RodellRosel.Com

Journal for July 29, Tuesday:

Had coachings with Linda Jones and Warren Jones. Attended John Churchwell’s Masterclass. The class was very educating about the style of music that Gerald Finzi composed.

Later in the evening, did some Act I and III rehearsals with chorus for Marriage of Figaro.

Today is the birthday of the ever-famous vocal pianist, Marie-Ève Scarfone. She had a card from all of us, singers, and a chocolate cake. She turned 23. She actually lives in the same nearby radius neighborhood in Montréal where my brother (sister-in-law and niece) lives.

Finally, I ended the night by watching “Final Destination 2.” I liked it very much.

Journal for Monday, July 28…

Had coachings with Linda Jones and Heinz Blankenburg, as well as Act IV Finale (Figaro) staging. Returned and rented more movies from Blockbuster. Watched Darkness Falls and Trick at the Rec-Center. Started watching Drift, but didn’t finish it yet.

Day Thirty6, July 27- Sunday
BBQ Beach Party at Leadbetter Beach in Santa Barbara. Ate good food, played Volleyball with other musicians, and had a great time. Rented some more movies with new account (mine), and will watch South Park at the 1925 House Dorm with other friends.

Day Thirty5, July 26 – Saturday
First of all, I didn’t win in the Marilyn Horne Foundation Competition. I sang Adelaide really well. Les Berceaux could have been better. I only held the last note (ber-CEAUX) for 3 beats instead of 6, and it was not a very good low note. As for La Danza, I didn’t hold the “A” for 8 counts, but only for 3, as well. Overall, I was happy that I was able to sing my songs very well. Meagan Latham, mezzo-soprano, won 1st place (she is playing Marcellina in Marriage of Figaro). There were five encouragement awards: 3 sopranos, 1 mezzo and 1 baritone. After the competition, we ate at Cafe del Sol, and went to a club called Hades on State St. For the rest of the night, we hung out at Cate Rec-Center.

Day Thirty4, July 25 – Friday
Coached the Witch Scene with Churchwell. He helped a lot in the clarity of the text and interpretation. Coached my competition songs with Warren Jones. He was EXTREMELY helpful to all my pieces, and because of him, I got my confidence back in singing my songs. Mona and Nathaniel both attended the “Carama” Masterclass. I learned more from the Masterclass that during my individual lesson. I realized that maybe it was Fred’s approach that had discrepancy. I will still see him in another lesson, and we’ll see if I’ll be able to grasp his ideas.

P.S.
Sorry for the lateness of the update. I didn’t have time to drop by the computer lab.

Laundry. Watched Season 1 and 2 episodes of OZ. Coached Hänsel und Gretel (Witch) with John Churchwell, and competition repertoire with Warren Jones. Played pool and Taboo with fellow musicians. Last but not the least, helped Jane typing and formatting the text and translations for the Saturday competition. For the rest of the night, I will be watching 2 more episodes of OZ, Season 2.

Staging rehearsal for Act II Finale. Rented OZ videos (Season 1, ep. 4-8 and Season 2, ep. 1-8). Pretty much rested the whole day, and voice feels fine.

Today’s schedule consisted of one voice lesson and a masterclass at Abravanel Hall with Marilyne Horne. I had my lesson with Carama today, and all I can say is his teaching is mostly (almost entirely) the opposite of what I have learned for the past four years. I am still being open-minded about the situation, but I always have to remember that I am in control of my own body. Today, I also visited Evan’s place at the Music Academy, and his dad made me some toasted bagels with cream cheese and jelly… yum. Later tonight, I just hung out at the Rec Center, and also watched the movie “Pecker” with Furlong and Ricci. It was a wierd movie.

That’s about it. I will be in a staging rehearsal for most of the afternoon tomorrow (Act II Finale).

Journal for July 20, Monday:

No coachings today, only Opera Scenes performance at 7:30pm. After the performance, there was a reception at the Biltmore Hotel c/o Warren Jones and Bob Weinman. The whole vocal department was there, students and faculty. Before bed, I watched episode 3 and 4 of OZ (I watched episode 1 and 2 the night before).

Cate School. Beach. Cate School. Sears. Uncle Chen’s. Blockbuster. Cate School.

Breakfast. Got a tan at the beach. Went swimming at the pool. Went to Sears. Ate Chinese food for dinner. Rented some movies at Blockbuster.

That’s today’s update.

Saturday, July 19th…

Opera Scenes at 2pm. Mona attended the performance, as well as Evan. I sang well, but not as good as I wanted. Later in the evening, a group of us (John Churchwell, Stanley, Melissa, Milos, Shannon, Erik, Susanna, Charles, Ami, Justin and I) went to Ventura/Oxnard to play mini-golf. In addition, we also did the bumper boat ride, which was really fun, although each of us ‘did’ get splashed. Finally, I just hung out at the rec-center, played RISK and conversed with other musicians, as usual. That’s about it. Tomorrow, I’m going to the beach. More info tomorrow…

Today, I sang for a funeral, with Marie-Ève playing the piano. The funeral was for Scott O’Leary, husband of Music Academy faculty/staff member Kathy O’Leary. It was held at St. Raphael’s Catholic Church in Goleta. I just sang one song, Ave Maria (Schubert). We were accomodated (transporation) by Brian (forgot the last name) who is Vice-President of the Music Academy.

For the rest of the day, I played several games: RISK with fellow singers, billiards and ping-pong with other music students. I may spend the rest of the night hanging out at the Rec-Center, but not too late. Check back tomorrow.