Over the summer (after leaving Philly) I spent 3 weeks in Northern Austria/Southern Germany, which was amazing. I participated in a program called TOP Opera (the Tyrolean Opera Program) in Maurch, Oesterreich, receiving multiple coachings, voice lessons, acting lessons, and staging rehearsals over a two week period. It was my first vocal program ever, and I found it absolutely wonderful! It was so nice to work with such professionals (Elizabeth Bachman-Director, Kathryn Wright-Coach and musical coord. for the Deutsche Oper Berlin, Melanie Helton-Voice teacher, and Sebastian Soules-Voice teacher/coach from France that is based in Innsbruck) in my pursuit to prepare myself for grad school in Memphis. It was also SOOOO nice to work on my German!
Shortly after returning home from Europe, my parents and I moved me down to Memphis :) I wasn't really sure what to expect from the area, or the school really, but so far I absolutely love it here! I am in my second week at the University of Memphis, and just this week have had a voice lesson, 2 coachings, and 2 acting classes. My main teachers are Dr. Pamela Gaston (voice teacher), Maestro Mark Ensley (conductor, director of Opera program), and Mr. Copeland Woodruff (Acting teacher/coach, head of Opera workshop). They are all SOOOOO helpful, and are really helping me to open up my voice in ways I've never been able to accomplish before! I am also working with Marcie Richardson, who is my accompanist for lessons as well as a coach for Opera workshop, and she is wonderful!
For performances this year, I am covering the role of Rosina in Il Barbiere di Siviglia (Rossini) during the fall semester. This means that I will attend all rehearsals and coachings for the role, and have the chance to earn one of the performances in December (which I am absolutely determined to do). During the spring semester I am performing the role of Miss Todd in Menotti's The Old Maid and the Thief, which I am also looking forward to sooo much!!!
So all in all, I will be an extremely busy lady!!!! I am currently looking at summer programs and young artists programs for next summer, as well as trying to get a church job for the next couple years. I've been pretty diligent about going to the gym (kickboxing Saturdays, Tuesdays and Thursdays :)), as well as riding my bike to school on days that I can, and just all in all working on being the best performer I possibly can!
I'll also try to update this more often so it doesn't take an hour and a half to read again.....hehe, sorry :-p
