Day 30!!

This competition blogging is finally over... I will still be doing all of these things & more for the next 335 days but this is my last blog! Thank you for following me and supporting me along the way!

Daily Practice Session

Technical Concepts - Lip trills, goo-goos, muh-muh, nay-nay, la-la-la-la-a-a-a, la-le-li-lo-lu, la scale once slow 2 times fast.
20 Minutes 

Repertoire - This morning I worked on Anastasia in the shower... man does it sound good in there!! maybe we should have recorded it in there for my blog!! Then I stayed in the bathroom to mess around with some of my other songs: Be Still, Fame, and In My Own Little corner.
30 Minutes 

Successes – The acoustics in a bathroom is pretty cool... don't know how realistic it is but... I liked it! I felt like there was more to explore.

Areas for improvement – It seemed like the "smoky" pop sound was definitely coming out today but I need to be able to find that consistently.

Notes: I am DONE!!!

Spot check of my own:

4/4 voice lessons- ALL with KURT
3/2 coaching sessions
12/10 yoga and dance- 2 without pictures
28/25 Healthy meals
6/5 Charitable deeds
30/30 days singing
1/1 live performance
1/1 watched performance
1/1 New recorded song

Picture from my 2nd time at VSA

Day 29! Everything is done plus extra!

Today was a hard day bc technically I do not have a spare minute to blog but here I go.... Wish I had a robot who could blog for me while I warmed up and did repertoire that would be awesome!!

Daily Practice Session

Technical Concepts - Today I went through lip trills, goo-goos, muh-muhs, buh-buh (worked on the "drunk" feeling), Gyu (focused on really applying the concept of lifting the palette and dropping the larynx, so that I can take this concept from warm-up to actual singing without over thinking it), also did two different za-ah-ah-uh-ah exercises and the za-e-i-o-u-o-i-e-a. I also worked on my sirens in za-ze-zi-zo-zu.
42 Minutes

Repertoire - I worked on Be Still today to try and develop the different "colors" I can have with my voice. Then I ran through King of anything 2 times to refresh. I also searched for new pop songs that I can work on... I like Mariah Carey's I Want to Know What Love Is but it sounds pretty low at parts... and Fly by Kelly Clarkson. I also like Terrified by Katherine McPhee. it seems like even the sopranos sing way low... :(
35 Minutes

Successes – I think I actually have the za-e-i-o-u-o-i-e-a exercise... don't know why it was so hard to just get the vowels right but I even have trouble with this in Kristen Loree's class

Areas for improvement – Sirens on za-ze-zi-zo-zu bc I was having trouble reaching my head voice when asked to do them before I would just stop at the top of middle. I also heard a little bit of empty spots in two different placeswhich hopefully just means I need to cry more bc I do kinda feel like I might be coming down with something... :(

Notes: I need to find soprano songs... that I like...

New Song (Demo) *

I posted the info about this last night but here is the actual link:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uhXQH2JiB0A

Charitable Deeds:
Today I did my 6th deed. It was something I had been planning the whole month and wasn't going to skip just because I already had 5. All month long I wrote people I know and asked if they had any clothes, blankets or household items they no longer need. I actually got quite a few responses! I tried to take pictures of people with their bags and you could tell everyone was proud to have made the effort. My friend Alexandra and her roommate donated 3 bags of really cute clothes. My friend Ben gave me two bags of really yummy smelling clothes :). George's professor/adviser even jumped on the bus with a bag of clothes. George's lab partner Barbara also gave a bag. George's best friend and great guy Kevin donated a laundry basket full. George, Tres, and I donated 7 bags of stuff... blankets, pillows, clothes, shoes, bags and coats. In the end it made a very hefty size donation and you could tell the people thought it was a great effort :) I am glad I reached out and got others involved in this because I think it made the impact that much greater. I feel like a huge load has been lifted (maybe bc it literally has been... lifted out of my car)!
 

 Alex & her roommate :)

Ben

Bar

Kevin (silly guy in the red!)

The pile of bags!!

 

 

Healthy Eating

Meal Description –  Sesame Chicken Salad with bean sprouts, cabbage, snap peas and romaine.

Restaurant or Market – Trader Joe's

Rating – *** Pretty yummy... needed noodle or something ...

 

Well thats all folks... just one day of singing to go!!

OH MY GOSH!! 28 days!!!

Today was a really good day for me... I feel like I accomplished alot and am proud of some of the walls I worked to break down! Even though I didn't get up til the very end of class I feel like I did a good job.. I feel like I had good energy. I did not use my technique the whole time though and that definitely pulled my focus ... I almost didn't end my song (such a Cierra thing) bc my leg was shaking & I was so nervous but then I reminded myself that no matter what, I NEEDED to FINISH to prove to myself that I can. So I slammed my floor back on the ground freaking did it!!  Wasn't super amazing but it did feel good.

Daily Practice Session

Technical Concepts - This morning before I went in to coach with Paul and record my song I did some lip trills, goo-goos, gyus, and then I did some la-le-li-lo-lu and the la-la-la-la-a-a-a because I felt like those would be good to do before the song I was singing. Also worked on some muh-muhs bc I need that darn dopey sound.
15 Minutes

Repertoire - Before class, I worked on My Life WSWY, and Fame. I warmed up with Anastasia. I also worked on In My Own Little Corner again bc I really like that song.
45 Minutes 

Successes – During practice I could keep my voice dopey. I am feeling more comfortable with this but feel like it will take a long time to master. While I was getting nervous I worked really hard to ONLY think about technique and emotional connection instead of the fact that I didn't sound very good.

Areas for improvement – I lost my dopey sound as soon as I got nervous so I need to figure out how to control my vocals when there is adrenaline running through my body.

Notes: I need to just shut up and SING!! Ahhh!!

Healthy Eating

Meal Description – I ate two healthy meals today... I had Sushi for lunch & a good simple salad for lunch with Macaroni and cheese from Trader Joe's. 

Restaurant or Market – All of this food came from Trader Joe's.

Rating – **** The sushi was actually really good considering it was not at a restaurant and was only 5.99 for 20 pieces! The salad was *** not the best dressing I had ever had...

New Song (Demo)

Song Choice – Journey to the Past form Anastasia

Approximate time learning and coaching your song – 10 days - 15 minutes a day consistently... some days much more. Just depended on how caught up in the practice I got... some days I worked for an hour..

Describe your recording experience – I had a hard time knowing how theatrical to be since it is a recording. I also didn't know how the rooms dynamics were going to be in the recording. I was also very aware of how ugly the room is so I had to not think about that. I felt pretty good about it when i heard it... When i saw it though I realized some really interesting and frustrating things about my posture, stance... and focus points! Wish i would have known before recording... now I can know for next time!

General Observations – I feel like the work I put in definitely shows vocally in the recording. There are some rough spots but it was a great improvement. I knew it would be the last thing I did because it was the thing that made me the most nervous! Live performances (if they are not recorded) cannot be relived and picked apart but I feel really insecure about posting myself on the internet doing something I am not confident about. Less confident about the appearance more than the vocals. Not a good pick for clothing, especially to record in.

NOTE: I am not very technologically advanced and I am working on uploading the video now but it says it will not be ready for over an hour... so I will post that link later.

Private Lessons/Coaching Sessions

Date/time - 8:00 a.m - January 28th, 2011

Instructor - Paul Roth
45 Minutes

Repertoire - we worked on Anastasia, My Life WSWY and Fame

Points covered – He reminded me to cry when I wasn't doing it. He also made me "muh-muh" through some of the lyrics that I was having trouble with, so that helped a lot.

Notes: There were some people in the room when I went over Fame and it was good to have them there.. I think it helped me feel more capable.

Day 27!

Not much to say today except I am exhausted and I am sad it is almost over. The personal challenge (singing for 365 days) is not over but I think that the extra push has made me grow and learn more than I ever would have on a normal January in the life of Cierra. So glad to be back dancing and feel motivated for these last three days!! Singing is one of the most complex challenges in my life right now and I am happy to be rising to the occasion.

Daily Practice Session

Technical Concepts - Today I worked on trying to remember the meow things Kurt and I worked on yesterday. I also warmed up with a previous lesson and really worked on smooth transistions between the different notes on scales. I also focused extremely hard on keeping the sound dopey and I can hear and feel the difference that a simple placement exercise makes. Even the just the way you place your lips completely changes the sound coming out of your mouth... maybe I am a slow learner bc I know I have heard this many times but now I feel like I am actually understanding these concepts and adding them to my technique. I worked on being dopey through: nay-nay, muh-muh, goo-goo, la-la-la-la-a-a-a, la-le-li-lo-lu, and the exercise that goes once up slowly on La and then around the same scale fast on la.
25 Minutes

Repertoire - Tonight I worked on Anastasia for recording tomorrow and I really worked on where and when and how to take a full breathe so that I can make it all the way through a phrase. I also worked on moving through the song on a dopey sound and getting the mixing through the middle and chest voice smoother. I also worked through Fame & My Life WSWY focusing on the same concepts... I also ran through In My Own Little Corner three times just for a little bit of something different and a reminder.
40 Minutes

Successes – I did feel transitions a little more than usual and tried to just keep the focus and keep goign over something that I messed up on til it sounded good and felt dopey.

Areas for improvement – Tried to imagine I was in a room full of people but it didn't evoke the same nerves that I get when I actually am ... guess I just got to do it more. 

Notes:  I feel a little less scared to just go after it right now... I wish there was a way to keep this feeling til the morning in class!

Dance/Personal Fitness

Date/time - January 27, 2011 8:00-9:30

Type of class – Vinyasa Yoga

Difficulty Level - Advanced

Studio and Instructor (Include Photo) – Allisun Hull @ Defined Fitness

What did you most enjoy? – Feeling so incredibly blessed, at the end, that I am even have the ability to practice Yoga. Knowing what a physical challenge it is makes me respect the art form so much. thinking about the idea that hundreds of thousands of miles away someone else was doing the same pose as me at the same time. Such a beautiful practice.

What did you find challenging and why? – My shoulders got pretty exhausted after about 45 minutes and was so thankful for Child's pose at that moment. It was much needed and helped me ground my breathe.

Observations – I am getting so much more flexible every day bc of these dance classes! I also know how much weaker my left leg is than my right... got get back to physical therapy and start doing strength training on that side to even them out.


Charitable Deeds
 

Today, Amanda Morales, Ryan Gallen and I helped out with the VSA site specific dance. In was staged in the lobby of the Center for the Arts. It was such a freeing thing to do bc you could see that these people could care less about what people may or may not think about the little dance we did. It reminded me that performance is anything with an artful expression. I watched as the faces of all the artists glowed while we circled around each other. It made me so happy to hear Mya say "that was awesome" bc you know she really meant it from the bottom of her heart. I also know how important our presence is to the teacher Margarita. I know that we are such a help to her. I am proud to be a part of making everyone smile.

Will post a picture later... forgot the cord for my phone!

26 days!

Today was one of the most draining and also uplifting days of the challenge. I know myself just a little more today than I did yesterday... well maybe a lot more. I can not keep allowing certain things to over take me... I feel lost and scared and awake all at the same time and I am not sure where to take it. I am going to do my best to use it as fuel because I don't want to give up on myself. Days like this are not enjoyable but need to happen to me more often. It is either sink or swim.

Side note* This guy is really interesting.. what a character... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t9-CS2v8wcc

Daily Practice Session

Technical Concepts - Today I warmed up with some lip trills, goo-goo (working extra hard on being dopey) this is a concept I need to spend the most time on bc I lose it so quickly when adding words, I also worked on la-le-li-lo-lu, gyu, go-goo, vee from head voice down to chest.

22 Minutes

Repertoire - I worked on Anastasia but don't feel as though I got anywhere until my lesson and even that was brief. I also worked on Another 100 People, My Life WSWY, I listened to some music for class... a song I wont mention ... shhh. I also listened to Once Upon a December from Anastasia bc I love that singers voice. I also got super side tracked listening to Disney stuff... went all over the place but would like to hone in on something... Wont count this as work tho bc I didn't focus in...

40 Minutes

Successes – I feel if I can learn to be dopey and cry at the same time consistently I will sky rocket in my ability. I didn't feel very successful vocally today.

Areas for improvement – My life would suck felt really solid (or at least kind of) last night and today it just seemed to fall apart. I am also so mad at myself for not just getting up in class and singing in class... I put the silly heels on and then just sat their like a little B!@#$...I had the energy and wanted too but I think that I need to just get up 1st or 2nd because the more people that go the more nerves build.

Notes: Why is singing such a personal thing? When I go to sing - It feels like someone just beat me over the head with all my fears and failures. Not always, obviously or I would not do it but gosh it is an emotional sport! and anyone who says it is not a sport is definitely wrong - it is super physical and very interactive and when you are winning you feel great and when you are losing the whole world feels like it is crashing down.

Private Lessons/Coaching Sessions

Date/time - January 26th, 2011 7:45-9:00

Instructor - Kurt Robinson

Minutes- 75 minutes

Repertoire - We worked on Fame, My Life WSWY, and Anastasia.

Points covered – We focused on middle voice and mixing. It was really great to hear the few times when it was really there. I need to seriously focus on this because I worked on it and then couldn't put the technique to words and singing. We did some really awesome Meow exercises that made middle voice more clear to me I still had a difficult time with it but could feel the difference.

Notes: I need to learn how to retain what I am learning... The concepts go in one ear... and then (you know who to finish that phrase)... I would take this as my biggest problem bc I feel like if I could consistently recreate these concepts then I would know that I sound good and would not feel so nervous to get my voice out there.

PHOTOGRAPH: I keep forgetting... AHHHHHHH!

Charitable Deeds

 

 This morning I was able to put in sometime at the Roadunner Food Bank. I went early before class and did some dry food storage organization... we had to throw out anything that did not have ingredients and make the area organized enough for "shopping" I enjoyed this job because I love to see things become organized and what we started with was definitley not organized. At one point someone put Rice Krispy Treats in the breakfast area instead of the snacks and I honestly wondered if people are eating Rice Krispy Treats for breakfast?? Sometimes ht e food bank makes me really sad bc I wish I could literally take the food to the families in need! I feel so blessed to be a part of this organization and plan on going every Wednesday before MTW428 for who ever wants to come with me!?

Day 25! Takin care of business... everyday!

Today was another long Tuesday. It really is nice to have such a long packed day bc it seems sort of like the pace in NYC! I had a fun day in costuming and found my measurements... it is crazy how different everyone's body is. Work was good & short. And now I am home in my jammies posting earlier than usual. :) Also have really yummy green tea that I am drinking!!

Daily Practice Session

Technical Concepts - to switch things up a little bit I warmed up to Melissa Cross' DVD Zen of Screaming. I worked on a bunch of the breath support as well as her set of 12 warm-ups focused on singing "over the pencil". I really enjoy these warm-up bc I am a visual learner. I also worked on some sirens on wee, woo and worked on the difference between those two sounds.
30 Minutes

Repertoire - I worked on Anastasia, Another 100 People, My Life WSWY, & Fame
32 Minutes

Successes – I am feeling more comfortable with my wee siren and can mainly keep it in eeee. Also feel like I am getting the rhythm for Another 100 People. Mainly memorized on Anastasia. 

Areas for improvement – I have a really hard time with My Life WSWY making it sound poppy... also do not have the whole soul-y feel for Fame.

Notes: I am still confused about the whole idea of singing voice and talking voice... my little brother totally agrees with George... I need to hear the difference I think. I don't wanna be on of those people who don't sound like it is their voice...

Healthy Eating

Meal Description – I made a burrito tonight and it was definitely healthy.. Whole wheat tortilla, beans, cheese, roasted red bell peppers & romaine lettuce.

Restaurant or Market – Trader Joe's & Costco

Rating – ***** Yummy! Some times you just need simplicity! I love pretty much anything with red bell peppers!


Dance/Personal Fitness

Date/time - January 25, 2011 7 p.m.

Type of class – Jazz/Contemporary

Difficulty Level - Intermediate

Studio and Instructor (Include Photo) – Fletcher Nickerson @ Maple Street Dance

What did you most enjoy? –  We worked on a lyrical piece today which was a nice change from yesterday which was much more young and punchy with lots of floor work. It is always nice to work on the softer side of jazz... It was fun to work on theses two separate pieces side by side. I got to work on technique since the piece we learned was fairly simple.

What did you find challenging and why? – My hip is still acting up and that affects my balance and keeps me scared to go all out!

Observations – I need to be less timid in class, in all my classes... Note: if it hurts be safe but if it doesn't - give it all you got! Also these peeps were not that great at spacing either... whats up with that!!?

Day 24! Going, going, almost gone :(

I am proud of what I accomplished today but it was a very hard day. It was a very full day... full of successes and disappointments... Reality is like that sometimes. I am very proud of my self for eating well all day! That was a success for sure! I usually eat this way but the last week I got really concerned with what other people think is "healthy"and I ended up losing 5 pounds.. Can't afford the loss. I need the breads and stuff! I need to remember how well I know myself and just go with that!!!DUH! These are the pretty flowers my best friend Emily brought me bc she is definitely my biggest fan ha ha but really she is... If I ever make it on the red carpet she is definitely coming with me :)

 She's as dainty as a daisy....

Daily Practice Session

Technical Concepts - I warmed up before class with some lip trills, goo-goo, gyu, three different ve exercises, la-le-li-lo-lu, la-la-la-la-a-a-a and worked on the octave leap on go to goo.
24 Minutes -

Repertoire - When I got done with dance class, I worked on My Life Would Suck Without You, Anastasia, Fame, & a tiny bit on Be Still. About to go over Another 100 People so I can work on the fast words but figured I would post first to be safe!! :P Also listened to tons of American Idiot and other options for class. I like 21 Guns... Looks pretty difficult. Reminds me of Green Day days- those were the best ha ha!!

32 Minutes

Successes – I really like that I feel little more comfortable just speaking the words in my chest voice so that I am not straining or pushing! I have to that for Anastasia, My Life WSWOY, and Fame... Glad they aren't too low for me but just in the very bottom of my range. It is a good place to practice so it can get stronger...

Areas for improvement – I need to work on breathe support and focus... I find myself thinking the sound is just going to come out and so I don't focus on lifting my palette or dropping my larynx... and I know that you can't think about the whole time but I need to turn it into muscle memory.

Notes: I am sick of mediocrity too!
 

Healthy Eating

Meal Description – I had three very healthy meals today.... firstly.... I had two pieces of whole wheat toast with yogurt and half a papaya! Then for lunch I had a tamale salad... aka romaine, cucumber, cabbage, tomato, red bell peppers, and a Greek vinagrette with some tamales chunks (kinda like a taco salad), and I made a homemade asian soupy thing tonight with potstickers and veggies, & rice noodles!

Restaurant or Market – Smiths, Trader Joes, Costco

Rating – #1- **** great start to my day, #2 **** Really great and now I am going to have it often! #3 **** Delicious and very filling!

Dance/Personal Fitness

Date/time - January 24, 2011

Type of class – Jazz

Difficulty Level - Intermediate

Studio and Instructor (Include Photo) – Katie Marshall- It was at Marshall Performing Arts - just made the connection as to why she is so damn amazing!!

What did you most enjoy? – This teacher is one of the most talented, amazing, sweet, silly girls I have ever met... She blew me away with her knowledge and her ability to teach so completely at only 18 years old! She is definitely an inspiration to me. I wish I was 18 again and had grown up learning dance. She was so original and fresh! Great choreography skills! WOW!!

What did you find challenging and why? – I had a really emotional time being in this class because it was hard to see how far behind I am in dance... I wonder how good I will ever be able to be...? I have so much fear and I miss being able to do things with ease... I have learned so much about life through my legs but today was the first time I really felt over aware how handicapped i am... I miss flying across the floor... I miss freedom of movement. I miss not worrying about  the next move but just rushing in with a simple love and feeling of adventure. I need to be taking classes a couple times a week to see if it gets any easier. I have been avoiding this time of my life... I can either make it happen again or I will solidify that I won't be dancing as a career - this is definitely going to be a piece of reality I like to avoid (except on a very shallow level). I am blessed with so much & no I am not feeling sorry for myself just reminiscing and longing for ability.

Observations – The kids in the class do not get the concept of spacing... tons of open space and everyone was huddled on top of each other!