Oops

I cannot believe I didn't post between the hearing and the production and now another 3 weeks later I'm finally updating. I am so sorry but have documented things between the two events to help make this post more accurate and come easier to my mind.

Well after the hearing I was greatly relieved but also realized the work I had to do. I quickly found a pianist to play for me so I would be able to conduct the group from the mock pit we would be using at the front of the stage. Because the hearing went so well I wasn't planning on many rehearsals inbetween the two times however it ended up being fewer than I planned and that worried me. We only got one Saturday rehearsal in due to conflicts of club inductions. Clubs are a great thing to be involved in and I did not want to make anyone miss that.

Because of the lack of Saturday rehearsal the dress rehearsals the nights before show were crucial. The only other rehearsal between dress and the hearing was crazy. People had conflicts, those that were there weren't there mentally 100% and I was truly concerned. To help ease my mind, and the mind of my professors I met with each instrumental group on their own to work on conducting (since I would not be playing anymore but conducting) and to check minor notes and such. That was very helpful especially for those ensembles with more people.

Dress rehearsal number 1 came and most everyone was there (which was a concern of mine). I know everyone, including myself had busy schedules, so that last show week was so stressful. Even before the performances I had the poster/flyer and programs to get finished. Luckily, because of my computer skills those were easy to do. After dress rehearsal number 1 I felt alot better but of course still had nerves. My parents got into town on the Friday before the performance so between entertaining them and getting ready for the final run-through I was pretty uneasy. However after the last dress rehearsal my cast and crew and company put my mind at ease. I don't think I could've asked for it to go much better.

I know show is always different and better and full of energy more than an rehearsal so I knew that would come together. It was show day and everyone actually got there pretty close to time. Costumes looked great, people were ready and very attentive which made for an easier day. We ran through every song and the leads, while not on stage, ran lines which was helpful. Had I had an assistant director or something they would've been in charge of that but luckily I had that awesome of a cast that did it on their own. They were/are great!!!!

It was time to open doors and I was nervous. I had already seen one professor and others came to see me in the green room to make sure things went well. I was ready. Right at 5 I made the call to my stage hand to turn on the lights, made my opening announcement (which was a little intimidating), and began the show. That first down beat was so nerve racking - I felt like everything was going to go well or not depending on how well it started. 1-2-3-4 (breathe) and we were off.

It went great!!!! A few slip up on lines but that was it. We had a little lag longer than I wanted. I did add some lighting touches we hadn't worked on and it turned out to be better than expected. As the time went on I felt more and more at ease. Once we were done with "Paris" (the last song before the finale, and the song before all the dialogue) I was very at ease. Even if they messed up lines I didn't care - I'm a music major and the music was going well. Butterflies swarmed inside as the last song beginning came up. I stood from my chair, hands at the ready, and we were off. Volume was great, energy was FINALLY there from the chorus. We end with the descrescendo-ed chord from the brass and it was done. I sit back down and the curtain call begins.

One of my front row instrumentalist tells me they were already standing behind me, I couldn't believe it!!!! It made me feel so proud. I started tearing up from excitement and awe. So much work went into it and it turned out great and every one was so appreciative. I oddly did not go onstage because moving through the pit was difficult but my acknowledgment and applause was more than I expected or could ask for. Family and friends presented me with flowers to show their gratitude. I had so many hugs and congrats, some from people who I hoped would come but were unsure. Even from some friends who weren't huggers or people I expected to give hugs- they came and talked to me. It made me feel so good. Seniors from all disciplines came and saw how a music major can do a senior project and I think I got a new found respect from them. I could've stayed and talked to people all night. I am so proud of everyone involved and it could not have gone any better I think.

Hard to think less than a year ago I only had this silly idea in my head and now I am looking back and how it all actually came together. I have learned so much from this project and can't wait to take what I've learned and my gifts and abilities into a job hopefully within the year.

I doubt I'll make any more post unless something odd happens. Thanks for your interest and support (whoever is reading this).

I could never have done this alone!!!!!

Success!!!!

Well last night was the hearing and I passed - but of course with things I need to change to make it better.

I greatly appreciate the faculties advice and influence and suggestions. Some things I simply wouldn't have thought about as options.

Two big things are moving the instruments to the floor like a "pit" and having a piano player so I can conduct. We all agreed it would help easily fix alot of things. I have recruited my piano player and sometime next week or the week after will try out the new setting in the recital hall.

They also were very complimentary on how amazing it was I could coordinate that many people. Let me tell you and them, it was not easy!!! But it can be done! I'm forever grateful to all of them for helping me!

It is shorter than I planned - only 30 minutes instead of 45 but I guess that's alright - they didn't say anything about the short time haha

Now on to making things better and getting ready for the 9th. Now that the hearing itself is over I'm so excited!!!!!!

So close

and well it's just really close.

In a few days the faculty will check my progress. Am I a little nervous?

Little would be an understatement.

Last night the leads and I sat down for nearly 2 hours to work just on script, blocking, and the more theatre side of things. It was definetly productive, I just hope once we get in the recital hall they remember everything :)

I also wanted to post to let readers know the blogger Ryan Gonzales who blogs for the Music Department at OC has a few post about it one that is an interview w/ me and the other has a few clips so you get a sneak preview. The show itself isn't until October 9th so it'll definelty improve from the clips ;)

Enjoy.

http://blogs.oc.edu/backstagepass

Longest Day Ever

Ok. It's not but it felt like it. I went to bed after 2 am and woke up before 8 and from then on I was getting things ready for today and I JUST got back (around 9 pm). I am exhausted but relieved.

I spent the early part of the day focusing on a song each hour. The first one took longer than expected but I forgot choreographing a song for 30 some odd people. But we got it all worked out. We also had time to go over it later because the last chorus song is not nearly as long or hard.

The other songs were fairly easy and went well. I do wish I could've spent more time on script but it's just the way the cookie crumbles (such a classic line).

Overall it went well. Obviously first run through is going to have problems. I am looking forward to two run throughs before the faculty views it next Friday. AGH less than a week!!!

Alot of script work will be done next week. I found out about some conflicts with the final project date and instrumentalist but the conflicts they are helping me find new instrumentalist. But having them fill in at least now helps fill out the sound.

I'm nervous bout excited about next week. I think it'll all work out and be fine I just dont know the faculties expectations for me so it's hard to know if I'm "ready".

I did record it on my computer and plan on going back and watching it to look at balance staging and to help solidifies my leads entrances. Just to take the time to sit down and watch and react while still holding my sanity.

I am not in a state to think clearly right now but it was worth the progress made today.

Cast, instrumentalist, chorus, and anyone else helping with my project, if you're reading this - THANK YOU!!!

Updates should be happening more often

But I forget.

Well I'll start with today and work back. Tonight I met with most of my chorus. It went well. I'm realizing how hard it is to balance making it fun but being the authority. The music is sounding good though. I am teaching it differently than I would a chorus though but it's still sounding good.

Yesterday I worked with all the instrumental ensembles and it worked out well. The ensembles are doing well and the music, according to their opinion, it is level appropriate of what I am aiming for.

Now I have one rehearsal with leads and then my forever-long Saturday rehearsal. It's exciting but overwhelming but going to be great. I have faith - if only I had a better grasp on things.

Wow

So I have actually been up to tons on my project but haven't been updating as often as I should. I guess I will have to make it daily now that so much is going on.

Well, the date has been changed first off. To ease the facutly who are approving it, and even myself, the production date it October 9th and at 5 pm. There is a hearing to make sure it is up to the standards it should on September 17th at 5 pm. Keeping the hearing right next to the original project date allows me to keep the same schedule to be sure everything is ready.

I have now meet with my chorus members and some instrumentalist and the feel for all the ensembles is turing out great.

I had to make an adjustment to my cast. Because the change of project dates Damian (Bartok) can no longer help out. I recruited another friend, Margo, who I think her chemistry on stage and with her evil partner Brian (Rasputin) will be great!!!

Someone recently ask me what has been hardest or most frustrating so far and I would say coordinating with so many people. I realized I am using up to 40 different people in the production. But that is exactly how it'll be if/when I take this into a school.

I'm very surprised and pleased with how the instrumental arrangements have worked. I had one player tell me all except one note he is pretty sure he could've played in 6th grade - that was music to my ears ;)

I spent two hours in our hot costume closet picking out costumes for my leads. Though it was hot and rough it was fun and rewarding. I just hope things fit!

Things are constantly under revision and locations of rehearsals have been a little difficult to coordinate but it is working out. I can't wait to see how quick it comes together espec after a long rehearsal next Saturday afternoon.

But you know what I say to everything: Bring It On!

It's coming

Well. I think I could have just single handedly killed a tree. I made so many copies and that isn't even the end of it. I got copies of music and script for all my leads in preparation for a meeting/read through/whatever else happens at my apartment tonight.

Things are going well. I have most of my chorus. If you are reading this and want to help/be in the Chorus let me know :)

I'm going to start sending e-mails for instrumental help soon so if you're reading this and that's your forte (no pun intended) let me know.

With school starting I know my faculty at school will be wanting more updates and I think they will come. Recently I got an e-mail from my wonderful adviser for this project who had some specific questions that are great for reflecting and I thought it'd be good to have them on here too since this is also serving as my "journal" through the process.

This project has been a great experience. It has been alot of work no doubt but I have enjoyed it so much. It has had it's ups and downs. There are things that have been harder than I expected and some that just came together and I can't believe how easy and quick it all happened. To be in control of the music is a huge power that is a little intimidating but I love it. It has given me a little taste of what it will be like to be in control of a classroom and the music used there. I have learned that when working on something this big you have to take risks and try it out. You have to prepare yourself for it working well or totally not working and figuring out something else. Something that has been hard is I didn't except is getting writers block. That has been the hardest thing so far, not dealing with any rehearsals yet obviously. I felt so stuck but just left it alone for a few days came back and hit the ground running finding something that'd work. I feel like the knowledge I started out with was pretty good. I have obviously learned things as I've gone through but there hasn't been anything huge that I wish I would've known earlier. However, I think that'll change once rehearsals start. I am overjoyed by this project. There is so much to do. My fear now is that I won't have everything covered because so much goes into directing and even producing a show. But luckily I have tons of people helping me with whom it would not be possible at all. So many people are staying updated and wanting me to succeed with this it really has made me even more anxious of the production to come. This type of project is unlike anything that has been done at OC right now and I feel priviledged to be the first to try it. I think it is a great project especially for education majors because it is something that we very well could have to deal with in our future job. Nothing could prepare me completely for the rest of this project and the job(s) I hope to have after. But I feel this project is helping prepare the best it can.

Tonight I plan to sit down w/ my leads and talk about some things, read through script, explain any questions they have. As always help is greatly appreciated as well as encouragement. I will survive this!