The big end of the year concert is officially behind us.
My son did such a great job - I'm very proud of him. He sang "Music of the Night" from Phantom of the Opera as his solo selection. Hit all the proper dynamics in all the right places. About blew out his lungs hitting that big note toward the end and then hit the note ever so softly at the very end.
There are so many ways in which I am proud of him. I'm proud of him for even trying out. I'm proud of him for all the practice put into it. I'm proud of him for having the courage to get up there and do it. And I'm proud of him for not only getting up there to do it but doing a splendid job in the process.
The clapping and comments as he bowed and left the stage were so great to hear. Funny - he mentioned afterward that he didn't even hear the applause when he walked off the stage, as he was already in his happy place post-performance. I knew exactly what he was talking about.
During his song, I could tell the moment he actually relaxed and just soared with the music. Made me smile.
I probably looked like a complete goofball with that cheesy grin.
Doesn't matter in the least. I'm so proud at the moment that I'm about to bust all my buttons.
And that's as it should be.
Showing posts with label Phantom of the Opera. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Phantom of the Opera. Show all posts
Friday, May 8, 2009
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Let the Music Begin
Well this has been a busy day.
This morning I went and spent four and ahalf hours at one of the properties my dad is looking into purchasing. Let's just say that the inspector was VERY thorough. Personally, I'd rather have thorough than be short-changed any day.
Or short-sheeted for that matter.
So then this evening my son had a long rehearsal for the soloists singing for the big end of the year concert review. Then they have a massive rehearsal Thursday night, get to skip a bunch of classes Friday and then the last concert of the year Friday evening.
It's going to be a smash!
I just love the end of the year performance. They'll have these big song and dance numbers full of energy and fun, highlight alot of the upper classmen with solos mixed in, and then end it all with a massive number encompassing all the various choirs.
The fact that my son, a mere sophomore, is getting to participate in the solos is a huge accomplishment. Several of the upper classmen commented to him this evening about how impressed they were with his singing. That was a huge boost to his confidence.
For his solo, he's chosen...you guessed it - a song from Phantom of the Opera. I've told him to practice, practice, practice so that when nerves hit on stage in front of the audience he doesn't even have to think about it. He'll just know it so well that he'll be able to lean into it, relax, and sing from the heart.
Knowing one's music inside and out really does make a huge difference in a performance. Shows on the face and in the actions and helps the audience connect, which is what most singers truly want in a performance.
So mom and dad will be coming back for most of the weekend. Oh dear - that means I better get busy cleaning the house before Friday.
Work - it never ends.
This morning I went and spent four and ahalf hours at one of the properties my dad is looking into purchasing. Let's just say that the inspector was VERY thorough. Personally, I'd rather have thorough than be short-changed any day.
Or short-sheeted for that matter.
So then this evening my son had a long rehearsal for the soloists singing for the big end of the year concert review. Then they have a massive rehearsal Thursday night, get to skip a bunch of classes Friday and then the last concert of the year Friday evening.
It's going to be a smash!
I just love the end of the year performance. They'll have these big song and dance numbers full of energy and fun, highlight alot of the upper classmen with solos mixed in, and then end it all with a massive number encompassing all the various choirs.
The fact that my son, a mere sophomore, is getting to participate in the solos is a huge accomplishment. Several of the upper classmen commented to him this evening about how impressed they were with his singing. That was a huge boost to his confidence.
For his solo, he's chosen...you guessed it - a song from Phantom of the Opera. I've told him to practice, practice, practice so that when nerves hit on stage in front of the audience he doesn't even have to think about it. He'll just know it so well that he'll be able to lean into it, relax, and sing from the heart.
Knowing one's music inside and out really does make a huge difference in a performance. Shows on the face and in the actions and helps the audience connect, which is what most singers truly want in a performance.
So mom and dad will be coming back for most of the weekend. Oh dear - that means I better get busy cleaning the house before Friday.
Work - it never ends.
Saturday, March 7, 2009
Phantom Phascination
My son is a rabid "Phantom" fan.
This week he asked me to order him the soundtrack from the movie that came out a few years ago. Don't know why we didn't get it in the first place. He's also been looking at the track version of the songs. A bit pricey, but since he was paying he wanted to go ahead and order that too.
So we did. Next year he's going to be in theatre and wants to work on the drama instructor to see if he can talk her into doing "Phantom of the Opera" his senior year.
He wants to play the masterful yet troubled phantom.
Then this summer in Europe they are seeing the London Theatre's production of "Phantom".
I can understand his obsession. Ever since I can remember, I've loved the story, the music, the passion.
Many years ago they came out with a television version (non-musical/opera) that was okay, but without the musical components it was rather bland.
I watched it anyway. :-)
Since my son was away at a forensics tournament last night we decided to have our movie and pizza tonight. You'll never guess what we watched.
You got it - "Phantom of the Opera". I never really get tired of it either.
But something was different tonight. The music always captures me and carries me away with it. However, watching it tonight I was so much more engaged with the story than I've ever been before.
I cried!
Tonight I saw through the music. I saw the depth of the story, the depth of the torment, the anguish, and ultimately the love the phantom showed Christine when he let her go and released her to love someone else.
Not sure yet why it touched me so. Wish it wasn't time change weekend so that I could stay up and explore this. Maybe it has a little bit to do with how my son relates so much to the phantom, all the hurts and pain of the past weighing him down and how he finally releases it.
Perhaps we can have a conversation about it. Perhaps I'm reading more into it than there truly is.
I have a tendency to do that, you know.
In the meantime, I will be thankful for allowing it to touch me in the manner it did tonight. Music always reaches me where nothing else can.
But tonight it was the story. Go figure.
This week he asked me to order him the soundtrack from the movie that came out a few years ago. Don't know why we didn't get it in the first place. He's also been looking at the track version of the songs. A bit pricey, but since he was paying he wanted to go ahead and order that too.
So we did. Next year he's going to be in theatre and wants to work on the drama instructor to see if he can talk her into doing "Phantom of the Opera" his senior year.
He wants to play the masterful yet troubled phantom.
Then this summer in Europe they are seeing the London Theatre's production of "Phantom".
I can understand his obsession. Ever since I can remember, I've loved the story, the music, the passion.
Many years ago they came out with a television version (non-musical/opera) that was okay, but without the musical components it was rather bland.
I watched it anyway. :-)
Since my son was away at a forensics tournament last night we decided to have our movie and pizza tonight. You'll never guess what we watched.
You got it - "Phantom of the Opera". I never really get tired of it either.
But something was different tonight. The music always captures me and carries me away with it. However, watching it tonight I was so much more engaged with the story than I've ever been before.
I cried!
Tonight I saw through the music. I saw the depth of the story, the depth of the torment, the anguish, and ultimately the love the phantom showed Christine when he let her go and released her to love someone else.
Not sure yet why it touched me so. Wish it wasn't time change weekend so that I could stay up and explore this. Maybe it has a little bit to do with how my son relates so much to the phantom, all the hurts and pain of the past weighing him down and how he finally releases it.
Perhaps we can have a conversation about it. Perhaps I'm reading more into it than there truly is.
I have a tendency to do that, you know.
In the meantime, I will be thankful for allowing it to touch me in the manner it did tonight. Music always reaches me where nothing else can.
But tonight it was the story. Go figure.
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Flowers and Phantoms
With spring on the horizon, I've been dreaming of flowers.
That's right - it's just about time for the annual spring planting of the annuals (tee-hee). Of course, this year it will be trimmed down some.
Even though I'll need to be careful about spending money at the moment, I've got to do a little bit of floral gardening and getting my hands in the dirt. Gardening is what keeps me sane (and outdoors). I may need to take about $100 from savings to just start one little garden plot.
Last year I'd planned to create a couple of neat gardens around our new house come spring. But then there was the big and unexpected Europe trip opportunity for my son and all funds needed to be on deck for that. The trip is paid for and the uniform is purchased, along with the London Theatre ticket to see Phantom of the Opera.
Now I find myself unemployed.
It won't take much money for me to get a small plot prepared and planted with a few choice items. Just does so much for my soul that the bit of cash will be worth every cent expended. Maybe I should invest in a few perennials instead of annuals to make the money worthwhile for the future.
There's just something so soothing about connecting with God's green earth. Life may feel chaotic, but the richness of the soil draws peace from chaos like sucking poison from a wound. Plus there is the satisfaction of the hard work put into it when the garden explodes in color. I can get alot of mileage for the mind from a few moments digging around in the ground.
Yep - gonna have to plant me a flower garden this year.
That's right - it's just about time for the annual spring planting of the annuals (tee-hee). Of course, this year it will be trimmed down some.
Even though I'll need to be careful about spending money at the moment, I've got to do a little bit of floral gardening and getting my hands in the dirt. Gardening is what keeps me sane (and outdoors). I may need to take about $100 from savings to just start one little garden plot.
Last year I'd planned to create a couple of neat gardens around our new house come spring. But then there was the big and unexpected Europe trip opportunity for my son and all funds needed to be on deck for that. The trip is paid for and the uniform is purchased, along with the London Theatre ticket to see Phantom of the Opera.
Now I find myself unemployed.
It won't take much money for me to get a small plot prepared and planted with a few choice items. Just does so much for my soul that the bit of cash will be worth every cent expended. Maybe I should invest in a few perennials instead of annuals to make the money worthwhile for the future.
There's just something so soothing about connecting with God's green earth. Life may feel chaotic, but the richness of the soil draws peace from chaos like sucking poison from a wound. Plus there is the satisfaction of the hard work put into it when the garden explodes in color. I can get alot of mileage for the mind from a few moments digging around in the ground.
Yep - gonna have to plant me a flower garden this year.
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