January 2008 – Page 2

If you’re looking for a summer adventure somewhat off the beaten bath, consider looking into a Fringe Festival in your area. One singer shares her experiences entering the arena of producer, and how she enjoyed being on the fringe.

Cedar Rapids Opera Theatre’s Young Artist Program is providing terrific opportunities for singers to work alongside seasoned professionals and learn the ropes of the business.

If you fall into the “mature singer” category, finding a summer program fit can be a challenge. One program recognized this, and has created an innovative new program that offers training and much more.

What is the most basic ingredient for being a good singer? Talent? The right teacher? A musical upbringing? All of these these are important, but if you keep it really simple, there is something even more essential to good singing: good health–and one of the things that is essential to maintaining good health is a healthy environment. Since it’s the New Year (a time for clarifying your vision and reassessing priorities) let’s take a look at the singer’s most vital resource and think about stepping into the spotlight on environmental issues for what may be your most important role ever.

In Part One of this series (see November 2007), Cindy Sadler outlined all you needed to know for flying within your budget. Now she tackles another travel topic: how to find low-cost yet comfortable accommodations. Don’t let that next audition trip break the bank.

After three intense rounds of competition among more than 200 applicants, the judges of the AudComps 2007 named 13 singers Certified Classical Singers for 2007-2008. This month, we feature soprano Misook Yun from the Professional Division and mezzo-soprano Veronica McHale from the Emerging Professional Division.

Is your throat dry, sore, or scratchy? Do you experience excess mucus or chronic hoarseness? The symptoms may indicate something different than just the common cold. Here’s Dr. Jahn with the scoop.

Revered for her clear, clean singing and astounding ability to float those high, pianissimo money notes,
Barbara Bonney shocked the singing community when she announced she was taking a break from singing. In this interview she reveals that after more than a year’s absence from the stage, she’s back, playing what she
believes could be the best role of her life.

In the first installment of Classical Singer’s new technology column, Amanda White sits down in front of her trusty iBook G4 for an instant message interview with the world’s foremost opera blogger, Opera Chic.

Are you looking for ways to connect more fully with the text, to be more expressive in your performances and connect more fully with the audience? Check out this book from a longtime stage director with terrific tips to help you improve your acting abilities. You can also meet and work with David Ostwald at the Classical Singer Convention 2008.

Can increased self-awareness developed through successes—and failures—on stage help you become a more effective leader? In this final installment of this five-part series, participants in Kay Kleinerman’s study explore this question.