit down and sing through it correctly a few times.

Performance Class changes: Sept. 30

2011-09-22T14:32:00.003-05:00

Every voice student is required to attend performance class every Friday at noon. We'll meet as a large group in Hulsey Recital Hall (HRH) each week, except on days otherwise noted. The schedule is:

August 19: everyone in HRH

August 26: poetry day

September, every Friday except Sept. 30: HRH

September 30: library meeting in Seminar Room 163

October 7: all in HRH

October 14: fall break; no class

October 21: Voice Studio Recital dress rehearsal

Sunday, October 23: Voice Studio Recital, 3pm (HRH)

October 28: all in HRH

November 4: all in HRH

November 11: all in HRH

November 18: all in HRH

November 25: Thanksgiving break

December 2: last performance class before juries (HRH)

Juries: December 9

Sunday recital canceled

2011-09-14T10:36:00.002-05:00

Sunday's recital with our East Carolina friends has been canceled, as has the master class on Monday. Stay tuned for a rescheduled date, possibly in the spring.

Janet Hopkins returns to UAB

2011-09-09T10:15:00.004-05:00

Janet Hopkins, mezzo-soprano with the MET for the past 16 years, is returning to UAB for a master class on Monday November 28, 3-5pm. Read about her performing and teaching here. Like last time, she will be available for voice lessons at a reduced rate of $50 on Monday, November 28 before 2pm and part of Tuesday the 29th. She is brought to you courtesy of SNATS at UAB. If you would like to sing in the master class, let me know. Priority goes to those who helped with the SNATS bake sale: there will be another one next month if you'd like to jump on the bandwagon!

SNATS bake sale today

2011-09-08T09:01:00.002-05:00

Invite your friends and spread the word: today is our bake sale outside the Humanities building at UAB. Come support the folks that bring master clinicians to everyone in the voice area: the work they do benefits everyone. Mangia, mangia!

Funding forms due Friday

2011-09-07T16:09:00.001-05:00

Our funding request for the spring is due Friday. What would you like to do this spring? We're having Dr. Hiester, the tenor I mentioned, come in the spring, but have other options in addition to that. Post here with your requests so Hillary knows what you want! Thanks.

Diction with Dr. Cho

2011-09-02T08:59:00.003-05:00

The first Diction workshop will be Wednesday, September 7 from 3-4 in the Choral Room. Be there! In the meantime, have a great holiday weekend.

Performance Class Friday: sign up!

2011-08-30T13:59:00.003-05:00

Folks that have been assigned to sing in class this Friday: please sign up on Dr. Mosteller's door. This will determine the order in which you sing. Thanks!

HELP! revised time...

2011-08-29T21:29:00.002-05:00

Folks, I'll need help moving the AMAHL set from the Alabama Ballet tomorrow morning (Wednesday) to UAB. Meet at 8:40 in Hulsey lobby; we'll get the Ballet by 9, hopefully done unloading by 9:30. Please rally some friends, even if just to meet us at Hulsey upon our return. I can't move it alone! Thanks. Your pal, Dr. Kris

SNATS schedule

2011-08-29T16:31:00.006-05:00

REVISED: Following are the diction workshops and other activities we discussed: all will take place in the choir room from 3-4 pm.

Wednesday, September 7: Diction with Dr. Cho

Wednesday, September 14: Diction with Dr. Cho

Wednesday, September 28: Diction with Dr. Cho

Monday, October 3: Fitness for Singers with Eric Agee

Wednesday, October 5: Diction with Dr. Cho

Wednesday, October 19: Diction with Dr. Cho

Monday, October 24: Yoga with Dr. Kris (in Hulsey 312)

Wednesday, November 2: Diction with Dr. Cho

Monday, November 7: Diction with Dr. Cho

Monday, November 14: Diction with Dr. Cho

Monday, November 28: Diction with Dr. Cho

Kashu-do (歌手道): The Way of the Singer: Kashu-do (歌手道) and Once More With Feeling: The Rossini Tenor

2011-08-28T11:39:00.001-05:00

Kashu-do (歌手道): The Way of the Singer: Kashu-do (歌手道) and Once More With Feeling: The Rossini Tenor Great article with wonderful links.

Party Saturday!

2011-08-25T18:08:00.001-05:00

Don't forget about the Opera/Choir picnic at Oak Mountain this Saturday from 11-4. Sign up for food on the FB event page.

Yoga for Singers class

2011-08-25T12:20:00.003-05:00

Monday, August 28 from 3-4 is our first SNATS activity...YOGA FOR SINGERS! Everyone, regardless of experience or physical fitness, is welcome to come. Poses can be adjusted to your comfort level. Bring comfortable clothes you can move and stretch in, and a yoga mat or towel (or "sticky" yoga socks). Everyone is welcome: this is not restricted to SNATS members. Bring a friend!

For those who wonder why we are musicians...

2011-08-25T10:50:00.001-05:00

this is why.

Dr. Kris Studio Class: Poetry Day

2011-08-23T14:49:00.002-05:00

Friendly reminder: Friday is poetry day, so everyone needs to have a memorized poem to share with everyone. Please choose a poem that you especially love, and preferably from a piece of music you plan on singing this year. Bring a copy of the text for everyone, which you'll pass out AFTER reading it aloud. We'll meet in the conference room. See you then!

AMAHL AND THE NIGHT VISITORS

2011-08-21T21:12:00.005-05:00

The Mother: Jessica Johnson

Kaspar: Shane Bloemetjie

Melchior: Charles Daniel

Balthazar: Ryan Reese

The Page: Micah Brooker / Jake Hemminger

THE CHORUS OF SHEPHERDS

Everyone else who auditioned will serve as our shepherds. You are crucial to the show and we need more of you! Please recruit your friends, especially men. We may discuss moving you from your usual voice part if necessary. Please see me if you are interested in dancing!

Mother and Kings: buy your score online. It’s available at Amazon.com; you might consider ordering scores as a group to get free shipping. Chorus, your music will be provided.

Everyone enrolled in the course is called to rehearsal for the next two weeks for improvisation games. Dress comfortably and come ready to play, with open minds and courage to try new things! We will meet in Hulsey 312 until musical rehearsals begin. Purchase and learn your music in the next two weeks.

Voice lesson schedule: Dr. Kris

2011-08-19T17:08:00.005-05:00

After much juggling, I think we've found a voice lesson schedule! Following are times, with your pianist for your lessons in parentheses:

Mondays (Ksusha accompanies all)

10-11 Emkay

11-12 Shane

12-1 Brad

1-2 Callie

Wednesdays

1-2 Valencia (Ksusha)

3-4 Charles (Ksusha)

Thursdays

9:30-10:30 Jake (Ksusha)

12:30-1:30 Jess (Ksusha)

Fridays

9-10 Ariel (Ksusha)

10:20-10:50 Michala (Ksusha)

11-12 Jen (Ksusha)

Remember to have one piece learned for your first lesson, and get Ksusha your music ASAP. If Dr. Adam Bowles is your pianist, please leave me a copy of the sheet music on my door. Thanks, and have a great weekend!

Friday Voice Class Dates

2011-08-15T16:36:00.005-05:00

Every voice student is required to attend performance class every Friday at noon. We'll meet as a large group in Hulsey Recital Hall (HRH) each week, except on days otherwise noted. The schedule is:

August 19: everyone in HRH

August 26: poetry day (Dr. Kris's students in the conference room)

September, every Friday except 9/30: HRH (singing begins on Sept. 2!)

September 30: library meeting in Seminar Room 163

October 7: all in HRH

October 14: fall break; no class

October 21: Voice Studio Recital dress rehearsal

Sunday, October 23: Voice Studio Recital, 3pm (HRH)

October 28: all in HRH

November 4: all in HRH

November 11: possible performance of AMAHL in HRH

November 18: all in HRH

November 25" Thanksgiving break

December 2: last performance class before juries (HRH)

Juries: TBA

Dr. Kris Voice Students

2011-08-15T12:26:00.002-05:00

I need your schedules to plan lesson times. Please fill one out (on my door) or email it to me ASAP. Thanks!

Amahl synopsis and links

2011-08-10T08:45:00.011-05:00

For those of you who would like to know more about our one-act opera for the fall, following is the synopsis of AMAHL AND THE NIGHT VISITORS. The show is about 50 minutes long and is the most frequently performed English opera in the world. The first opera commissioned for television broadcast, it was the first network television Christmas special to become an annual tradition.

Amahl, a shepherd who has difficulty walking, tries to tell his mother about what he has seen outside; an enormous star with a long tail. His mother, used to his habitual lying, grows angry; she is even angrier when Amahl tells he that three kings have come to visit them. To his mother's great surprise, Amahl is telling the truth. The kings enter and tell the two peasants that they have come to find a king, and they show the rich gifts they have brought him. While Amahl's mother is out gathering wood for the fire, Amahl asks the kings questions about their lives. The mother returns with her neighbors, and the villagers present their gifts to the visitors. That night, Amahl's mother tries to steal some of the kings' gold to use to help her child; she is caught, and when the kings offer to let her keep the gold, explaining that the king they seek will need nothing but love to rule his kingdom, she returns it. Amahl offers his crutch as an additional gift, and suddenly finds that he can walk. He leaves with the kings to pay homage to the child who has healed him.

The following links are from the 1978 TV version of the opera, with Teresa Stratas as the Mother. For Kaspar's aria, "This is my box," visit this link. The aria begins 2:10 into the clip. The Mother's aria, "All that gold," is at the very beginning of this link. Melchior's aria is 3:55 into the same clip.

Church jobs available

2011-08-09T16:34:00.002-05:00

Southside Baptist Church offers the Martinson Scholarship program for students studying voice in college. They currently have a soprano position and alto position open. The scholarship pays $1,300.00 per semester with summers as a paid option. The director is Dr. Paul Dease, a wonderful musician who has done great things with their small but enthusiastic choir. The group is a great bunch of folks, the pastor is a dear friend of mine, and the church is warmly welcoming to people of all walks of life. Please let me know if you're interested in these positions!

Repertoire Assignments

2011-08-09T11:54:00.005-05:00

Here are rep assignments for the fall, as of now (more to follow). I've included more than you'll need, so if you don't like something, you have options. The library should have many of these; if you can't find what you need, see me. Try the library first though, as everyone should get used to finding their way through the stacks.

Brad: from the Italian Arias book: "Sento nel core," "Sebben crudele," or "Per la gloria;" Brahms's "Sonntag;" Ireland's "Spring Sorrow;" Handel's "O ruddier than the cherry;" Hundley's "For Your Delight"

Charles: bring something that you worked on in Salzburg, as well as "Oh woman, you may keep the gold" from AMAHL; the rest of the Barber set; Haydn's CREATION arias; "O vin dissipe la tristesse" from Thomas's Hamlet; Avant de quitter; Purcell's "Music for awhile;" Beethoven's "Adelaide"

Shane: Menotti's "This is my box" from AMAHL; Bach's "Deposuit;" Argento's "Six Elizabethan Songs;" let's finish "Una furtiva lagrima;" more selections from "Die Schoene Muellerin;" Tom Rakewell's aria from Stravinsky's THE RAKE'S PROGRESS

Ariel: "Batti batti" from Mozart's DON GIOVANNI; Clara Schumann's "Er ist gekommen in Sturm und Regen;" Fauré's "Rêve d'amour;" John Duke's "Lov'liest of Trees;" Caldara's "Selve amiche"

Jen: you had several requests and we discussed those. Brava! Other ideas: Bellini's "Per pieta;" Rossini songs; Handel's "Verdi prati;" Dowland songs

Hannah: "Se tu m'ami" from 24 Italian; Hahn songs; Debussy's "Beau soir;" Schubert's "Nur wer die Sehnsucht kennt;" Copland's "All the pretty little horses;" Wolf's "Das verlassene Maegdelein;" Berlioz's "Le Roi de Thule" from DAMNATION OF FAUST

Michala: Debussy's "Les Cloches;" any aria from Mozart's BASTIEN UND BASTIENNE (in English OR German); Schubert's "Heidenroeslein;" let's talk about requests too.

Callie: Bellini's "Malinconia;" Britten's "The Sally Gardens" and "The Ash Grove;" Hahn's "Mai;" Ireland's "I have twelve oxen;" Massenet's "Crepescule;" Schubert's "Lachen und Weinen"

Valencia: Handel's "Vittoria" from 24 Italian Songs; "O sleep, why dost thou leave me?" "Bel piacere" and/or "Va godendo;" Mozart's "Welche Wonne" from SERAGLIO; Debussy's "Romance;" Menotti's "The Black Swan" from THE MEDIUM

Jess: let's resurrect the SAMSON AND DELILAH aria; "Adieu, forets" from PIQUE DAME; finish the Emily Dickenson songs; "All that gold;" Chausson's "Chanson perpetuelle"

Jake: "Tu lo sai" or "Pieta signore" from 24 Italian Songs; Faure's "Lydia;" any of Bastien's arias from Mozart's BASTIEN UND BASTIENNE; Tosti's "Malia;" Quilter's "Now sleeps the crimson petal"

MK: we'll meet and discuss!

Dr. Kris's Voice Students

2011-08-09T10:59:00.004-05:00

Hi folks! Welcome back...almost. Some housekeeping as we gear up:

Wednesday, August 17 at noon is a required meeting for all voice students. Whether you're new or not, plan to meet with me in my office after the short Convocation.

Friday, August 19 is our first studio class. We WILL MEET that day (and every Friday), place TBA.

Purchasing music: all of you should be buying at least one book of music per semester, with my guidance. ALL of you should own the 24 (or 26) Italian Songs and Arias. If you don't, buy it now.

Repertoire assignments: some of you have requested to sing specific pieces, which as you know makes me very happy. Requests are highly encouraged, but if you have no requests, that's fine too. Remember that it's always fine to say you don't like something I've assigned...just so long you don't wait until your lesson time to tell me. Be sure you have *something* you've prepared at each lesson, i.e., please don't show up with nothing to sing only to say that you didn't like the piece I gave you. Tell me in advance!

If You Want a Guarantee, Buy a Toaster! - Clint Eastwood

2011-08-09T09:56:00.002-05:00

From Carol Kirkpatrick's monthly newsletter:

"It would be interesting to find out what goes on in that moment when someone looks at you and draws all sorts of conclusions." - Malcolm Gladwell

What is your attitude after a performance? Are you in it for the accolades, the audiences immediate response, and then the good things people say to you after a performance starting with your colleagues, conductor, stage director, stage manager, fans, to family and critics, etc? Does this help give you your identity that totally depends on the amount of approval you get from performing? If so this means that how you feel about yourself; your self esteem, your “self talk”, depends on “how” you feel you are perceived as a performer. There is no other touch stone for you to check in with to know who you are or if you are living a full and balanced life.

In my experience, this kind of crazy making can hold you prisoner on the inside. It creates an imbalance in you. If you are not performing or when you have an occasional not so good performance, the audience doesn’t love it and neither do the critics, it can quickly send you into a downward spiral that often creates a place that is hard to recover from and moving on to the next job seem impossible. You are afraid you will never be hired again, or if you are, those that hired you will be looking closely to see if there are cracks in what you are presenting and there will be a repeat of the previous “not so good” performance. So you start the crazy making by playing the part you think they are looking for, not as the performer, but as the person. You adjust, scrutinize and judge your every movement, sound and action to conform to what you think they want from you.

This is only the beginning of Carol's wonderful article about balance in one's life. Check out www.ariaready.net for more.

UAB Fall Opera Auditions

2011-08-07T11:20:00.005-05:00

This fall, we'll be performing Gian Carlo Menotti's AMAHL AND THE NIGHT VISITORS, with several local performances. Roles in the opera may be double cast, depending on what I hear. Auditions will be held during the first week of class, and registering for class beforehand is not necessary. If you think you might be interested in being part of the show, just come to class! We meet Tuesday and Thursday from 3:30-5:15 in Hulsey Recital Hall. If you are cast, you'll have to register for the class before the drop/add deadline of August 24.

AUDITION REQUIREMENTS: sing something in English, with piano accompaniment. All pieces must be memorized, and may NOT be "a capella" or with recorded accompaniment. It does not matter if you've sung your piece before: if it's memorized and you're comfortable singing it, sing it again! If you are interested in the role of Kaspar, please sing "This is my box;" if you are interested in the role of the Mother, sing "All that gold," and if you are interested in the role of Melchoir, sing "O woman, you may keep the gold."

We will be performing AMAHL as a double bill with an Opera Gala, during which anyone who wishes may sing an aria, duet, or trio. This will give everyone in AMAHL a solo opportunity. These pieces must be chosen with your voice teacher, and will coach them during opera class. One last thought: this semester will be very low-stress and low time commitment. Relax and enjoy!

UAB Opera Picnic on Saturday, August 27

2011-08-06T12:31:00.010-05:00

It's time for our picnic at Oak Mountain: Saturday August 27, from 11-4. Joe and I will bring kayaks for some fun in the sun. We'll also bring burgers and hot dogs: everyone else bring the buns, chips, and somebody BETTER bring Oreo double stuff again!

UAB SNATS

2011-08-03T16:00:00.003-05:00

UAB Student Involvement has several requirements for our SNATS group to continue receiving funding. Each year every student organization is required to renew in order to keep their status with the university. The student organization renewal and registration process will open on August 1st, 2011. You MUST have your student organization renewed by September 30th.

In addition to renewing your profile, in order to maintain your registered status organization officers MUST attend the student organization orientation on Sunday, August 21, 2011 from 1pm until 4pm. PUT THIS IN YOUR CALENDARS NOW, PLEASE! Other officers and members of your organization are more than welcome to attend. All students that plan to attend must RSVP on BSync. (Note: You must be logged into BSync to access the event RSVP.) There will be a variety of sessions offered to fit every officer position. Having multiple members attend this training is a great resource to prepare your organization for the rest of the year. We'll talk about this in our first meeting. Advisors MUST attend the mandatory advisor information session on Monday, August 15th at 5:00 PM: I'm planning on attending this.

Finally, the Department of Student Life will host its annual Student Life Day Organization Expo on The Green on Thursday, August 25 from 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM. Student Life Day is a fair designed to inform students about life beyond the classroom at UAB. We invite you to showcase your organization and to be available to answer questions from students about your organization. I'm happy to help with this: be thinking about who is available. We can do it in 15 or 30 minute increments, to lighten everyone's load.

This event is meant to be festive as well as educational. Please feel free to decorate your table and surrounding area. You are also encouraged to offer promotional items, candy, etc. at your table. Please limit the number of volunteers at your table to no more than three. Student Life will be serving free refreshments. To register your organization for a table please fill out the online form. Please have your confirmation completed and returned by Friday, August 19, 2011.

See you soon! First fall meeting: TBA. Stay tuned and enjoy the rest of your summer.

Happy Memorial Day weekend

2011-05-27T07:52:00.002-05:00

Dear Students: Happy Memorial Day weekend. Please be safe this weekend...there are tons of people on the road. Even during the summer, I think about you and worry about you. Be safe as you officially kick off summer and know that you are loved. And don't text as you drive!!!

Beethoven tonight

2011-05-21T07:56:00.003-05:00

Join us for Beethoven's Symphony no. 9 and the Choral Fantasy at the Alys Stephens Center at 8pm. Great music with a fantastic group of musicians!

Happy Summer!

2011-05-10T17:44:00.003-05:00

Best wishes to all of you for a peaceful, restful, productive, and fun summer. You'll all be missed, but we're only a keystroke away on Facebook and the blog. Keep in touch!

Opera and choir party canceled

2011-05-05T19:23:00.000-05:00

Darlings, I think Ryan's right: let's just cancel. Not seeing much interest, it's the end of the semester, and we're whipped! See you in August...have a GREAT summer and know that you're loved.

Jury sheets are ready

2011-05-04T08:46:00.001-05:00

Thank you for your singing yesterday, folks. Jury sheets are ready: email me to schedule a time to talk through them. I won't be on campus regularly so dropping by and hoping I'll be there won't work! :-) See you soon.

Opera and Choir party!

2011-04-26T14:46:00.003-05:00

It's official--at least, unless someone comes up with something better! Our Opera & Choir party will be Friday, May 6 at NOON at Oak Mountain State Park. We'll have a BBQ, bring the kayaks, and have some fun in the sun. Sign-ups for food coming soon.

Opera Banquet?

2011-04-19T14:38:00.003-05:00

We talked once upon a time about having an opera banquet at the end of the year. Is there still interest in this? We could use the Episcopal House (if the offer is still open, Will and Charles) or have another day at Oak Mountain State Park. Thoughts? Suggestions? Post them here. I've also created a FB page for this.

Opera DVDs

2011-04-13T14:57:00.001-05:00

Opera DVDs and photos are ready--please see me to get yours! Thanks.

Voice Recital

2011-04-13T08:54:00.003-05:00

All are invited to my faculty voice recital with pianist Yakov Kasman Thursday, April 14 at 7pm in the R-K Recital Hall in the Alys Stephens Center. Admission is free. Featuring works by Robert Schumann, Prokofiev, Poulenc, Barber, and Obradors. UAB voice students: you are required to be there!

SNATS YouTube Day

2011-04-05T13:56:00.003-05:00

Our next SNATS meeting is Monday, April 11. We'll have a guided YouTube tour again: post aria requests here if you have them. Everyone in Dr. Kris's studio is REQUIRED to attend...if you cannot make it, listen to one hour of classical singing this month and journal briefly on it. You can do this with YouTube, other videos, CDs, or whatever you choose.

UAB Voice Studio Recital

2011-04-01T14:22:00.002-05:00

Please join these lovely ladies and other wonderful singers on Sunday, April 3 for UAB's spring studio voice recital. Sunday, April 3 at 3pm in Hulsey Recital Hall: admission is free!

Britten DVD viewing

2011-03-30T13:48:00.003-05:00

Tomorrow, we'll have our slide show of the Britten photos and watch the DVD. If you have any thoughts about our work this semester or requests for next year, please come ready to discuss! Looking forward to seeing you again.

Opera DVD Viewing

2011-03-28T16:07:00.004-05:00

We'll watch the DVD of DIDO tomorrow at 3:30 during regular class time, and watch FURNACE on Thursday at 3:30. We'll meet in the recital hall, and YES, you may have DVDs of the photos and each opera for the price of the DVD ($1 each). See you then!

The Changing Adolescent Voice presentation

2011-03-22T11:21:00.004-05:00

Join SNATS for our featured presenter this spring: Dr. Jeanie Darnell. Her session will be on the changing adolescent voice, which should be useful for many of you, especially those who plan to teach someday. She'll be here Thursday, March 24 at 3:30 in the Choral Room. Invite friends, too...this is open to all UAB students, faculty, and staff.

Dear UAB Opera Students...

2011-03-20T18:10:00.007-05:00

At long last, I can sit down and write my thanks to you for two beautiful productions. A week has passed, though it feels more like a month, but the clarity that comes from the passing of time allows me to tell you just how much these shows meant this year.

Every year is special with you. Each production has its joys and its challenges. With "Pirates," we had the added benefit (or liability, depending on how you looked at it) of dance and refining comic timing. Some of you were in that show: how far we've come together! In "Flute," we had the daunting task of performing one of the most beloved and well-known operas of all time. With "Semele," the challenge was some difficult coloratura singing. We also updated what could have been a staid show, with delightful results.

Then there was this year. In the Purcell, many of you were charged with being three different characters in the space of fifty minutes. All of you were required to find a different way of moving and communicating. Baroque gesture was new and difficult, and we only scratched the surface. These are new and varied tools that each of you will carry into future work, whether it is another Baroque opera (and they are more commonly produced now than they have been in centuries) or your own recital work. As stock as some of the gestures felt, each of you now has an expanded physical understanding. Thank you all for your willingness to try something new!

The Britten was challenging beyond measure. There were times you wondered if you could do it. There were times I wondered if I was asking too much of you. But I kept pushing you because I knew you could succeed--that was the reason I chose the piece in the first place--and you rose to the occasion. On top of learning wildly difficult music, you continued to refine gesture beyond what you had done in the Purcell, and found that very little was needed to crown Britten's genius. Was it perfect? No, but that isn't even the point in the end. You grew musically in ways that may become fully apparent only as the years pass. It will probably reveal itself to be a time in your education that will mark a turning point for many of you.

I couldn't be prouder of all of you, or happier about your progress. Doing this double bill was an enormous achievement. You are building the opera program into one that you might not recognize when you visit ten years from now. That, my darlings, is what it's all about. Building something bigger than yourself, doing better than you can imagine, is why we create art. UAB opera students years from now will be standing on your shoulders, figuratively speaking. That is a great gift and a huge responsibility, and you bore it well. Be sure to thank Dr. Mosteller and Les for the extra time they gave to help you prepare. We couldn't have done it without them.

No class this week. Thursday at 3:30 will be Dr. Darnell's presentation on The Changing Adolescent Voice in the Choral Room. We'll watch the DVDs next week during Tuesday and Thursday class time, and yes: you may have copies this year! You may also have photo DVDs too. I'll let you know when they're available.

Just in case I don't say it enough, I love y'all MADLY. And I'm very proud of you.

-Dr. Kris

Another love note from Les

2011-03-14T10:21:00.001-05:00

Dear Casts,

This is from our beloved Les. It was directed to me, but his thanks really go to you too.

Thank you for "sharing" your students with me and allowing me the privilege and delight of being a part of this truly amazing production. It was an awesome rollercoaster ride from start to finish, but one I would not have missed. This experience goes right at the top of my list of favorites, along with Swan Lake in Raleigh and two productions of Balanchine's Nutcracker in San Antonio. What a kick!!

Thanks again for all you have done to keep my life as a musician invigorated, inspired and satisfied!!

With much admiration, respect and affection---

xoxoxoxox

~Les

Kudos to Purcell and Britten casts

2011-03-14T10:09:00.002-05:00

Darlings, you gave a wonderful performance Saturday night, and I couldn't be happier for you. I promise to write a longer love note when I have better access to a computer. In the meantime, I thought you'd appreciate reading what Jodi Haskins (violin and Music Appreciation prof) had to say via Facebook:

Absolutely fabulous performance tonight! I was with 18 students and my dad ( a Westminster grad, too) We took up the 3rd row! What at great place to sit! The singing was outstanding...the acting was outstanding..My dad mentioned how the movement can make or break a work and he commented how tonight was just perfectly done! We couldn't stop talking about how tremendously hard the Britten was but the cast just pulled it off like it was nothing! The men's voices were stunning! Very, very well done! During intermission, my students kept telling me how Dido's voice sounded just like the recording we have from class. She did a beautiful job on her lament and aria at the end! I was so glad my students got to hear it live! Well....I could go on and on! My dad and I thoroughly enjoyed our evening! That was certainly a huge undertaking and you need more then just next week off! Thank you so much for your hard work. Please tell the students they were FABULOUS!

Closing night

2011-03-12T12:39:00.004-06:00

Darlings, congratulations on your opening night. There was much to be proud of, and as always, there is room for it to be even better tonight. Review any musical or staging things that were ragged last night. Each of you knows what needs refreshing, and it's different for everyone.

Remember to bring your ERASED scores tonight. Our strike duties will include cleaning the dressing rooms, hanging and checking for all costume pieces, loading all props into the music van, and erasing orchestra scores. Take time to get out of costume, greet your adoring audience, then go back to clean up. If we're efficient, we should be out of there by 10:30. Tell your friends and family that you will not be able to go out and celebrate until after you are released: no one is an exception! We're a team and must all work together.

Enjoy this beautiful spring day and know that I'm very proud of you. All of you bring wonderful things to each production.

From Jacob Wooten

2011-03-11T12:56:00.002-06:00

Folks, I thought you might appreciate reading what Jacob had to say after seeing last night's dress rehearsal:

I just wanted to share with you how awesome I thought the operas were. They were a treat aurally, visually, dramatically, thematically, and symbolically. Both were extremely well put-together!

It's so weird to view it as an outsider but I'm glad I got to! The members of the Britten cast have been talking about how weird theirs is, but it didn't come across as weird. The music was strange to perform I'm sure, but to me, an audience member not a part of the process at all, it made perfect sense. It created its own musical world that exactly fit the drama even down to a symbolic level. As strange as it feels for them, it feels that sensible (if not beautiful) to the audience! The Britten holds a very special place for me now...probably one of my favorite operas.

Thank you so much for preparing my friends to do such a great job and for exposing the audiences to such marvelous music on both sides. Anyone going to our opera is in for a treat this year. :)

Keep pushing us all!

Jacob

Comp tickets

2011-03-11T11:43:00.003-06:00

Reminder: as in years past, everyone in the cast gets two comps tickets to use as you wish. Your names are on the comp list at the box office: you get to choose the night and the seats.

Tonight's final dress

2011-03-10T09:53:00.004-06:00

Here we go! Final dress tonight begins at 6:30. Call is 5:30; be sure you sign in by then. Please come earlier if you need. Allow time for hair, makeup, warm up, etc. Group warm-up is at 6pm. All are required to attend. We'll start onstage and move into the scene shop to sing if we must. If you'd like an individual warm-up, I'll be available from 4:30-5:30.

PURCELL folks that are responsible for the walls: be here early enough to be able to take the time to take down the walls. When all nine of you are there, it takes only 5-10 minutes. We'll do it when all have arrived. Please do not give Olivia a hard time regarding this: it's part of your responsibility. The walls will need to go back up during our "intermission."

We have two real shows that YOU have built. Be proud and stay focused...and remember to WATCH THE CONDUCTOR. Other friendly reminders: no jewelry, toenail polish, or scented anything. Deodorant is highly encouraged.

Wednesday Britten Schedule

2011-03-09T11:55:00.002-06:00

Folks, call is at 6pm tonight (dinner on your own). No costumes, but plan to wear your shoes and headdresses. If you'd like to work in any other costume pieces due to length or other difficulties, please do so. The rehearsal will run much the same as Monday night: one run, which you're welcome to mark as needed, followed by a break (we'll really give you one this time, regardless of what happens with the orchestra), then another run through. Please sing more full-out the second time if you can. Thanks, and see you tonight!

Confidence: A Fundamental Element of Success

2011-03-08T12:43:00.001-06:00

A beautiful post from a wonderful blog. Ron is a dear friend from years past, doing great things in Berlin and elsewhere. Read and enjoy. Kashu-do (歌手道): The Way of the Singer: Kashu-do (歌手道): Of Confidence: A Fundamental Element of Success

Dinner tonight

2011-03-08T10:44:00.005-06:00

Dinner for people involved in tonight's rehearsal will be served at 5pm in the Green Room: we'll have Taziki's in honor of Carthage! Remember that call is 5:30; that is when you are required to be signed in, getting into costume and makeup, warming up, and resolving any costume issues. Thanks!

This week

2011-03-06T18:54:00.004-06:00

Yes folks, we're in the final stretch. I'm very proud of you for the work you've been doing. Here's the schedule again:

Monday: BRITTEN only. 5 or 5:30 call: come as early as you need to be in costume and READY to GO for a 6:30 downbeat. I'll provide dinner.

Tuesday: PURCELL only. 5 or 5:30 call: come as early as you need to be in costume and READY to GO for a 6:30 downbeat. I'll provide dinner.

Wednesday: BRITTEN only. 6pm call, no costumes. 6:30 downbeat. Wear your shoes and headdresses.

Thursday: Both shows, Purcell first. 5 or 5:30 call: come as early as you need to be in costume and READY to GO for a 6:30 downbeat. This is our final dress rehearsal!

Friday and Saturday: 6pm call, 6:30 warmup, 7:30 show.

Be sure to sign in for each appearance. Do not be late or make Olivia find you!

Love y'all madly...

Costume parade Friday

2011-03-01T10:52:00.001-06:00

Folks, costumes will be ready by Friday. Come to Friday's rehearsal with hair and makeup done do I can see what it looks like onstage. Bring your shoes if you have them, and have the correct undergarments if Kristina has specified what you should wear. Thursday will be a regular rehearsal, no costumes, but you're welcome and encouraged to wear your shoes. Thanks!

UAB Opera tickets on sale

2011-02-28T13:34:00.006-06:00

UAB Opera presents a double bill of Purcell's DIDO AND AENEAS and Britten's THE BURNING FIERY FURNACE March 11-12 at 7:30 pm. All performances in the Sirote Theater of the Alys Stephens Center. For tickets, call 205-975-ARTS.

Dr. Kris Voice Students: recording

2011-02-28T11:15:00.002-06:00

Folks, the CD recorder has taken a real nosedive. Please be sure to bring your iPod, computer, or SD card to record your lessons. Also, everyone remember to journal every week on your lesson and/or your practice, and bring your notated vocal exercises to every lesson. I'll try to give you at least one new one each week, so that you each have a good arsenal of them at the end of each semester. Thanks!

Baroque gesture links

2011-02-27T16:23:00.001-06:00

As we continue to refine our gestures, try this link for some more background!

Rehearsal tomorrow

2011-02-26T12:31:00.004-06:00

Our costume fittings begin at 6pm in the Sirote and will continue through rehearsal. Not everyone will be able to be fitted in one hour! All by way of saying, if you can't come till 7, the world won't end. We'll have to pull people offstage to get fitted anyway. But if you CAN come at 6, please DO!

13 days and counting...

Orchestra and more

2011-02-22T19:16:00.004-06:00

Folks, the rehearsals with orchestra have been posted. I have also included a required Purcell rehearsal for THIS Sunday evening, which includes costume fittings for everyone. Be there!

NO rehearsal tomorrow, Wednesday. We all need a day off.

Good work today, everyone. Your focus continues to improve. I'm proud of your work!