My teacher inquired after break was over what singers and repertoire we'd been listening to over break. My initial, student-minded reaction was, "Hey, wait! You didn't tell us we had to listen to stuff over break!" But then the broader-minded singer in me spoke up and said, "Is that really so much to expect?" I think thus far I've avoided thinking of singers to model myself after. I thought maybe it would be detrimental to have in mind a sound other than my own. And that was probably true. But I think I'm at a point now where I do need to cultivate my own preference for sound. So far I'm really liking Joyce Didonato and Ruth Ann Swenson. My teacher actually said I kind of look like Swenson.
We've picked out repertoire for the semester. I'm horribly lacking in Faure, so I've got "Mai" and "Aurore." I have to admit I'm pretty excited about that. And any oratorio work I'm happy to do, so I'm excited to get started on "Let the bright seraphim" and "Hear ye, Israel." For the jury we are only required 8 pieces, but prof and I get a bit excited. I think I'm at 10 now and we're looking at an 11th. There will be nothing this semester like Barber's "Sleep Now," "The Monk and his Cat," or "Sea Snatch" from last semester that will be aurally difficult to learn. And she's taken care to give me happier, more lilting melodies. Something about my voice begs slow and depressing for some reason.
Outside opportunities are arising, too. Yeah, I'm still a choir geek, so I'm looking forward to singing in some choral conducting recitals on the side. I've been bumped up to the premiere choral ensemble here, and I'm excited to sing "Rejoice in the Lamb" by Britten with them. There's a very truly alto solo in it that I may attempt. I'm just so happy to be singing good choral rep again. The church job is going well, but budget cuts have possibly cost us our dear choir director. I'll miss him. It's a pleasure to work for someone who has very high expectations.
That's enough for now, methinks. I'm very excited for this semester and I'll try to keep you updated.
