I have not done much with performing or healthy living in a while, so I haven't posted. I did have the pleasure of watching my daughter perform in "The Sound of Music" last weekend though; she's got the theatre bug now, so I will likely post more here about her sometimes.
I was physically reminded on Monday night of one of the reasons I want to lose weight and get healthy. I auditioned at a local theater for a part in "Bye Bye, Birdie". While the audition call mentioned a dance component, I was thinking they would just want to see if we moved comfortably on stage. Turned out, this was a really fast-paced, full choreography dance audition too! I think I nearly had a coronary! LOL (But I kept smiling the whole time, so that has to count for something, right?) I did put my all into it, but I couldn't help thinking (as I was dancing next to some 100-pound 13- and 14-year-olds) how much EASIER this would be and how much BETTER I'd look (in those stinking full-length mirrors, no less) if I weighed less and was in better shape. So, if I just do a big dance audition every week or so, it should keep my motivation up JUST FINE! (Incidentally, I should know by Friday afternoon if I've been cast. Not many parts for my age group, but I'm hopeful. Keep your fingers crossed for me!)
[UPDATE 6/24/10--I got a call from the director last night and was cast playing Mrs. Merkle (Ursula's mother). First rehearsal is Monday evening!! Thanks for all your good thoughts!]
The a cappella group I sing with has a name now--Vocal Brew--and we are performing July 24 at Ethos Vegan Kitchen, Orlando's premier vegan restaurant. More about that as the date approaches.
Have you ever auditioned for anything? Despite all the singing I've done over the years, I get shaky at auditions. Any tips on how to fight that and sound more natural? Share your story in the comments if you like!
Showing posts with label fitness. Show all posts
Showing posts with label fitness. Show all posts
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Fitness Matters
One of the items I mentioned in my first post was fitness. Possibly you were wondering how fitness ties in with singing and performing. Beyond looking better and having more energy to perform (both important), I was physically reminded of another benefit at rehearsal on Sunday.
I have been singing with an a capella group for almost a year. When I first joined the group, to call my singing skills rusty would have been an understatement. Although I performed for a while in church post-college, several years went by while my vocal cords forgot how to make a polished sound. This is fine for when The Fray comes on the radio. When I joined these singers, all who have performed professionally (one who--wonder of all wonders--SANG WITH VOICES OF LIBERTY!) I felt like a frog croaking. I've been improving over this past year, working at home on vocal exercises and trying to match the beautiful bright tone I hear of these awesome men and women with whom who I sing.
Fast forward to last Thursday through Sunday. On this healthy living quest, I've been trying to get more active, doing cardio and strength training, and focused quite a bit on ab work those days. During Sunday's rehearsal, for perhaps the first time ever, breath control felt relatively effortless as those newly strengthened ab muscles contracted and did that thing they're supposed to do while you sing! I think my tone was better, I know my phrasing was improved and I believe a lot of it had to do with the physical activity I've been doing.
I recall in high school, periodically our choir director would go on a kick where we'd have to add crunches or leg lifts to our warmups, all in the name of strengthening those same muscles. Mrs. Nilsen, I'm sorry I doubted the effectiveness back then!
I have been singing with an a capella group for almost a year. When I first joined the group, to call my singing skills rusty would have been an understatement. Although I performed for a while in church post-college, several years went by while my vocal cords forgot how to make a polished sound. This is fine for when The Fray comes on the radio. When I joined these singers, all who have performed professionally (one who--wonder of all wonders--SANG WITH VOICES OF LIBERTY!) I felt like a frog croaking. I've been improving over this past year, working at home on vocal exercises and trying to match the beautiful bright tone I hear of these awesome men and women with whom who I sing.
Fast forward to last Thursday through Sunday. On this healthy living quest, I've been trying to get more active, doing cardio and strength training, and focused quite a bit on ab work those days. During Sunday's rehearsal, for perhaps the first time ever, breath control felt relatively effortless as those newly strengthened ab muscles contracted and did that thing they're supposed to do while you sing! I think my tone was better, I know my phrasing was improved and I believe a lot of it had to do with the physical activity I've been doing.
I recall in high school, periodically our choir director would go on a kick where we'd have to add crunches or leg lifts to our warmups, all in the name of strengthening those same muscles. Mrs. Nilsen, I'm sorry I doubted the effectiveness back then!
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