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!