11/21

Yesterday in practicum I sang “Stranger in Paradise” from the musical ​Kismet.​ As I discussed

with Michael after the initial performance, this song poses a unique challenge due to it’s

staunchly operatic origins. I believe I did not go far as far as I wanted to in the first performance,

singing in more of an operetta style that I hoped would balance classical sound with the acting

choices I wanted to make. The result left some work to be desired, notably my attempted shifts

in dynamics, though I do believe my sound did have a decent flow for the most part. My

classmates mostly commented on my body in regards to technique after the initial performance,

and brought up some good points. Postural critiques that stood out to me were that I was leaning

back on my left leg (causing my body to tilt) and that I tilted my chin up when I began singing. I

believe these specifically impact me in performance mode, as they rarely arise in my lessons or

practice in front of the mirror, so I feel the more so person this song in front of people, the more

comfortable I will get. I have also been working on several bad habits, and while one of my

classmates did mention she noted overall improvement, I still put my hand I my pockets and

sang my “e” vowels out the corner of my mouth. Those two ticks require some more practice

with mirror as I perform.

The most exciting change in practicum yesterday was my commitment to a full classical sound

and my work with appropriate breath support. The past semester I have had little opportunity to

truly flex my classical muscles, as I have been singing repertoire that has not required them. The

moments in which I did employ a more classical sound - such as in my initial practice and

performance of “Books I Pretend I've Read” were stylistically inaccurate. However, this song
truly calls for my full voice, and working on my lower support with Michael at full volume was

extremely satisfying and vocally easy. Listening back to my tape of the session, this support also

creates a richness in my tone that is truly exciting. I look forward to bringing this piece back in

the final run!