Sarah Talbot

Soprano, Musician, Composer, Teacher, listener

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An Australian involved in music and musical theatre.

  • New experiences, and broadening horizons.

    Wow. Its been a busy few months…hence not a lot of posts on this site. I’ll try to list a few.

    1. I’ve started singing with the West End Musical Choir. They are a series of choir dotted throughout london, who come to together to form a large choir, singing songs from musical and Disney. They’re quite an excitable bunch, an awesome way. If they’re not singing, they’re out socialising, whether it is a karaoke session, pub night, or a show night. The energy is contagious.

    2. I auditioned with the London Symphony Chorus, and was surprised to be accepted as a 2nd soprano. To be honest I didn’t think that I’d get in, because I knew the calibre of performances that they do and the performers that work with the choir. I’m just a woman from a small Australian city. 

    LSC specialises in classical repertoire to the highest degree. The first project was part of the ‘This is Rattle’ concert series, Berlioz “The Damnation of Faust“. I have never learned any other European languages, so I got a crash course in French, and learned a 3 hour long piece in a period of 2 weeks (the mens choir had more time, as they had more to sing).

    This has been an awesome experience. Not only was I able to perform with a world class choir, with a world class orchestra (London Symphony Orchestra), but to work with Sir Simon Rattle (conductor). The performance was recorded (for hopefully a cd release), broadcasted live on BBC3 radio, and live-streamed on Youtube (interested in watching the whole performance? Click here) and Medici TV. Yes, you can see me multiple times in the choir.
    At first, I found it strange when I saw advertisements for ‘This is Rattle’ and ‘Damnation of Faust’ appearing on Spotify, and the Tube. Something I’m going to gave get used to; especially since Rattle will be taking over as conductor of the Symphony Orchestra. And the reviews that are being shared around Twitter have been positive.

    Can you see me? Tall, white as a vampire….

    A few short clips have popped up on YouTube from the performance too. It’s not always serious, need to have a little fun.

    Audio recordings of rehearsals before and between performances, as well as both the performances themselves, were made, so it is like to be a CD release. Excited!!!

    Afterwards, I announced that I had made my choral debut with LSC on Twitter, and the support and congrats I received was wonderful. I went out with a few ladies for lunch before the performance. It was wonderful to feel included. They probably think I’m a little strange, but that generally works for me.

    3. New job. I’ve gone back to full-time teaching. For a number if factors, the main one being financial, I have had to seek more steady employment. I started at a new school in September, as a science and biology teacher. I have to say it was a bit of an adjustment again. Having been a supply teacher for the past 8 months, my body doesn’t want to get back into a full days work. It is not the easiest of schools, but I’ve had way worse.

    Just saying though: if I ever get offered decent money to sing, teaching is going back on the back burner.

    4. Paris. I did a couple of days in Paris doing the main sites; Eiffel Tower, The Louvre (including seeing the ‘Mona Lisa’ and ‘Venus de Milo’), the river Seine, and Notre Dame. A few ticks off my bucket list.

    I heard the Bells of Notre Dame, but saw no Quasimodo

    5. Trip back to Australia to catch up with family and friends. I even dropped into a few Toowoomba Choral Society choir rehearsals, and got a preview of their show ‘Sweeney Todd. Unfortunately, my timing wouldn’t allow me to see the show on stage, but I loved the opportunity to see it in rehearsal mode. I could definitely see the happenings.

    I even got to see my fur-babies ‘Pippin’ and ‘Gray’; my cats. I’d love to be able to bring them over to England, but I don’t think they’d appreciate the 23 hour flight, and my landlord and flat mate would not appreciate them being in the flat. I do miss them though.

    My cats back in Australia

    Being able to go back now was the best time as July, August, September period is summer break in schools. I’ll be heading to the US for Christmas with other family.

    6. Oxford. Because I went to Cambridge, I thought making a trip to the university competitor was in order. Its very different from Cambridge….,ok, I bought a Harry Potter wand while I was there too (its actually Hermoines wand). I found the worlds largest underground bookshop. That doesn’t mean that its illegal in any way. It is literally underground…under one of the Oxford colleges. I was in heaven. Everything from textbooks, to standard fiction and non-fiction books, even some sheet music.


    7. I’ve seen a few more shows as well;

    • ‘Bat Out of Hell’ – I wasn’t to sure what to expect of this, being a new musical. I grew up with the music of Jim Steinman and Meatloaf (it was one of my mother favourite albums). It turns out that the show was brilliant. The story was a combination of ‘Romeo and Juliet’, ‘Peter Pan’, and ‘Mad Max’ (post apocalypse). The music was stunning, the set was awesome (loved it when part of the set fell into the band/orchestra pit (don’t worry, it was supposed to)). The show has now closed, and is going on tour in Canada, but rumour is that it will back in 2018.
    • ‘Hamlet’ – it is kind of a ‘must-see’ Shakespeare play. A few high profile celebrities (such of Benedict Cumberbatch and Tom Hiddleston) have been performing this play, with different takes on characters. I got an opportunity (and a front row seat) to go see Andrew Scott (Moriarty in ‘Sherlock’, C in ‘Spectre’) perform. I loved it from beginning to end. It was a very contemporary take on the play with the royal family portrayed as celebrities, and the final fencing match being ‘televised’ onto big screens (too bad they all die at the end…oops, SPOILER ALERT). At one point during the performance of the plat, the actors sat in front if the front row, and interacted on the floor right in front of us. Felt really awkward when the King storms out, which really highlights the involvement that the front row audience had. I loved Scotts Hamlet, as he losses the plot with the intention of pretending to be mad, but I think in the end he goes mad and stays mad. Scott plays creepy crazy so well.
    • ’42nd Street’ – an oldie but a goodie. Big tap dance numbers, and who cant help but sing the main theme song. Very old school for the new school.

    I did warn everyone, that I wasn’t going to stay idle or stay out of mischief for too long.

    Until next time…

  • An update on my life in London…

    An update on my life in London…

    It has been a while since I last posted, so I thought maybe an update on how I am surviving living in London.

    I arrived in mid-winter between Christmas and New Year. It was a bit of a challenge to quickly acclimatised from a climate of hot days, where you walk outside, you fry like an egg; to a climate of wearing layers upon layers of clothing. So of course, I got sick.

    Then the stress of getting my new life up and running started; buying the necessities of life, finding a flat, and getting started in my job. The first and last were easily done, but finding a flat was a little difficult. I didn’t want to be living a shoe box, and have a little living space. I got lucky and found a nice flat in Kensington, just off the High Street. It is close to pretty much everything I need (as I don’t have a car). I am walking distance to 2 tube stations, an overground station, and a bus stop with connecting bus routes stopping every 10 minutes.

    Work has been progressing nicely. I  getting to see different schools, and now in the process of submitting applications for positions. Plus side is I don’t have to worry about visa status, being a dual national.

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    A few things I’ve learned…

    Layers:- when dealing with the British weather, always wear layers. In Winter, I was wearing probably 5-6 layers of clothing each day (thermals, shirt, jeans/trousers, cardigan/jumper/blazer, overcoat). Now that its warming up, I’ve reduced it down to 3 layers.

    Adjusting to Life:- Compared to London, I come from a small city. I’ve had to adjust to the life of sirens, traffic and people. Thankfully where I’m living it’s not so crowded, and I’ve learnt to block out noise when I sleep, basically because I’m usually so exhausted that I lose consciousness when I hit the pillow.

    I’ve had to learn pretty damn quick about getting around. People complain how far everything is…ok so I might have walked from Hampstead Heath back to Kensington, through Regents Park, Baker Street, Kensington Park. If you want to know how far that it, look up Google Maps. It might have taken 2 hours. I may have also gotten a little lost and just kept walking till I found somewhere I knew, and then just kept walking.

    Keys points: Keep your phone charged, have an oyster card handy, and if all else fails call a cab. My default is if I get lost, use the Gett or Hailo apps to call a cab. They will find you based on your phone position.

    New Style:- it is true that particularly in London, how you dress and represent yourself in public does determine how you are treated. Living in Kensington, I’ve had to make adjustments my rather tomboyish ways. It means dressing neatly, doing my hair, makeup, baically putting a little more effort into presenting myself. I still live in jeans but then I’m not really ready to make the jump into summer dresses, yet. Dont worry, I still dress like a bogan when I’m at home.

    Thank god for clothing stores such as Primark, TK Maxx and H&M. I’ve been able to update my wardrobe at budget prices, so I blend in more as a local, and not as a tourist.

    I’ve also had to update my makeup, would you believe that I had to purchase new foundation because I happened to get paler? I didn’t think I could get any paler then I was. Because I’m now putting it on pretty much everyday, I’ve had to find makeup that is kind to my skin, and not cause a reaction (damn allergies).

    I’ve also taken to styling my hair. When I arrived in London, I had a rather unfortunate occurence of my hair falling out. Putting it down to a combination of stress, change of lifestyle and cheap hair products, I upgraded to John Frieda products. I’m also now self dying my hair. It is not so easy doing it by oneself, but as long as it’s the hair that’s dyed and not rest of me, I consider it an achievement. I alternate between straightening or curling my hair (to make it wavey)…and the hair loss has slowed.

    I must be rocking the look, as when I walk down the street, I have been often pulled over by random people asking whether I’m famous…pfft. “Sorry”. Have gotten a few stares from people as well (just long enouh to make you feel a little uncomfortable), but I think that might be just people looking. Sorry folks, I’m not famous…

    Be Kind to oneself:– I guess the hardest part is that I’ve gone from having quite an active social life in Australia, to virtually none here. So I’ve found loneliness to be an issue sometimes. That’s quite ironic when living in a city that has the population in the millions. It is true that I have friends that live here, that I can reach out to, but they have their own lives as well. Adjusting to doing everything by oneself has been and is still taking a bit to get used to. People do tell me that the first year in a new place is the hardest, so I’m bearing it out.

    I’m checking on my social media to see what people are doing, or what is happening in the world. I also try to reach out and write to friends and family, if not only to keep my sanity, and to touch base on how things are going back in Oz, and in other parts of the world.

    I’m trying to be kind to myself, by going out each day (when I can) and taking walks. Its sort of the thing to do here, particularly  in the afternoons. People come out and go for a stroll through the parks. My usual stroll is through Kensington Park. If it is early enough, I might even walk up and around Regents Park. I’m finding that Spring can be quite beautiful in England. The park gardens and trees are in full bloom at the moment.

    Cherry Blossoms in Kensington Park
    Pretty garden beds
    Me and the Daffadils
    A courtyard of immaculate hedge work
    Daffadils just come out of the ground
    Purple and White flowers. Don’t know what they are
    A lot of colour in a single garden area…pretty
    Hampton Palace Gardens

    I’ve also taken up reading novels again. I used to read a lot before university, then reading textbooks, dissertations, articles etc, kind of ruined it for me. I have a few books on the go. I’m reading the “The Further Adventures of Sherlock Holmes”, “Atonement” and “Gone with the Wind”. There have been a few occasions where I have packed a book into a bag, then gone to the Park, via Starbucks. I find a tree and spend a few hours reading and drinking coffee. I’ll also get a little sunlight in the process.

    I also have to kind to myself, and look after myself mentally and physically. I am recovering from a severe sinus infection. It turns out that I’ve had it for a while (turns out that the cold I had in January, may not have been a cold), and didn’t rest up enough, and ignored it. I’m a typical teacher who runs herself into the ground in order to make ends meet. It has resulted in me taking a week off work (which kind of sucks when I dont get sick or holiday leave). I have also had to stop singing for a few weeks, and am only now starting to get back into form. I still have a bit of a cough, but it’s getting better as the weather is starting warm up.

    Explore:- being by myself, has not stopped me from going out and exploring. There is loads of stuff to see that I otherwise wouldn’t see in Australia. Seeing paintings done by Rembrandt and Van Gogh, seeing the ‘Spirit Room’ in the Natural History Museum, going out and seeing plays and shows (when I can afford it), seeing the Magna Carta and music manuscripts from Renaissance at the British Library.

    I’ve also been able to get out of the City and see places such as Winchester and Cambridge (which apparently is not a town, it is a University where loads of people live).

    Great Hall in Hampton Palace
    “Sunflowers” by Van Gogh
    The inside of the Royal Albert Hall
    Kings College at Cambridge
    A lot of critters preserved in the ‘Spirit Room’
    The stunning roof and windows at Kings College Chapel, Cambridge.
    Street in Winchester
    View from the top of Primrose Hill

    Music:- my singing has ‘stalled’ for the moment. I’m awaiting for an audition date fora choir that I’d love to be apart of, but due to the Easter season, it is busy season at the moment. Choirs will begin auditioning for the BBC Proms season that occurs during the Summer. I hope to have news soon.

    I’ve recently received over 3000 followers on my Smule account, which is awesome. Smule is really my only singing outlet at the moment, and due to being ill, it has also been my vocal therapy to get my voice back into top condition. My neighbours have been rather kind letting me sing. I make sure that’s its not at ungodly times at night. The neighbour above me said I have a beautiful voice, and that he turns the radio/tv down just so he can listen to me…aww. Ive been getting some very kind feedback from Smuleans, whether they write it as comments on the livefeed, or they vocally comment at the end of the song. I get quite alot of vocal reaction every time I do ‘Christine’ in “Phantom of the Opera”. I’m one of the few who can actually hit the high notes at the end. I’ve had a few profanities, and awes at the end of the song…or I make them go deaf.

    When I can afford it, I am finding opportunities to sing with other choirs. Recently, I sang with the BBC Singers, excerpts of Dvorak’s ‘Requiem’. It was a workshop to work on vocal technique, and to practice my sight singing. It was a nice night to actually be able to sing and talk to people.

    I’m a believer in that things will happen in their own time, and to be patient.

    I think its time to go for another walk, as this post has become an essay of my life.

    Until next time…

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  • Sitzprobe in a day

    So I’ve been in London for just over a month now. I’ve started work, moved into a flat in Kensington, and had a chance to settle. I knew it wouldn’t be long until I would need a musical outlet, or at least something to change up the routine.

    Last weekend, I participated in the London Musical Theatre Orchestra Playthrough. Basically, its singing through an entire show, and then performing in a private setting with a full orchestra. Now, sitzprobes are not new to me. I’ve been to quite a few over the years of performing onstage and backstage, singing various parts from general chorus, to ensemble, and even vocal assist for onstage performers. But, I have never rehearsed an entire show, essentially sight singing, and then combining with an orchestra in a space of roughly 10 hours. What an awesome rush!

    Orchestra and Chorus assemble for LMTO ‘Playthrough’

    A few might even think that quality of performance would be an issue. I can guarantee that this was not the case. Everyone, be it chorus, soloists, instrumentalists, conductors, rehearsal co-ordinations and technicians; came in with a goal, and achieved true quality, to the point that everyone was feeling the raw emotion coming out of the music. 

    I have to admit, when it was all done, I was feeling a little ‘Sitzprobe Sadness’. Even though it wasn’t a staged performance, you still get that buzz. You meet new people, and see friends. I even met some nice people, who would talk to the loner Australian sitting in the back row, singing Second Soprano. Music really does bring people together.

    So how does it work? LMTO has a playthrough of a musical once a month. The musicals very from classic to contemporary. Unfortunately I’m not allowed to state which musical I was involved with, but it was a Andrew Lloyd Webber classic (because that narrows the options down). The point of it is to allow groups of performing artists to come together in a private setting and work on something with no pressure of public exposure, and staging. It’s to practice ‘The Arts, and have a little fun at the same time.

    Basically, I signed up to LMTOs website. When the time came for the next playthrough, they sent out an application call. You fill out a form and send it back. LMTO lets you know if you’re in, and what part you’ll be performing. The ‘book’ arrives about 3 or 4 days before the actual date, and then you turn up for the fun.

    Now, having a little musical background is quite beneficial, especially when you need to sightread for the entire day. The essential thing is that it was fun, and it allowed me to work on musical skills (sight singing, blending in with a group, thinking quick). It was also my first musical endeavor since moving to London. I hope I can be involved in more of LMTOs future playthroughs.

    And if nothing else, I’ve gained a few more friendships.

    In music the passions enjoy themselves. ~Nietzsche, Beyond Good and Evil, 1886

     

     

     

     

  • New Year, New City, New Life

    New Year, New City, New Life

    So this is my first post for 2017. I’m writing this post from a new part of the world. London, England. That right, I’ve relocated from Australia, to the big city on the other side of the world. I left Australia after Christmas, and was in London for New Year. It’s taking a bit to acclimate from hot and humid weather, to freezing cold. I actually prefer the cooler weather.

    I suppose with the new year, I should have made a few resolutions, but in honesty, if I make my new life work, that should be a load of resolutions completed in one go. 

    This past month I’ve been staying with extended family. Next week, I’ll be moving into a flat share in Kensington, which is more central to pretty much everything…and there’s a great big park nearby.

    Obviously, with moving to a new place, it’s going to take a while to get my music and singing going again, but little by little, hopefully I will find a new groove. Next weekend, I’m taking part in the London Musical Theatre Orchestra play-through of ‘Jesus Christ Superstar’, in the Chorus. It will be good to meet new people. Eventually, I’ll audition for some large choirs, and see how I get on.

    I’m still on Smule. My followers have grown greatly this last 12 months. 2500+. I’ve tried all kinds of songs, some good, and a few not so good. It’s brilliant the feedback I get back, and the ‘chats’ that I have with other singers. I’ve been saving the best recordings into my ‘favorites‘. I’ve also been working on this blog site, turning it into a promotional site for myself. It’s very strange trying to talk about oneself. It’s for those who are curious about myself. Of course I’ve linked my social media, and Smule sites together. An I’ve relearned how to write HTML code, haven’t had to do that since university.

    I’ve been working as a supply teacher, and have been to many schools throughout London, mainly because I’ve been living in the southeast of the city. As of next week, I will be working in the north, west, and northwest regions, so I’ll be working with a new set of schools. I’ve already been offered a job at one of them, but I’m not quite ready for something stationary yet. I want to experience various schools first.

    There will be more to come…

  • The end of 2016 draws near…

    The year is nearly done. I have finished my time with my employment, and am now finishing up my packing for the ‘big move’ to London. I have a few singing gigs with the Toowoomba Vhoral Society. Hours before I finish up with them too.

    A couple of weeks ago, I went to Brisbane to record some choral music for the Queensland Pops Orchestra. It’s been a while since I’ve had to wear the big earphones. Hopefully, all sounds great. The CD will be released in March 2017.


    Last weekend, I sang my last solo for a while. Performing at the Christmas Caberet with the TCS, I sang ‘The Mystery of Your Gift’ (originally sung by Josh Groban). I sang with a small ladies choir, doing backing choral work. It sounded wonderful. A great way to finish. 

    Singing with the Toowoomba Choral Society (2016)

    A few more church and community events to sing carols at, but essentially after this weekend, I am done. 

    I’m spending a lot of time actually having a rest…as in reading, watching TV, and hand embroidery (I’m an avid cross stitcher). I’m actually having a break. It is likely that I will resume work earlier than what I am accustomed too, since schools in the UK have a shorter winter break (2 weeks), compared to Australian schools summer break (6 weeks). So I arrive, get acclimated to the season (hot weather to cold), then to work I go. 

    Under two weeks to go…

  • The musings of the Crazy Music Chick.

    The musings of the Crazy Music Chick.

    “Someday, everything will make perfect sense. So for now, laugh at the confusion, smile through the tears, be strong and keep reminding your self that everything happens for a reason.” – John Mayer

    So I haven’t written for a long while…again.  So much has been happening.

    Performing in the musical ‘Annie’ went very well. As one for the ‘Boylan Sisters’, I sang in the radio trio ‘You’re Never Fully Dressed without a Smile’. Putting on a little bit of ‘flouncy flirt’. Can only get so raunchy in a kids show, but got a few whistles from the audience. I was also a maid in ‘Warbucks’ household, so got to literally clean the stage for a bit. My knees were killing me by the end of show run, the dancing and having to drop down onto the same knee over and over, whilst singing crazy high notes (I had to do the same thing last year in ‘Evita’). Massive bruise, but it was so worth it.

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    ‘Bonnie Boylan’ in TCS ‘Annie’, 2016

    It was a great experience for the kids, many of whom have not been in a semi-professional production before, let alone being allowed backstage and seeing the inner workings of the theatre. Hopefully, many of them will continue performing.

    Final curtain call also meant a farewell to many of many of my ‘theatre folk’ as it will be a long time before I will see a lot of them again. Moving to London, will hinder direct communication, but at least I can stalk them on Facebook. Most of them are social media fiends like myself.

    A week after ‘Annie’, I was on vacation, and endured the first of what will be many long flights to London. The main ambition was to see the sights and do the ‘tourist thing’ before making the actual move in December. May have made the credit card cry, but got to do a lot of stuff including;

    • Buckingham Palace. I paid the extras fees to go into the audience chambers, so I got to go on the other side of the fence. I could see the public looking in from the street. Had lunch in the Gardens, checked out the various carriages and vehicles used by the Royal Family.
    • Glass overpass at London Bridge. I videoed myself walking over it, just so you know it was me. Gave me the heebie-jeebies walking on cars and people.
    • West End Shows. That’s definitely going to be a danger when I move over there. If I’m not at home, or work, you’ll probably find me there somewhere. I saw ‘The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night Time’, ‘The Bodyguard’, ‘The Play that went Wrong’ and ‘No Man’s Land’, starring Patrick Stewart (Star Trek: Next Generation, X-men) and Ian McKellen (The Hobbit, Lord of the Rings, X-men). Both brilliant actors. A friend also scored us tickets to a Ricky Martin concert, so had the added bonus of hanging out with friends, meeting new friends and enjoying great music all at the same time.

    I didn’t get too many souvenirs as I figured that I’ll be moving there. When I do head back, I’m going to purchase some material patches or badges to put on my travel blanket (kinda remembered that I had that after I recovered from jet-lag).

    Met with the agency whose helping me out with the start of my employment, Prospero Teaching Ltd. It’s going to be a struggle initially but hopefully, I’ll get picked up for a contract quite quickly and stabilise everything from there. The plan is to be able to go travelling around Europe during the breaks, but stability is important. Will also be looking at finding a creative outlet whether it be in choirs, theatre (or both), or try something completely different (extras work on TV and film, maybe?). Just dabbling.

    Also got to meet the family I will be living with for a few weeks, whilst I find a flat to share and start work. Very nice people.

    After returning from London, and recovering from jet-lag, which was much worse coming back then going to, I returned to work. Then I have to get the last of the logistics sorted for my affairs in Australia. Had a huge garage sale to move on most of my stuff, packed the last of the keepsakes and placed them into storage, still deciding what to do with my house (renting or selling?). Basically, trying to tie up loose ends.

    I completed my singing exam for the Australian Music Examination Board (AMEB), sixth grade. The marks and comments came back last week. I got an ‘A’ (Honours). Had some nice comments from the Adjudicator, who I understand actually works at the Queensland Conservatorium of Music (Brisbane). According to other singing teachers in the area, it is a rarity that this particular adjudicator would assign A levels to any student, so big kudos for me. I will need to investigate as to whether I can get AMEB converted to a Trinity College equivalent (as this is the London syllabus for music examination).

    I’m currently beginning the last of the Toowoomba Choral Society concerts. I’m performing a solo and trio, as well as choir stuff. Christmas always tends to get busy. There will be more ‘bow outs’ and goodbyes coming.

    With all that is going on, it feels like my life is pulling in all directions, and that I’m trying to keep it all together without losing my sanity (like a puppy that wriggles in your hands). It’s not easy, but I know it will be worth it when I’m finally there…and drink wine, lots of wine.

    Until next time…

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    Head Shot 2016 – Photo courtesy of Mary Quade (Toowoomba Choral Society)

  • Taking the next step, or a giant leap?

    It’s been a while since I last wrote, but have been quite busy. I mentioned in my last post that I’d made quite large life decision. Now that I’ve told the parties that would be affected by this decision, I can now openly say that at the end of the year, I will be moving to London, to pursue a new lifestyle and go on an adventure and have new experiences along the way.

    I’ve already arranged a job, one of the benefits of being a teacher. I’m also got an idea of pursuing my musical interests. I’m going to try to audition with a few choirs (there are quite a few to choose from). I’m also going to be doing a lot of exploring, having interests in history and music.

    So I’m making preparations to leave Australia and arrive in the UK. A logistical challenge but hopefully worth it. 

    It seems like a big leap, literally and metaphorically. It feels right. Hopefully this will be the beginning of something great.

     

  • It’s more fun as a group…

    It’s more fun as a group…

    It has been a while since I last posted. That’s not to say that I haven’t been busy, in fact it is quite the opposite. I’ve recently made quite a large life decision that will impact pretty much everything from professional, personal, social and musical. At this time, I can’t delve into too much due to the open forum of this blog, but it will be announced in due course. Those of you who are linked to my Facebook know what this is already, so don’t panic.

    A few months ago, I auditioned for “Annie” and got one of the Boylan sisters. Trio time. Will be onstage in early September, rehearsals are yet to start but are not far off.

    Another reason for being so long between blogs is that I haven’t come across an inspiration to write about…up until 3 days ago when the ABC (Australian Broadcasting Commission) published this article on their site “Community choirs growing as members reap the health benefits”.

    The article, although short, highlights the benefits of beckoning involved in community choirs.

    • Heartbeats and breathing synchronise. This would make sense has breathing needs to be controlled and together as a group.
    • Release of endorphins and oxytocin reducing stress and promoting positive reactions in the immune system. This is thought to be one of the reasons for the post-show high, and the depression after a show closes. The body has to adjust to the lack of rehearsal, etc.
    • Positive Social and mental wellbeing. Being apart of a group, working towards a collective goal; yeah, I’d agree with that. In fact, I feel lonely when I go with out a show or rehearsal for so long.
    Other articles of stated singing can;
    • Oxygenates blood that allows for better function of cells and healing of the body. Kinda wakes me up, and stops the yawning for a bit.
    • Exercise the upper body muscles, even when sitting. It’s good to exercise the diaphragm (muscle under your rib cage for those who are not anatomical aware). Have often felt sore around the ribs after big ‘sings’.
    I’ve been involved in choirs since I was in primary school, when I first joined a choir. I was given special permission to join, as I was considered to be too young to join with the big kids. I remained in various school choirs throughout primary and high school, even taking on two choirs in my final high school years, and then becoming the school choral captain for my senior year. After graduating, I joined community choirs and church groups. I’m still involved two choirs under a single choral organisation, and the local theatre company for musicals.
    It used to be considered ‘geeky’ to be in a community choir. It’s great to know that this stigma is starting to lift and more people are getting involved in their community. It is amazingly that for once it’s the Arts that are getting attention, not always the sports. I guess that the stigma came from a reputation that choirs generally sing church music. NOT SO!! Community choirs sing multiple genres of music from classical and sacred, to contemporary pop. Some employ accompanists (often pianists), others have full orchestras and bands.
    The phenomenon of the ‘Virtual Choir’ is beginning to take hold in musical cyberspace, where individuals record their parts in video and audio. Mixers and arrangers then align the videos and sound to form a single choir, so a single choir can have thousands of members from around the world. The most renown would be Eric Whitacres virtual choirs. Some amazing sounds have come from the original compositions of Eric and his team. Choirs are no longer limited by geography.
    A lot of the famed singers agree that being in a choir is a positive step in musicianship. Look them up and discover how they started in their careers. A lot of them will have ‘choir’ somewhere in their bios.
    I have such happy memories of performing in a choir and I don’t think I’d have got where I am today without all that experience. So my advice to young singers is to either join your school or church’s choir or find one in your local area. Choral music at any level teaches you so much about musicianship and blending your voice. – Katherine Jenkins
    There are some amazing choirs out there. Just look on YouTube for proof. If you’re not involved, you should be.
    Until next time…
     
  • A different kind of experience…

    A different kind of experience…

    “Music should strike fire from the heart of man, and bring tears from the eyes of woman”. – Beethoven

    So this week as been all about preparing for a series of concerts in Brisbane and Toowoomba, with the Queensland Pops Orchestra.

    I always enjoyed orchestral music whether it be classical, contemporary or even tv and film scores. I’m also a cellist (a hobby that I embark on whenever I get little bit of time away from the craziness of everyday life). I can appreciate the intricacies that go into an orchestral piece. The addition of voices adds extra zest to scores, and they don’t always sing words. An ‘ah’ or ‘oo’ is just as effective in evoking memories, fantasies, emotions, etc.

    This week, Toowoomba Choral Society Contemporary Choral were singing with 2 other choirs (1 from Brisbane and a Toowoomba school chapel choir). The theme was songs of British origin or theme. You can probably guess which ones…007, Lloyd Webber, Land of Hope and Glory, a few Celtics. Traditional, sacred, folk, film, theatre and tv, a brilliant mix of British songs. 

    Singing with a full orchestra is a different kind of high. Singing in musicals, which only half partial orchestras (most orchestras substitute instruments with keyboard FX), is an entirely different feeling of exhilaration. Its very hard to describe. The performance high after a musical show is almost like a hyperactivity. A professional orchestral performance is like an exhalation of stress, and a being of calm. I’m not ashamed to admit that after particular pieces, I’m crying at the end. I’m at peace (or I’m a big softy). Sounds very profound, doesn’t it?

    This weekend, we were at the Queensland Performing Arts Complex (known as QPAC to the locals). We performed a matinee and evening concert. There were guest singers, dancers, special performances by the chapel choir, even a showcase for the larger ‘big persons’ choir.  If this is the exhilaration I get when performing as a chorister, I can only imagine what it is like performing as a soloist (it would be a brilliant experience, I’m sure). 

    Next weekend, we have one more concert in Toowoomba Empire Theatre, so another chance to enjoy music at its best. 

    Thus is the second time that we’ve worked with the QLD Pops Orchestra. I hope we have more opportunities, as I love this experience. 

    Until next time…

     Edited with BlogPad Pro


  • Done with one, on to another.

    Done with one, on to another.

     “Music speaks what cannot be expressed, soothes the mind and gives it a rest, heals the heart and makes it whole, flows from heaven to the soul.”

    I’ve just ‘signed off’ from “Legally Blonde”. Attended the official debrief functional night, meeting and catching up with members of the cast and crew. It’s never really goodbye though. We will see each other in future productions, and on social media. I gain a few more friends throughout each production. Unfortunately I couldn’t stay for the whole function, as I was required to attend the final rehearsal for another gig that will be in Brisbane.

    View form the balcony, on Opening Night of “Legally Blonde” 2016

     

    Every show I do is a unique experience, and I learn new aspects to theatre and performance. Whether I’m onstage or backstage, even if I’m not directly involved with what’s going on, I learn a lot by simply watching and listening. I was the ‘Captain’ of the backstage singers this time round, so tried to lead by example,…ok, I had a bit of lunacy too (it’s what happens when 9 people get put into a box with a load of microphones). Each performance, backstage singers had a theme including ‘costume party’, ‘funky hat’ and ‘think pink’. 

    Some of the Backstage Singers, on ‘Funky Hat Friday’ theme night

    When we are not required for anything but to sing, we get a little stir crazy. We make our own fun, and hopefully perk up the tired onstagers too. I love my theatre and choral families. We take our roles in productions seriously, but have fun whilst doing it. The support we get from each other is awesome, and the connections we make in film, tv, music and theatre is mind-boggling. We’ve had a few of us make it in the entertainment industry, and sometimes they come back and share their experiences. 

    Queensland Pops Orchestra will be playing at Queensland Performing Arts Complex and the Empire theatre over the next fortnight. We’ll be singing well known songs from Britain. We had the conductor of the orchestra come and see us. Hopefully we’re up to the quality.

    I had an audition for Opera Queensland “Project Rossini” (The Barber of Seville). Went in and sang a song entirely in Italian, answered a few questions and a few basic steps. We’ll be required to do a little movement onstage. Hopefully know the outcome in the next fortnight.

    Have another audition tomorrow for ‘Annie’. Going for the character of ‘Grace Farrell’ assistant to Warbucks. Have to do a vocal, script and movement audition. Don’t know what to expect. Going to be fun though.

    Managed to break it up a bit, I went to a concert as well. Josh Groban. I’ve been to every one of his concerts, every time he’s come to Australia (makes it 3 times).

    I’m still hanging out on Smule. Made it to over 550 followers (Thank you to all the Smuleans out there). Been going through the Power Ballads lately, but anything ‘Phantom of the Opera’, with insanely high notes seems to be quite popular. Recorded Rachel Platten’s ‘Fight Song’, and got over 300 plays (with over 27 duets) in 24 hours. Think that’s the first time I’ve had one of my duets go that many plays in that amount of time. I recorded a solo version of it. Sometimes can be strange, I record Adele songs, and similar activity occurs. I’m not even an alto. 🙂

    I’m still sending out samples of my singing to recording studios. No bites yet. Live and hope.

    Needless to say, I keep myself very busy. 

    Until next time…