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!

Update

Well, I got news back from my adviser of music and he was very pleased, impressed and helpful. I was actually surprised at how little over all he had. I plan on making it my goal to get the music out to my leads this weekend, so if you're reading this guys, be on the lookout for me :)

That's really all I have right now. It's fast approaching and I have so much work to do. Encouragement and tips are greatly appreciated!!!!!!

~Rachel

Back "At The Beginning"

Yep. Next time I work on the music I will be back at the beginning cause I just finished the last song!!! It is all the first draft but still it's a huge step and a huge relief to have done!!!!!!!

I am even more happier than I was after getting Paris holds the key to your heart. This post will be short simply letting people know I did it. A huge step forward but still many more steps to make!

I'm so happy happy happy!

(If there are chorale people reading this, yes that is a direct reference to this past year!)

I just finished "Paris holds the key to your heart" and am so excited. I think cause it turned out so pretty and I already have a choreography sequence in my head for it. I'm just overfilled with joy and relief. This leaves me one more song to figure out but it's the closer/curtain call so I know it won't take as much time. But even if it did I essentially did this one in 3 hours counting the little time I spent on it yesterday and the finishing it up today. It just all came together and fell into place.

This number is going to be great!!!!!!!!!!!!

I can learn to do it

and I did. I finished that song "Learn to do it!"

I'm just so relieved. The end of summer is sneaking up on me. I've got alot goin on but this project must take priority to most things. But I have faith I can get it done. There is still alot of tweeking to be done to all the songs but to be done with what I have right now and as quickly as I have, I feel I'm in a safe spot.

Continued support is always grateful!!!!!!!!

It's been a long time

glad to see a post.

I have done a little work that I didn't post about because it didn't result in completing anything.

However I am very glad to announce that I finished what I am pretty sure will be the hardest song to arrange and that is "In the Dark of the Night". If you are familar with Anastasia you know this song in the movie is sung by Rastputin and he has little minions dancing singing and such. For my smaller production of this I did something quite different and made it into a duet with Rasputin and Bartok (who will be played as a person, not a bat). It worked out well but took alot of work!!! The style for this song is so different. Also working with a Saxophone quartet as my accompaning instruments made it difficult to figure out how to fill in all the parts and double what I wanted and only move when needed.

To be honest, I'm so happy with how it sounds on Finale, even with the creapy Midi instruments. It still has a creepy sound too it and using Bartok still allows for some of the converstation and snide remarks Rasputin makes during the song that aren't sung. Now I'm so excited to put this on stage because I know my Rasputin can handle this sneaky and creepy song as a performer very well!!! I told Madison earlier to be ready cause I finished one of her main songs; Brian, you better be ready for yours!!! (And Damian, but I think Brian has the harder gig in this one!).

Victory is mine! This song is done (well, until I edit it later once all the music is done :))

Friday's are horrible for projects.

There is just so much more stuff to do out there on Friday's it seems. It's like any other weekday the world is a boring, work-week day but Friday's are different. This is the second time I find my self on a Friday having trouble focusing. I did get something accomplished, like getting an idea in my head of how I want the next song to sound but I wanted to be out in the summer sun (and heat - though not for too long) or something else except being inside notating this out.

At least I got something done w/ it today :)

Another one bites the dust

but in a good way.

Today I finished ANOTHER song. It was "Once upon a December". I knew this one would probably be the easiest but I'm still in awe how quickly it came together. I knew at first listen that this would be a simple Waltz type of song and that's what I went for in my arrangment.

I decided to use two violins and a piano. I didn't want to limit my instrument features to just band so I'm using violins here because it fits perfectly. The piano accompaniment is very simple, mostly quarternotes giving it a chime type of feeling in the higher register. The violins offer that sweeter sound and in part of the song act just like another vocal line, accompanying Anastasia in a duet form. It is simple but beautiful and I am quite pleased even with the first draft :)

I will most likely start on the next song today as well because it will, without a doubt, be the hardest one to conquer - "In the Dark of the night". Though it will be the most difficult, it is one that I am most excited about because the reason it will be so difficult is it will be so different :)

I can't wait!!!!

I am all too excited right now :)

because I have 2 songs down. :)

Yes, this is first draft so I know editing, and a pretty good amount, will be done but I'm just so excited. I am a little concerned it may be too simple but I would rather that than have to water it down more. I have to keep telling myself - middle schoolers. Though I know even that would vary depending on what school I am at.

Anyway, I finished editing and arranging the parts of "Journey to the Past" today. For me personally, it was probably my most anticipated because in my mind's ear I could here with with a clarinet trio accompaniment and as many of you know I have a fondness for clarinets because I myself play(ed). I don't know play much now but am trying to get back into it because I do miss.

This one was a little easier for many reason - first I had the Midi keyboard to help input instead of everything by hand. Also I was a little more familar with this song and alot more familiar with the instrument being used.

Journey to the past is a slow ballad so it needs less of a fancy accompaniment and is more about the singer herself. So Madison - hope you're ready to put it all on stage :)

Let's get the ball rolling!

Well I got a midi keyboard to help entering things into Finale to get the music and it helped things go so much smoother!!!!

I think I finished "Rumor in St. Petersburg" finally. I need to go back through it and check the level of things, the parts of it, and general editing. I also dove right in to work on Journey to the Past and believe that one is finished too, besides the editing. It is definitely one of the simpler arrangements but I think this is case where simplicity will be prettier than something fancy.

I'm just getting so excited!!!!!!!

I lost

a week.

I went to go officially reserve the recital hall for the production and had to move my project back a week making me lose a week of rehearsing. Am I a little scared and freaked out by it? Yes!!! But I know in enough time I think we can still handle it - and I have a great cast that I know can handle it.

But if any of you were planning on coming, now the date is September 18th, time to be determined.

Wish (and pray) me luck!!!

ADD

So I finally started working on my project after a break because I was on a break at home for a while and wanted to have a good chunk of time to work on this project. Well, as soon as I did I became the most ADD I've ever known myself to be. I loved plucking stuff out on the piano and figuring out if I liked how it sounded but when it came to entering it into Finale I couldn't focus and I could only go so far without entering it.

I did get alot accomplished in my head and mind's ear but not so much on the computer. I think I'll have better luck next time which hopefully won't be as long between working sessions as it was this past time.

Wish me luck.

Presenting

The Cast.

I realize I already introduced them all to you (if you missed that post, it's the first, VERY LONG one) but at the suggestion of a smart lady (;) ) I am putting up pictures of them (Cast, I hope this is ok :) )

I also decided to put their character picture(s) beside them so it gives everyone an idea of where this is heading. Some of the character pictures aren't great, but it was the best I could do.

So....

I said updates would be happening sooner

And here they are.
Today I sat down, after running a few errands, and began arranging the music starting with the first number, Rumor in St. Petersburg.

This is the only number I know for sure that will have a chorus so (I may have one in Paris Holds the Key to Your Heart but haven't decided yet) so that added some difficulty. However, I also had to keep reminding myself that this is suppose to be on the level for middle school children to perform. That being said, I feel like it is so simple in the state it is right now, but that's how it is suppose to be.

I'm almost finished with it. I finished the vocal arranging and have done a little bit of the instrumental parts.

I should let those of you know that don't - part of my project includes having small instrumental ensembles accompany the musical numbers, as well as a piano (if needed). I haven't made many decisions on what instruments will be used in each number but I've been trying to hear all the songs in a different context so I can make the best decision.

Since I am working on Rumor I obviously had to figure out that ensemble first and it was kind of easy to choose the general wish. Listening to the background I felt a little pit of a oom-pa, polka type feel so that led me to brass. I decided a trio would be nice. It would provide a good solid back ground without having too many instruments to have the group try to sing over. After talking to a few brass players and thinking of players I'd have available for the production I opted for a trio of one tuba and two trombones. This was hard for me because I'm not the biggest trombone fan, it just isn't my cup of tea, but I think it is best for this song.

Right now I have all voice parts and the tuba part entered into Finale (the program I am using to arrange and "mess with" the music). I plan on doing trombone and piano tomorrow - it could take a while but we'll see.

I believe that's all for now. If anyone who actually reads this has questions about it just comment and I'll be sure to address it in later posts.

T-T-F-N Ta Ta For Now

Slow and steady wins the race

but things won't be going slow for long.

I have had alot of people ask me how my project is coming. Well, to be completely honest it had kind of reached a stopping point where I was playing the waiting game.

I have had the first draft of the script done for a few weeks. My cast has had a chance to see it so they know what is going on. I also sent the script to my theatre advisor for him to read and make notes and suggestions for me. He replied letting me know he is working on it, so now I am waiting on the response with all his comments.

So, with the script being edited the next logical thing to work on was music. Since this is why am I doing the project (because I am a music major, not theatre) this is where the most work will be. But again, I was playing a waiting game because I had to order the reduction music from the movie so I wasn't doing everything simply by ear.

Well, the good news is, it just came in!!!! I was so excited when I got the phone call. I was with a friend of mine, Stacey, and she knew as soon as we could we were going to go get the music.

I have it now, and have played through the simplfied versions of the song. I think this big note version is going to help alot mostly because it will force to me to develop alot of stuff on my and not just copy and paste music.

That is really all my updates for now. That and the fact that my Anastasia is currently in Switzerland!

More updates as they happen :)

Let's start from the very beginning

because that's a very good place to start.

I'm Rachel and I recently began working on my senior project for my bachelor degree in Music Education. I knew that keeping a journal would be vital to this project and decided with the technology of this day a blog would be the best way for me, so I keep my self accountable, and others interested and/or involved to stay up to date on the status of this project.

I'm assuming if you're reading this you either already know about my project or are interested. For those of you that don't know I decided to take the idea and music from Fox's Anastasia and adapt it so I could perform it in the possible work place of a Middle School music program. Though for my project it will be performed by my peers, the level of difficulty of the music, staging, script, etc will be for middle schoolers.

Though it has had alot of brainstorming for the past months, only in the last few days have I began really working on it hard core. First steps that occured about a month ago were getting it approved by my department, which obviously passed or I wouldn't be here.

Next was choosing my cast. I wish I would've had time to hold real auditions but because of working on it over the summer and the approval happening so late in the school year I simply had to make my best judgment of people I knew that were interested and had the talent to help me under go this. I have my leads nailed down and will bring in other characters that are named (though they are few) as I have them confirmed.

So, here it is.
Anastasia will be played by Madison Callaway. I've known Madison since she went to OC here. She was in my hall her freshman year when I was her RA. We've been friends and I've always enjoyed hearing and seeing her performed. She was so excited when the thought of this project happened and was willing to help however she could. So, when I approached her about doing Anastasia for me, she gladly accepted. I'm so excited to work with her and see how she will contribute greatly to this production.

Ben Rodriguez will be playing the part of Dimtri. I've only known Ben for about a year but being in the same master class as him has given me a great change to be entertained by his voice and talent of performing. Ben went head of heals it seemed when I asked him to help me with my production. I've seen him act without singing as well as sing without the dialogue and screen play to set things in their place so I am very excited to see all these things come together in my production.

Playing Ben's best friend of Vlad will be Michael Raftery. I've seen Michael in many things at OC as well as hearing him sing impromptu many times. He really seemed perfect for this character so once he said yes I was overwhelmed with happiness. He is just a blast to have as a friend so I can't wait to see how much fun we have working on stage.

Performing at times next to Michael will be Leah Graefe as she will play the part of Sophie. Leah and I have been good friends for a few years now. When I first heard her sing I was jealous, in awe, and always look for opportunities to sing with her cause it is great! Leah is a great communicator on stage and a very fun friend to have. Seeing her chemistry on stage with the otehr actors and actresses will be a barrel of laughs for all involved.

A story wouldn't be complete without a villain. In this story the villain, Rasputin, will be played by Brian Wilcox. Brian is another person I've only known for about a year but is someone who shocked me the first time I saw him perform on stage. He has a great voice and can perform so well on stage. I've yet to see a performance of his that I haven't enjoyed watching.

And what would a villain be without his side kick. Though in the movie it is a bat, my adaptation has Bartok being a human being. Acting along side Brian will be Damian Scheuffele. Damian has only recently started taking private voice lessons but I feel he is the perfect addition to this cast to play Bartok. He is a funny guy and I think his humor and personality will translate great onto the stage.

The only other named character I know of is the part of "Grandmama" which will be played by Talia Hazleton. Though she doesn't have training in voice, the role of Grandmama rarely sings so the part will require a little bit more acting and Talia does have experience in that role. Talia has become a great friend of mine as well as most of this cast so to put her in a role that may require a little more of her will be a good thing for both of us.

There are a few more things I should say about this project as I am introducing. Many people have had concerns about copyright. Through my research and with the help of my professors I have overcome all the possible problems with copyright. Primarily, because this is not for commercial use but for education use, I am protected from any problems that way. Also, the school pays yearly fees to an organization that allows school to perform things otherwise protected by copyright because of the need to in an education setting. On top of that, I'm not using the complete score or script and this goes into the actual work I'm doing on this project.

Though the story line is hard to deviate from, I am writing my own shortened script and arrange the songs for voice and various other instruments. My vision for this is to take it to a middle school where I can feature both the instrumentalist and vocalist that really are outstanding in their area.

To start this project off I watched the entire movie, taking notes on how long scenes and songs lasted, a general plot summary, and other things I thought were note worthy. Then I didn't watch it for a few months. I came back and looked over my notes and began developing my script to be the way I want, doing my best not to copy and paste the movie script. Keeping a long time between viewing the movie and writing the script really helped with that. Today has been day 2 of working on my first draft of the script and I'm almost done.

In the mean time, as I'm writing the script, I'm making notes of small set and costume and staging specifics I would like done. As the script and music develop I will be working on the other things involved too.

It is a huge project to undertake but it is enjoyable and I have already loved what little work I've done on it. Production date is set to be the end of September. It allows about a month of rehearsals once school starts. It's a fast running plan but it can and will be done and can and will be done well. I can't wait!!!!