Acting in Plays, Singing/Classical Song Choice

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Expert: - 10/23/2008


Question
I am 14 and live in Australia. I have been learning singing for 6 years now from a pricate teacher and am in all school vocal ensembles and choirs etc. I am a light lyrical soprano.
For a showcase, I have to present 3 contrasting songs. I have already chosen 'Wishing you were somehow here' (Lloyd Webber) and the Charlotte Church version of the Latin hymn Panis Angelicus. Can you suggest a character song I could present with these. In the past I have learnt character songs e.g. It might as well be spring (state fair), If I loved you (carousel), I don't know how to love him (Jesus CHrist SUperstar), I'm not that girl (Wicked) and 16 going on 17. Any suggestions in a similar range that would suit a pure young voice?
THANKS!!!!

Answer
Hi, Hope –

Thank you for the question.

Don't sing "Panis Angelicus".  It's too much like "Wishing you were somehow here" and too many ordinary folks are sick of PHANTOM OF THE OPERA.  Moreover, "Panis Angelicus" is not a good showcase song for anything.  It's a Catholic-variety communion song.  Your showcase should not be about proselytizing.  Consider "O Quand Je Dors" by Franz Liszt or "Plaisir D' Amour" by Martini.

And stop listening to Charlotte Church.

Your concept of "character song" is mis-informed.  "Character" does not mean any given character from any musical.  It refers to personality-types and quirks, i.e., the "Widow Corney" in OLIVER who sings "I shall scream".

If what you need is a competitive Soprano song from a musical, then consider any of the following:

"My White Knight" – THE MUSIC MAN
"One Kiss" – THE NEW MOON
"Dear Friend" – SHE LOVES ME
”Baubles, Bangles, and Beads" – KISMET

At 14, it's time for you to be looking for another vocal coach.  This one has known you since you were a little girl.  It sounds like you are trapped in sugary innocence.  If you are indeed a soprano, then you need to start learning how to show some guts and passion.  After all, the parents of Shakespeare's "Juliet" are hot to marry her off and perpetuate the Dynasty.

Listen to an art song by Leo Delibes, "Les Filles de Cadix".  Also listen to Bizet's "Ouvre ton coeur".  These are standard concert/encore-type songs that will open your eyes as to what is possible when your scales are strong, your High C is available (at least in practice), and you are ready to step into the stories of fiery young women.

You won't always be in Australia.  I am a professional singing teacher and vocal coach in San Francisco.  One of these days when you come the Bay Area and need a vocal coach, you can contact me through Craig's List – http://sfbay.craigslist.org/sfc/lss/892673120.html
I am also the fine arts critc for SanFranciscoSentinel.com.  All my articles and interviews provide a link to my personal e-mail.

Take a look at my You Tubes:

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Seán Martinfield

Acting in Plays, Singing

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Sean Martinfield

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I am a professional vocal coach in San Francisco. In addition to answers from a previous web site (Askme.com - where my "tag" was "VocalCoach") I have published over 2000 responses related to vocal training - particularly as it relates to Musical Theatre and Opera. I have 24 years of experience as Personal Trainer to singers and actors in the San Francisco Bay Area. I sang professionally for 20 years and know what it means to live the life of a musician. I can determine your voice category, i.e., Tenor, Baritone, Bass, Soprano, Mezzo-Soprano, Alto, Alto Belter, etc., and how to broaden and strengthen your range. Need an audition song for a Broadway Musical? I will give you suggestions that are appropriate to your vocal category and to requirements specified in the audition notice. I have also created a vocal methodology, "The Belter`s Method". It will enable those in Musical Theatre to practice more efficiently because it focuses on the demands of professional performers as well as to those auditioning for school and community productions, and as University and Conservatory performing arts majors. If what you want is a better voice and more control over your career moves and choices, contact me. Also, as the Editor of SanFranciscoSentinel.com, it is my privilege to review productions at the San Francisco Opera, Ballet and Symphony, as well as Broadway National Tours booked into San Francisco's Orpheum, Golden Gate and Curran Theatres. I also review works by A.C.T (the American Conservatory Theatre) and Magic Theatre. I cover select films, tributes and retrospects, and various international film festivals – particulary those booked into The City's opulent Castro Theatre – including the LGBT Frameline Festival, International Film Festival, Silent Film Festival, Jewish Film Festival, etc. For private vocal instruction, I can be contacted through SanFranciscoSentinel.com. Look under: Seán Martinfield, Sentinel Editor and Publisher.

Experience

As a vocal coach, I work primarily with singers and actors throughout the San Francisco Bay Area. My students range from absolute beginners to working professionals, from pre-schoolers to senior citizens. The vast majority of my clients come to me through recommendation. I know how to identify any singer's vocal category, i.e., soprano, tenor, alto, baritone, etc. I know how to muscle-up every singer's vocal range and to expand it beyond conventional definitions. I have developed a vocal methodology for those who want to know how to belt, THE BELTER'S METHOD. As a singer who spent half of his career doing Bel Canto, I know that classical or Italian methodologies do not work in Standard American music. Bel Canto cannot be "adapted" to meet the needs of contemporary American music, including the demands of the Musical Theatre. There are a number of major components to my work as a vocal coach. The first is to identify the client's vocal category and to strengthen and maximize the vocal range accordingly. Then it's about teaching a reliable vocal workout that will enable the client to gain better control of their musicianship. That includes scale work to expand the vocal range and to improve placement, breath control, and diction. Then we work on material for the audition portfolio, the immediate job or assignment, a recording session, etc. My task to is to better equip singers and actors who are hoping to or relying upon their performance skills and vocal endurance to maintain a career in the Performing Arts. My clients regularly appear in cabarets and musical productions throughout the San Francisco Bay Area. Some have worked in New York and gone on National Tours. For more information, Contact me at: Broadwaybelters@yahoo.com

Education/Credentials
San Francisco State University – BA in Theatre Arts; graduate work in Theatre, Philosophy, and Comparative Reiligion. Pacific School of Religion, Berkeley – Graduate work in Ethics

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