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!

Day 23! So much fun!

Today was a great day here in vocal torture ;) jk I love this. My iPhone's AUX port decided to start working today which is awesome because now I can warm up really well while I drive! Before I had to hold my silly cellphone but now I it can just play on my speakers... apple pro ducts are crazy... it is like a sick child you just have to give him time to get better... the side buttons even started working... CRAZY! I am happy about it but confused why... On another note My boyfriend is convinced that I do not sing in my normal voice... I am having a long running... kind of heated.... discussion about this... he says that I put on a weird singing voice... I don't really know what he is talking about. I'll have to get to the bottom of this... He says the low notes sound like me but the other ones sound weird and like a completely different person... any thoughts..??

Daily Practice Session

Technical Concepts - Oh my gosh I went over so many things today.... I worked on three different vocal lessons with Kurt bc I was so nervous for the performance... I did: lip trills, goo-goos, go & goo on an octave leap, ah to uh with two different excercises, zah, e, i, oh, uh, oh and then backwards (I might seriously have a learning disability bc I can't get this- the vowels don't make any sense to me), zah-ah-ah, Then I went to the next lesson and worked on nay-nay, muh-muh, la-le-li-lo-lu, and la-la-la-a-a-a, la on the three time loop that goes from the  bottom to the top and then to the bottom and around again fast, then on to the next... gyu, goo-gee, zee-zaaa-zoooo-zuuuu or something like that...

70 Minutes

Repertoire - Stepsister's Lament x 3, Summer Time x 7, Another hundred people x 3, Anastacia x 3
35 Minutes 

Successes – I felt pretty good about Summer Time until the performance... I feel good about Anastacia... still needs so much work but I know it will get better. I like My Life Would Suck Without You also. 
 

Areas for improvement – I feel like I am pushing to hard and not just letting the sound come out... on all my songs.

Notes: I am so incredibly confused about what George said tonight...? I don't know what he means by my "real voice".

My Live Performance.... yay I did it!!

Date/time - January 23, 2011

Show/Venue - Marshall Performing Arts Conservatory

Program or Song Choice – I sang Stepsister's Lament and Summer Time

What did you most enjoy? – I really enjoyed the character for Stepsister bc it really helps me feel comfortable to put someone else on for the nerves. I actually felt kind of comfortable singing this in front of people.

What did you find challenging and why? – It was really hard to not have the music for my second song... I was nervous enough and add on top of that extra stresses it made me really uncomfortable...I had to work really hard to not be mad at Zach bc I knew that would just be anti-productive. I tried to roll with the punches but this song definitely did not make me feel confident about my voice at all.

Observations and Remembrances – It was really fun to perform in front of people... I think that performance is my drug... even though I did not feel like I did an amazing job it still feels good to get up there and just do it and not care what anyone says or thinks.

http://www.facebook.com/#!/video/video.php?v=1843600772801&oid=154670081247216 

Healthy Eating

Meal Description – Spinaci salad from Il Vicino...(Spinach, red bell peppers, red onions, pinon, blue cheese with a pesto vinagrette)  I was so hungry that I ate half of it before I remembered the picture so here is the second half of my favorite salad in ABQ.

Restaurant or Market – Il Vicino

Rating – ************************

DAY 22! Nice and early!

Today I did not feel very well, I got pretty sick last night and was trying to recover today... I felt really weak so I had a really big steak just now and I think it is really helping my energy level!

Daily Practice Session

Technical Concepts - Today I went over yesterday's lesson with Kurt. I really enjoyed the new goo exercises... going down the scales on gyu, and doing a go and goo on an octave change thingy. I of course did my lip trills and regular goo-goos but I felt like I could not relax my cheeks as well as I did yesterday. I need to turn this into muscle memory! I also worked on a ve exercise.
18 Minutes

Repertoire - Today I worked really hard on getting a relaxed jazzy Summer Time for tomorrow. I also went over Another 100 People three times, I went over Step Sisters Lament twice. The more I think about that song the less it works.

45 Minutes 

Successes – I really tried to just act as a character for Summer Time because I feel as though that will help kill the nerves. I need to approach singing as if it were acting and not take the voice so darn personal...

Areas for improvement – I still have a hard time with my darn breathe support and it makes it hard to carry out the notes. I am definitely over thinking this aspect bc when I auditioned I had no issues with breathe control I just sang bc I had to... so clearly it is there..

Notes: I still feel hesitant to perform tomorrow but I am excited at the same time... we need to be setting these thins up at least monthly!!

Healthy Eating

Meal Description – I definitely consider this healthy... A T-bone steak with garlic & shallot mashed potatoes, and roasted Mexican Squash. I couldn't keep much in my tummy till recently today so this was exactly what the DR ordered! I definitely needed protein!!

Restaurant or Market – Smith's

Rating – **** My favorite part was the mashed potatoes!

21 days... Accomplished a great life challenge today!

Today was VERY productive! I feel like I have accomplished so much in this challenge that I, honestly, don't want it to end! I have also made some really great friends. I feel stronger as a woman, a singer, and a friend. I feel like this is the hardest I have ever tried for something. When things come easy it is simple to take the lazy approach but it is nice to really want something and have to work hard with great motivation and perseverance. I really feel like I have gained a greater work ethic and a stronger spirit. I also love watching my voice grow... it seems to be smaller steps than all the other growth but imagine what I could do in a year if just a month gets me where I am today.

Daily Practice Session

Technical Concepts - I warmed up before class (which almost made me late bc I got so darn involved!!) I used the same warm ups that I found yesterday. I love that when I warm up everyday I can feel the exercises become more and more correct. I worked on lip trills (I finally feel like I am finally relaxing my cheeks) goo-goos, goo-gee-goo up and down the scales, nay-nay, muh-muh, and la-le-li-lo-lu as a teacher (I worked on doing it lighter and less forced more song like.. it is hard). I also worked on la-la-la-la-a-a-a scale into my chest voice.

32 minutes

Repertoire - I worked on Summer Time, Anastasia, Stepsisters Lament & Another 100 People. I also went through King of Anything but I really need to figure out how to transpose it.. I do actually like that song but it is just too low :(
Minutes – 18

Successes – I am definitely memorized on Another 100 People. I also felt strong with Stepsister but I feel like that is the only thing thing in my book that I have solid. It is so nice to work with a piano! Wish I knew how to play!

Areas for improvement –I am so up and down with my confidence (vocally) and I need to just grab it by the horns and calm it down. I need to stop reaching for perfection and just realize that with the hard work will come the ability!

Notes: I am the worst at picking songs for myself. I can't help but pick ones that are too low for me... wonder if there is a class for that ha ha Even Anastasia is low... I swear I thought it was higher when listening to it.



Private Lessons/Coaching Sessions

Date/time - January 21, 2011

Instructor - Kurt Robinson
Minutes- 60

Repertoire - We worked on My Life Would Suck Without You, Summer Time, Anastasia. I feel like these were good songs to work on because they definitely needed work. Wish I could have fit in some work on Another 100 People... not enough time.

Points covered – We worked on coming from head voice smoothly back down into chest. I remembered how much I need to use more exercises that help me work down... also need to work on smoothly going up in my range.... working through the middle is so hard. We worked on not pushing to hard on all my chest stuff. I need to work on just speaking down in chest when I am singing low stuff. 

Notes: Thank you Kurt for kicking my a#$ today! Such a great challenge.

PHOTOGRAPH: Forgot.... Will you sign off on this blog Kurt??



Attended Performance

Date/time - January 21,2011

Show/Venue – Go for the Gold

Performer(s) – The 505 Chorus, Jesse Herrera, Speakeasy, On Q, & Tim Cox.

What did you most enjoy? – Jesse Herrera was an improvisational vocal looper and was making outer-worldly sounds. I had a hard time even believing that it was all from one human. Totally worth seeing! It was a amazing to see what one person is capable of!! He was incredible! I want to take classes with that guy... to have that sort of vocal improvisation would just be amazing!! Also (this might show what a nerd I am) I loved the looping thing... it is so neat to loop things together!

Observations and Remembrances – This was such an amazing experience. I am so glad we went! I am also so glad I got to hang out with Jenni for a second! We talked about how much we wish we were part of a choir as good as 505! I had never experienced anything like this and it was incredibly inspirational. I want to watch stuff like that all the time!!! Might actually go again tomorrow so my little brother can see it!!

*Please keep a copy of the program for submission

 So much fun! Pretty sure George wants to join a choir now :)

 

 Jesse Herrera ROCKS!

 On Q

The 505 Chorus

Program

Healthy Eating

Meal Description – Greek Salad with romaine, cucumbers, red onion, kalamata olives, goat cheese & red bell peppers. I also ate Beef Stroganoff... super tasty!

Restaurant or Market – Trader Joe's

Rating – **** For a really quick dinner to have before the show I really enjoyed this.

Looking forward to tomorrow!

Okay 20 days down 10 to go!!! 

Feel the growth!

Today my post will be a little different bc I had to work on my post with out Internet so I didn't have my templates but I think I covered everything... I think I have become obsessed with singing my day basically consisted of singing when I was not in class or work! I never stopped :)

Vocal work:

Practice: Today I warmed up five times... every time I was in the car (which was a lot) I did my vocal warm-ups from three different lessons. I made it all the way through to the repertoire point on all of them. At the end of the night when I sat down and just focused on voice I actually found one that I had never worked on for some reason and there were new warmups on that. The other warmups were on goo, going up into headvoice and back down into chest. I really like this warmup because it felt challenging and new. 

65 Minutes

Repertoire: Today I worked on a lot of different songs. I worked on Another 100 People, My Life Would Suck Without You, Fame, Be Still, Anastasia, and Summertime.

50 minutes

Strengths: I felt as though I was able to find the rhythm for summertime and I almost completely memorized on Another 100 People. It will be fun to hear Anastasia on the piano tomorrow. I also felt as though my voice was really relaxed today and was very malleable for singing.

Weaknesses: I still cannot get the poppy sound for Be Still. Also on the new lesson I used I got up to a high G, but definitely couldn't seem to do that today. So that's something I need to work on.

Notes: Pretty sure Anastasia is my pick for the song that I need to post. Just need to get feedback on it.

Charitable deeds:

 Awesome art outside of VSA I loved the colorful and artistic feel of this place!!

Today was a challenge for me because going to VSA was unlike anything I've ever done before. I was very nervous that I woudn't know what to do. But when I got there that fear just went away, and I realized how much these people just like spending time with you. While we sat there and helped teach the difference between side, back, front, and diagonals I watched as the teacher guided with such ease. Knowing that our presence today made them smile really lifted my heart and reminded me that life is not just all about me. There are so many people that just need someone to hold their hand.

Advanced Vinyasa Yoga:

January, 20, 2011

90 Minutes 

Taught by Allisun Hull

Yoga makes my hair crazy!!

Class tonight rocked my world. It was so hard! I worked my butt off and feel so much stronger. Well weaker right now but also stronger. We did 30 vinyasa pushups and never stopped working.

Strengths: I pushed my self harder than I have needed to in a couple classes I really felt some of my muscles release! I felt like a real dancer again too because of my extension and flexibility!!

Weak points: Strangely, the hardest part of tonights practice was my right side plank. I just had no strength in that arm, could not even hold it!

Observations: By the middle of the class the coolest thing happened. It was almost like the whole class was in unity and we were all connected. Our hearts were all beating at the same time! I am sure they weren't really but it sure felt like it!!

Healthy Eating:

Today I ate green curry shrimp with jasmine rice from Trader Joe's – It looked really awful when it cooked and so I took a pretty picture of the box because what I ate looked disgusting.

Ratings- ** This meal sort of tasted how it looked. Do not recommend, although the shrimp was not that bad.

Day 19 and still going strong!

Today started nice and early! Popped out of bed to hurry over to some hot yoga with Kristen! It was fun, early... but fun. I also really enjoyed my day at school...I love Monday and Wednesdays! I really loved Musical Theatre this morning... such good energy in that room! Although now I can't get Life Would Suck Without You out of my head! Ahhhhh! Costuming is going to be hard but cool the guys were way faster than the girls... anyways I hope I can make something nice :) 

Daily Practice Session

Technical Concepts - Today on the way to yoga I did some simple lip trills to wake up the breathe and I feel like it really helped me wake up at 6:15 a.m. but it also really helped with my yoga. Then as we left yoga I went through about 15 minutes of a Kurt warm up with some goo-goo', nay-nays, muh-muh-muhs and I worked ve-ve into my chest voice. During class I warmed up again. I really liked the warm up in MT and kinda wish I had it recorded... although it wouldn't have feedback but I like some of the goo-goo exercises we did today and I like the "crying, desperate, asking question, scared to let go" exercise even if it is for boys...
45 Minutes

Repertoire - Tonight I worked on Be Still four times... I am working on finding an effortless sound for this because in lessons that concept sounds easy but then is really hard to apply on my own.. I also worked on another 100 people five times I feel like I almost have it memorized  but not well enough to do it Friday. I also listened to many things on Youtube and decided on a couple other things I might want to try and add to my book. I know it is lame but I have always (literally since I was young) wanted to sing Journey to the Past from Anastasia. I love that song! I think it so pretty.
35 Minutes 

Successes – I feel like my voice is getting stronger even if it feels like my spirit is not. I had a fun time singing My Life Would Suck Without You in class today but I know I was definitely straining! Not the whole time but...little parts! I like some of the improvements I felt in Be Still today. I also feel like someday I will actually remember the words to Another 100 People so that is hopeful. Also I am excited to work on the song from Anastasia. I also felt my cheeks/jaw/lips relax more while we were warming up in class.

Areas for improvement – I can't be straining so much or often I need to train the muscles right the first time!.

Notes:  I need to trust that I will get better the harder I try. I have only been taking my voice serious for like 3 months and I just need to relax. I have to stop judging so quickly.

Dance/Personal Fitness

Date/time - January 19, 2011 6:30 a.m.

Type of class – Hot Vinyasa

Difficulty Level - Beginner/intermediate

Studio and Instructor – Blissful Yoga... Rebecca

What did you most enjoy? – I enjoyed waking up so early. It gave me really great energy for my day. I loved watching the sky lighten into a brand new day.. reminding me that every day something new and beautiful is possible. Sometimes I lose sight of that especially on those times when I start a day stressed out. Today was refreshing.

What did you find challenging and why? – hmmm... well... like a total dork I forgot to bring a towel to hot yoga which is just silly!! So my hands were slipping a little but it just made me use more control throughout my body... also didn't have a direct view into the mirror so some of the spotting was a little harder.

Observations – One hour of yoga is not quite enough for me... I feel really warm at that point like I should just continue heating and stretching.

Healthy Eating

Meal Description – Romaine salad with carrots, red bell peppers, salmon, hard boiled egg and my favorite salad dressing in the world (besides my homemade ones).. Paul Newman's Light Caesar... YUMMY

Restaurant or Market – Smith's and costco.

Rating – ***

DAY 18

Exhaustion is kicking in. The first day of class was good but made me realize that Tuesdays are going to be awful... I don't even have a break for lunch :( I got a really good vocal practice session in tonight bc I came home and crashed out for a power nap and got up to some singing :)

So glad I successfully posted my incredibly stressful post last night... If you don't know the story I will tell you sometime!

Daily Practice Session

Technical Concepts - I went over one of my recordings with Kurt. I went through the lip trills 3 times bc I just did not feel like I was hearing the notes. I then went to goo-goos three times for the very same reason... I find myself not going all the way to the bottom and so I restarted so I could do the full scales. I also went through nay-nays twice because I could feel myself chewing the nnnnns and I need to work on making the vowels more present. I also worked on the Ve-ve-ve down into chest I feel like this is so helpful with my chest voice (even tho I don't really have one...). Then I worked on a ve scale that starts in chest and goes an octave higher and works its way back down... not sure what this is called. I also worked on the la stuff.... la-la-la-la-a-a-a and la-la octave leaps & projection. I did the exercise that gave me so much stress last month going up and down with 3 scales two of them fast. Oh shoot! I totally forgot to do my la-le-li-lo-lu!!!! I am going to do that once I blog because after last night I am way too stressed to post late anymore.
42 Minutes 

Repertoire - I worked on Another 100 People with the cool lady on youtube. I ran through it 6 times before I started to get frustrated bc it was so fast! I have to remember to take little steps. I also listened to the suggested songs that Kurt gave me... I like quite a few of them but think all of them need to be up a whole step... which he also said... Listened to: What I Did for Love, I'd Be Surprisingly Good for You, Someone Else's Story, I Dreamed a Dream (glee version and the original)... I then got caught up listening to GLEE stuff and now I get what all the rave is all about... Someday I'll be cool :P
65 Minutes... then realized I have other responsibilities too... ha ha 

Successes –  I felt strong vocally after my warm up. I remembered quite a few of the words that were getting me messed up w Another 100 People.

Areas for improvement – I listened to some of me vocalizing with Kurt and I sound awful... it made it very hard to believe I am actually ever going to be good enough to even be trying (I know that sounds harsh but I am a very realistic person with my talents... maybe this is not one of them). I am working really hard but keep knowing that I am not getting simple concepts. I need to learn to slide back down from my head voice. How to actually make it sound like singing... to actually be on the notes I am supposed to ... to learn how to come in at the right time.... to breathe... to relax my face...

Notes: I ALSO NEED TO LEARN TO NOT GET SO FRUSTRATED LIKE I AM RIGHT NOW!

Martin Luther King Rocks!

17 days in!!!

Today has been so full and crazy that this will brief bc I was to busy doing to have time to blog about it all before twelve.. especially since typing is not one of my talents.... The final call backs for Oliver were tonight and it was nice to experience that even if I don't get picked I loved auditioning! Oh my goodness I just realized that I did 5 things today for the challenge!! Woah!! All that plus yummy lunch with great people :) And a bit of quality time with my little bro! Last but not least time with my sweetheart who is cooking me dinner while I blog :D

Daily Practice Session

Technical Concepts - Before my lesson with Kurt I worked on some goo-goos, nay-nay scales, muh-muh, also worked on ve-ve going down into chest voice, I worked on my la-le-li-lo-lu but apparently this whole time I have been doing it wrong so :( but he fixed them (reason #550 why vocal lessons are so important). After our lesson I did them again the correct way (I think). I also did lip trills because I was having a really hard time relaxing when singing today and decided to go back to the basics! It seemed to help.

35 Minutes 

Repertoire - Today I listened to That's Your Funeral two more times before heading back to the call back...just to feel familiar. I also listened to three different people singing Another 100 people and it made me wonder if I can sing that fast.... I really liked this one http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mum-304-5PM I also sang the part that I learned four times. This song is a lot faster than anything I have ever sang... (not that, that list is long but..)
20 Minutes 

Successes – I felt like I got the concept I learned in my lesson with the La-le-li-lo-lu.... hopefully.

Areas for improvement – I need to learn how to really hear the difference between a sharp note and a normal note and a flat note and all that...

Notes: I am exhausted but much happier now then I was earlier today bc I feel incredibly accomplished. NY is going to be exhausting but fun!

Charitable Deed

Today I went to the Roadrunner food bank to help with whatever they needed me for. When I got there it was a blessing to see Erin and her mom bc I was a little hesitant about what it was going to be like. Having those two awesome women with me made it more fun! I realized about 10 minutes in that there is a such a great need for volunteers and not a supply sufficient. We started out sorting bread... throwing tons of it away bc they did not have enough hands around the holiday season to sort it out.... Erin and I then broke down some boxes... these tiny little octagonal ones were the hardest (right Erin!? ha ha). Then we went upstairs where I thought the job was going to be easy... and it ended up being so confusing but tons of fun. At around ten I went down to hang out with Kristen and broke down a couple boxes. Today was incredibly satisfying and I plan on doing this often! If I can wake up early to help people then it is worth the lost sleep!!

Private Lessons/Coaching Session

Date/time - January 17th, 2011

Instructor - Kurt Robinson
Minutes- 75 Minutes

Repertoire - With Mr. Paul Roth we worked on Be Still since I had not gone over that with K since November. Good insights into that even though I almost cried because I was being.... a weirdo. We worked on Skylark just barely... and That's Your Funeral. We also worked on Another 100 People.

Points covered –  We worked on doing my exercises with a relaxed/drunk face... because I had too much tension...

Notes: I was having a very hard time this morning... even though I had warmed up I was not doing the exercises right. This made me really frustrated because of course I want to get the most of Kurt's and my time. I feel as though I was not focused enough and I was really bummed about that all day.

Healthy Eating

Meal Description – Well since I am so silly and forgot my picture of the healthy sushi I ate for lunch I will blog about the DELICIOUS risotto George made me... It has (since I am eating it while I write this) mushrooms, broccoli, onions, garlic, and lots of chicken! It was his first attempt and it was sooooo YUMMY!

Restaurant or Market – George's house...

Rating – ***** I feel spoiled right now :)

Photograph -



Dance/Personal Fitness

Date/time - January 17th 2011

Type of class – Jazz

Difficulty Level - Level 3

Studio and Instructor (Include Photo) – This class was taught by Nicole Padilla who is a very talented dancer and teacher. This was at Marshall dance studio which made it really simple for my call back bc I was already there!

What did you most enjoy? – I enjoyed JUST dancing... beautiful and simple choreography... it allowed me to just feel the movement!

What did you find challenging and why? – I had a really hard time with the jumps... my legs are not a big fan of jumps... It was incredibly challenging and very scary for me to realize how much they will affect me for the rest of my life... I know it everyday but somethings make it slap me in the face more than others!

Observations – This challenge is challenging me in ways I never knew it would and I am so happy for it. I am tired and scared and full of emotion... but that is what this life is all about.

:) Day 16 of this crazy awesome challenge!

Tonight has been a stressful night.... I needed a little singing to help make me feel better. Glad it is becoming something I can use to escape from things... in a good way! Had a great/challenging day before the stress came in. I would scream right now if it wasn't bad for your voice!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Daily Practice Session

Technical Concepts - Today I worked on the Melissa Cross DVD, she has some good warm ups... I really enjoy her breathing exercises. I feel as though it has helped me immensely. My breath support feels like it has gotten better. I enjoyed using her "above the pencil" concept in the warm-ups as well because it helps give the idea of singing into the soft palate. Because she has never been my actual voice teacher... (after the talk today) I feel like I need feedback on the exercises. SO I also went through one of my earliest Kurt recordings. I worked on all the scales he gave me but I remembered that one of the times we worked he mentioned that you can sing through the scales instead of doing the chopped up exercises.
48 Minutes

Repertoire - I listened to That's your Funeral from Oliver 8 times tried to find different ones to see different people singing it so I didn't get stuck with one sound... and worked on memorizing the words to it for my call back tomorrow. Vocally this my favorite one I heard - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dRpse-GsTw8&feature=related

I also sang through Be Still three times because I really want to work on that in my lesson tomorrow. I also listened to tons of stuff from my new music book and I think I have found some new stuff for my repertoire... will announce what later. I always fall or the low note songs... I can't get away from it!!

24 Minutes 

Successes – I feel as though the song That's your funeral will kinda easy.. I am sure it wont be but... 

I also really thought that much warm-up was really great! Wish I had that much time every day!

Areas for improvement – I was a little stressed and I could definitely feel that affecting my ability to relax. It was cool to see how much that affects your singing ability... no wonder it is hard to perform when you are nervous; It is a similar feeling to stress!

Notes: I mapped out the contest today-- day by day marking when I will have things completed and it really helped with the stress I was feeling about that.

Dance/Personal Fitness - I definitely count this as a dance class because I worked my butt off (see sweat above :P). The choreography was not particularly hard but I definitely learned and practiced hard.

Date/time - 3:00-4:00 January, 16th, 2011

Type of class – Call back choreography

Difficulty Level - intermediate

Studio and Instructor (Include Photo) –

What did you most enjoy? – I enjoyed the challenge of remembering choreography and performing it in just an hour... very good practice to be in.

What did you find challenging and why? – It was crazy hot in that tiny little room. There was a couple moves that were harder for me to remember... I also had one silly step that I over thought and could not do it, then finally when I didn't think about it I got it perfect at the very end! DON'T OVER THINK CHOREOGRAPHY!

Observations –There were many trained dancers there that had great technique but little character and expression... that is also a good lesson - Don't let the technique kill the character!

Healthy Eating

Meal Description – My sweetie made a little stir-fry for me when I got home from the audition which I really needed because I got my butt kicked!!!! It had brown rice, broccoli, carrots, mushrooms, beef.

Restaurant or Market – ?

Rating – ***** because I didn't have to cook and it was very tasty!!