The Opposite of an Audition Horror Story
Clearly consistency has not been my strong suit when it comes to this blog. That’s not been the case at all when it comes to other areas of singing/career (practicing, sending emails, etc.), but nonetheless, I will try to do better, because that’s why this blog started in the first place right? To encourage constant improvement.
I’ll say, it’s been a fulfilling fall. I got to sing my first Elijah, I’ve sung some really great auditions, I’m learning a new-to-me role (coming up in December!), I’ve got a small but really great group of students at my university job. Life is good.
It’s funny…we all have some audition horror stories, but I had a new experience on a short two-audition trip last month that I feel like needs to be shared. The first one was one of those really satisfying auditions where all the pieces fall magically into place, and I sang probably one of the best auditions I’ve sung in my life. I sang my new Verdi aria, and when I reached the end, the AD said something to the effect of “Well that’s a hell of a way to start an audition!” After my second piece, he asked me to wrap things up with my pianist and, if I had a moment, to please stop in his office for a chat on the way out.
I’ll say, we had a great 15-minute conversation. He wanted to know about The Copper Queen I did back in June. He wanted to know about my background. He showed me pictures of the venue this opera company uses. As we were saying our goodbyes, he said “You know, I’m always glad to hear talent, and you are. I really appreciate you coming down here, and because of that, I want to help share your expense.” And he handed me a little bit of cash.
Now, this was not a large amount of money, but anyone in the know understands that between gas/airfare, accommodations, travel meals, etc., singers spend quite a bit of their hard earned money on auditions. Normally that cost is completely shouldered by the singers. Never in my life have I had a company offer any help, so this gesture absolutely FLOORED me, and I’m really glad I took the time to sing for this company!
Interestingly, the second audition on that trip was very friendly (there is some overlap in staff with Marble City Opera, who I sang for in June), but I didn’t feel the audition went particularly well. I was a little surprised (but very pleased!) when they offered me a role! I’ll be singing The Mother in Amahl for Opéra Louisiane this December, and I couldn’t be more pleased.
So I’ve been stuffing Amahl into my brain since I wrapped things up with Elijah, and cheering my students on in their progress (seriously, they've all been crushing it this fall), and pestering more companies about auditions. Oh, and I’m headed to Knoxville and back tomorrow for a voice lesson. As I said…life is good.
Ok, here’s my to-do list for the next week:
I’ve got the notes and rhythms learned, so I’m planning memorize the first 33 pages of Amahl (basically, the first half of the opera)
I need to set up a few coaching to work Amahl also!
Work on getting some regional auditions set up around my time in Baton Rouge
Prepare for an upcoming audition
And, oh yeah…I still have a faculty recital set for the beginning of February that I should practice for!
Till next time!