AIMS Update 5: Little Fish in a Big HOT Pond

July 7th, 11:30pm - The Heim in Graz, Austria

Today was our first "real" busy day. My day began with German where we reviewed our work from the previous class along with some other materials and survival phrases. I then had some time before taking the train to the Pharrsaal where a lecture entitled 'German Diction with Conviction' was held. A German woman spoke on the importance of German diction and had a few people come up, recite their German repertoire text for the class and fix mistakes in the German pronunciation. This was the first thing that alludes to the title of this post: little fish in a big pond. The first speaker did very well, articulating all the vowels and slight shifts in the language, but the second speaker was a bit of a mess. These first few classes, masterclass sessions and hearings are our first opportunities to hear each other sing or perform, so everyone is feeling some pressure right now, but hearing this young girl get up and look like she was sight reading this German for the first time in front of the class, was something special. The "professor" running the lecture made a great point: "You must come into a diction coaching having done at least 80% of the work. Otherwise you are wasting my and your own time". Needless to say, when I attend my diction coachings I will be very well prepared.

After German diction, I headed back to the Heim to rest. The average temperature in Graz this afternoon was around 95 degrees, so it was SUPER hot which makes for an exhausting day. At 5pm I headed downstairs to meet my assigned pianist for my hearing tomorrow morning! I am the last hearing before make-ups or the late arrivals perform, so I'm hoping to make a good impression on the staff, teachers, coaches and faculty. The rrehersal ultimately went very well and I feel very prepared for tomorrow.

An hour or so later, a group of us went out to grab some dinner before boarding the train again and sitting in on another session of Masterclass #1.
Let's just say this session was "VERY INTERESTING" and I had some very choice words and feelings after it was over....

Anyhoo, another day has come and gone. Tomorrow is, in the long run, a much easier day but a little more intense with my hearing just after noon. Tomorrow I prove why I'm here and why I should be selected/programmed for various recitals, orchestra concerts and other performances - let's do this!
Guten nacht!

AIMS Update 4 - The Start of Something Amazing

Since I write today's post at almost 1am Graz time, I'll try to keep my latest update brief.

Today AIMS official started: lectures, German class, masterclass sessions and exploring the city. I attended part one of a lecture series entitled 'Mindfulness for Singers' which focused on feeling the body while singing and what it means to channel anxiety through your breath and singing. Later this morning I had my first German class! Our class, level 1, is pretty small and both Claire and Levi are there so we can all struggle through it together. Our German teacher is also super awesome, so there's that too. Immediately after German, Claire and I headed to the Odelian-Institute where the first sections of Masterclass 1 are being held. The session had started before out German class so we only arrived there to see the last two singers of the morning, but it was great to hear other AIMS singers working with Soprano Gabriele Leichner. Around 1 in the afternoon we headed back to the Heim where we had some down time before a social hour and official welcome dinner with the entire AIMS faculty, staff and vocalist/pianist participants. We had time to mingle and had dinner in the Gosser Bar next door (more schnitzel!). Since dinner was our last official event for the day, a few of us walked down to the Jakominiplaz for some Gelato before coming back to the Heim for the night. Claire, Matt and I hung out for a while, had some wine and talked about all sorts of stuff. I forget how nice it is to just sit down and talk to someone sometimes, so I was glad we were able to do that tonight. Anyway, I'm still up here but I should go to bed. Tomorrow is another day and tomorrow is a busy day! Guten nacht!

AIMS: Updates 1, 2 & 3: So It Begins...

Update 1

July 3rd, 10:16pm (US time) - Aboard flight from Detroit to Frankfurt

Today marks day one of my Austrian adventure! After frivolous packing, some brief internal screaming and just a little bit of panic I am currently aboard my flight from Detroit to Frankfurt, Germany! Once I land, my six hour layover begins and eventually I'll board my second flight which will take me directly to Graz. While nothing of "huge excitement" has happened yet and I definitely wont get any sleep on this flight, I am still very excited!

Update 2

July 4th, 11:3 (Graz time) - The Heim

Welcome to Graz!

I made it!!

After two long days of traveling, tonight at 6:30pm I finally arrived in Graz, Austria! A group of us were picked up at the airport and driven to our summer home away from home - The Heim. Similar to a dorm, the Heim has various levels with lobbies, common areas, bedrooms and full kitchens! Rooms are paired in two and my suite-mate is Claire, so I'm sure we'll have some fun nights in Austria together.

Shortly after arriving and unpacking I met up with Claire, the other Western-folk and met a few other singers who had just arrived. Claire, myself and a new friend decided to grab some dinner and ended up taking a walk down to the central square known as the Jakominiplaz. By exploring various paths and alleyways we decided on a small restaurant tucked away from the business for dinner. We must have spent a few hours there talking about AIMS, ourselves, our schools, not knowing any German and of course, the amazing food we were about to eat. I'm proud that my first official meal here in Austria was Weinerschnitzel with parsley potatoes - and boy was it amazing! After dinner we headed back to the Heim so I could finish unpacking, write the days post and get to bed (since I hadn't slept for quite some time).

The most amazing thing about Graz is the city itself. Graz is absolutely beautiful. The streets can be busy, but the entire city is so relaxing and has the rustic look/feel. Much of Graz looks like something out of a 'Hansel & Gretel' fairytale book: cobblestone roadways, tight alleys, beautiful buildings and more. The Jakominiplaz also contains a huge shopping center as well as various food vendors (this is where I plan to eat my fill of Brats on this trip). I already love it here and don't want to leave, but thankfully for me it's all just getting started!

My first night in Austria was wonderful between great people and the amazing food. I know unforgetable memories will be made on this trip. Until tomorrow!

Update 3

July 5th, 10pm - The Heim

Can I move here? Seriously, Graz is gorgeous. After a great nights sleep I woke up for breakfast served at the Gosser Bar next door with the Western peeps. After breakfast I went on a City Tour of Graz with many other participants of this summers AIMS program, we walked about the city and I was able to take lots of pictures. Most shops and businesses are closed on Sundays, so the streets were quiet and empty except for the music that could be heard from a nearby Cathedral. We say many of the city highlights and now I have places to visit and go to before my stay in Graz is over!

After the tour and a short break, the singers and pianists headed "downtown" to the school where we had a brief orientation. It was my first time taking the tram, or Strassehnbahn, which makes various stops throughout Graz and it was fun to see the city by tram. Once we arrived at the school, we met a few members of the core staff and went over a few policies and expectations for the summer. Afterwards we took a walk to locate all the other buildings around the school where all our various classes and rehearsals will be held. After grabbing a quick bite from a local sandwich shop we headed back to the Heim where I relaxed for a few hours. I rounded off the night with Matt and Levi, walking around the city and making a late night Gelato run. Day two is in the books!

The Next Summer Adventure

The first time I left the country was back in 2008.

That summer before my freshmen year of high school, I left the U.S to attend the Royal School of Church Music in England with choristers from my church. My mother had attended the same program when she was my age and I couldn't be more excited to take such a trip.

The next time wasn't until 2010.

Just short of becoming a Junior, I left home to travel to Germany with the Okemos High School Orchestra. We gave many concerts, attended school and stayed with wonderful host families. It was on this trip that I met my "German Sister" who I still talk to today.

Most recently was last summer.

I had just finished my Sophomore year at Western and was accepted into the OperaMaya Voice Program held in Tulum, Mexico. Though it ended up not being performance-oriented, I made friends and had the opportunity to work with some wonderful teachers and coaches while enjoying paradise on the beach.

And now as I approach starting my Senior year of college, I'm leaving home again to attend the American Institute of Musical Studies Opera Studio Voice Program in Graz, Austria.

The AIMS program is one that since starting college I've always wanted to participate in. It is considered one of the best voice programs in Europe and one of the most attended by both undergraduate and graduate students from various schools and countries. I somehow never thought I'd actually be attending the program, even though I'd already made up my mind that I'd be attending sometime while in college. And now in two days, I'll head out again to take this next amazing adventure.

While in Graz, I will have weekly voice lessons and coachings, as well as diction classes, German classes, Masterclasses, various recitals and performance opportunities, discussions with professionals musicians and many more amazing opportunities.

My goals of attending this program are simple:

1. To learn as much as possible
2. To attend everything - all events and musical performances, even if I am not selected to participate
3. To make friends, create memories and have the trip of a lifetime

Unlike my recent excursion to Mexico, I will have full access to internet and various forms of technology that I will use to communicate with family and friends back home. I will also be updating my blog as much as possible in lieu of writing in my travel journal, so more people can read about my adventures and keep up to date with everything that happens over these next exciting six weeks! Check out my blog daily for new updates, stories and maybe a few pictures too!!

AIMS will be a new chapter for me. An opportunity to focus on my passion for six weeks which also serves as a "first look" into the career I continue to pursue. A time to grow both as a musician and as a person. And it all starts in just over 48 hours. Auf Wiedersehen!  

2015: The Summer of Animes - Part 2

I thought I'd seen the best of the best:

Nothing could top Deathnote 

Nothing was as action filled as Psycho-Pass

No series was more popular than Attack on Titan

No show continued to surprise me like Fullmetal Alchemist 

And finally, no soundtrack was more stunning than that of Sword Art Online.

But as the summer continues and I delve deeper into the hole that is Anime, it appears that I have been gravely mistaken.

In my last post regarding anime, I listed my top five anime series that I'd watched as well as an honorable mention and a few series I was still working on. Well, a few weeks later, I have a few updates, a few more series that I've made it through (for better or worse) and a few series that I currently working on. So here's where I stand:

UPDATES:

1. Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion, R1 & R2 (2006)
Continued Story (Sung theme of Code Geass)

I had written before that I would definitely be continuing into season two of Code Geass, and continue I did at a vigorous pace. After the incredible ending season one left there was no question that I would be starting season two that same night (or morning as it ended up being in reality)

"The only ones who should kill are those who are prepared to be killed". Code Geass follows student Lelouch Lamperouge who seems ordinary at first glance but is actually a former prince of the Holy Britanian Empire. When his mother was mysteriously killed and his father the Emperor disowns Lelouch and his sister Nunally, the two go into hiding in Area 11 (recently re-named Japan). Things take a turn when Lelouch becomes involved in a terrorist plot, which not only reunites him with a childhood friend but also introduces him to a mysterious girl who offers Lelouch a power known as "geass". By accepting the girls contract, Lelouch is granted this power which allows him to bend the will of others and command them to follow whatever order he gives no matter what. Wanting to avenge his mothers mysterious death, create a world where his little sister Nunally can live happily and get revenge on his father, Lelouch vows to use this power to create a better world. But with such a power, will Lelouch be able to overcome his past while paving the road towards a better future?

Why I began this series: I had recently finished Deathnote and was looking for a similar series, which led me to Code Geass

What I loved about the series: Like Black Butler, my love of Code Geass can be summed up by one character: Lelouch Lamperouge (later known as Lelouch vi Britania). The development and drive that Lelouch endures throughout the series is amazing and I found myself rooting for Lelouch the entire time. The connections Lelouch has with every single character, whether main or secondary, is strong and he uses these characters to his own advantage while also showing that he genuinely cares for them all. Lelouch is a character of a select few who I will never get tired of.

What I didn't like about the series: The begging few episodes seemed slow, but as Code Geass continued I became increasingly interested and eventually hooked on its every move.

Code Geass is an anime that while released back in 2006, is still one of the most admired and talked about anime shows of all time. It has received critical praise from both Japan and the U.S.A in addition to cultivating an enormous fan base in both countries. I would recommend Code Geass to everyone, simply because it is amazing and has one of the best endings in anime history.

2. Fate/Zero (2011-2012)
Original Opening Video

  

Sad to say, I finally gave up on Fate/Zero. I was never able to get into the story or connect with the characters enough for me to continue watching Season 1. But while I may not have made it through the series, it still has a great opening track!


COMPLETED SERIES (*NEW*)

1. Clannad (2007-2008) & Clannad: After Story (2008-2009)
Clannad: After Story Original Opening Video

High school delinquent Tomoya Oakasaki hates his life. With the passing of his mother at a young age and his father who has turned to alcohol and drugs to cope with this loss, Tomoya finds no joy or happiness in his hometown or his school until he meets the shy, young Nagisa. After learning that Nagisa is repeating her senior year due to poor health and that she loves drama, Tomoya vows to help Nagisa make friends in addition to reviving the schools Drama Club - but could there be more to their relationship than meets the eye?

Why I began this series: I had just finished Code Geass, when I decided I wanted a break from action and thriller anime series. I was curious about "romance animes" and began trolling the internet for possibilities, fearing that all romance animes would be either boring or too X rated for my liking. I found Clannad at the top of every romance anime list and decided to give it a try, and I have to say that watching these shows is one of the best decisions I ever made.

What I loved about the show: Clannad and Clannad: After Story are simply beautiful series. The original series introduces the characters and shows their friendships continue to grow, especially between Nagisa and Tomoya. Clannad: After Story continues this but shows how these relationships grow after Tomoya, Nagisa and their friends graduate from high school and enter the real world.

Clannad and especially Clannad: After Story are known for one thing: siring emotion. Both series made me experience every emotion possible, from joy to sadness and everything in between. I have never laughed so much or cried so hard while watching a series until Clannad and Clannad: After Story, and I can now say that it is one of the most beautiful stories I have ever had the privilege of watching.

What I didn't like about the series: Nothing - both series were simply beautiful both in body and soul

Like Deathnote and Code Geass, I would recommend BOTH Clannad and Clannad: After Story to everyone. Beautiful, magical, touching and even a bit nostalgic, both of these series are magnificent and are not to be missed or overlooked.

ANIME SERIES IN PROGRESS:

1. Blue Exorcist (2011)
Original Opening Video

Current position: Episode 17 of 25
Will I continue into Season 2: There has been no announcement of a second season of Blue Exorcist but if one does happen I'll be there to see it
What I like about Blue Exorcist: There is much to like about Blue Exorcist, from it's lovable characters to the idea the series revolves around. Also bursting into blue flames is pretty cool.
What I don't like about the series: A few episodes at times feel slow and a few characters get pretty neglected, but this changes when more demons are introduced and Rin is forced to face challenges he never expected to
Why you would enjoy Blue Exorcist: If you love series with action, comedy, demons and blue flames than this is the series for you


2. Seraph of the End - Vampire Reign (2014)
Original Opening Video

     

Current position: Episode 8 of 24
Will I continue to Season 2: Since this series is so new there is no news currently on a second season, but if there is a Season 2 I will definitely be watching
What I like about Seraph of the End - Vampire Reign: I finally found a vampire anime series that is not boring, stupid or 'Twilight-esq"
What I don't like about the series: So far I have almost no complaints about the series, but I am watching the show slowly as weekly new episodes are released with the English dub
Why you would enjoy Seraph of the End - Vampire Reign: This series uses a story line about vampires that is incredibly smart. If you are looking for a series that in no way resembles Twilight but still uses your favorite blood-sucking monsters, look no further.

Nothing will ever top Deathnote 
Psycho-Pass will always hold a dear place in my anime heart
No series will continue to scare me more than Attack on Titan
Fullmetal Alchemist will always be fun to watch

And Sword Art Online started it all

But now:

There will never be a more beautiful love story than that of Clannad and Clannad: After Story
I will never forget the blue flames from Blue Exorcist
And Seraph of the End: Vampire Reign will be the end of my summer anime train

Until next time, Viva anime!

'The Diary of Anne Frank': The Unforgetable Story

Above: Sara Farb as Anne Frank

Above: (Left to Right) - Maev Beaty as Miep, Yanna McIntosh as Mrs. Van Daan, Sara Farb as Anne Frank, Christopher Morris as Mr. Dussel, Lucy Peacock as Mrs. Frank, Shannon Taylor as Margot Frank, Kevin Briere as Mr. Van Daan, Joseph Ziegler as Mr. Frank and Andre Morin as Peter Van Daan 

"I want to go on living, even after my death" - Anne Frank

A powerful play with an even more powerful message, The Diary of Anne Frank has been hailed as one of the most influential plays of all time and one of the most studied within schools. Having read the play back in seventh grade, I had a love for The Diary of Anne Frank and remembered reading aloud the scene where Anne hands out Christmas presents to the members of the family. A timeless story as told by the young girl forced into hiding with her family has never shone brighter on the stage than this production at the Stratford Shakespeare Festival.

Taken from Anne Frank's actual diary, The Diary of Anne Frank recounts the events and actions that took place for the Franks as they were forced from the streets into hiding during the Holocaust and reign of Hitler. Hitler has just instated that all those of Jewish faith are to be rounded up and taken by train to concentration camps where they will will be exterminated. Scared for their lives, the Frank family goes into hiding in the attic of a nearby work building with the help of family friend Miep who pledges to keep their hiding secret and help however she can. Anne must adjust to this new life, by following the rules set in place by her father, while still keeping her true self and memories alive with the help of a diary.

The entire cast was simply incredible, but leading the charge more than Anne Frank herself was Joseph Ziegler as Mr. Frank. Ziegler gave a brillian performance as Anne's father and greatest confidant while in hiding, and his final speech explaining the fates of his family was simply incredibly. Second to Mr Ziegler was Sarah Farb as a funny and headstrong Anne Frank, Lucy Peacock as Anne's distant mother and Meav Beaty as the now famous friend to the Frank's, Miep.

This production had one surprise after another. Before the play began, the cast gathered on stage and each member told a personal story of themselves at Anne's age, thirteen years old. Anne herself, actress Sara Farb, had the most heart wrenching connection as her own grandmother is a Holocaust survivor. After these stories the cast explained the set and time frame that the play takes place in before exiting the stage and beginning the show. Another surprise I found with this production was its excellent and powerful use of choral music. For a majority of the production a small choir could be seen behind the ethereal set and provided music which enhanced and greatly added to the production without intruding on its sensitive subject matter. Perhaps the greatest achievement of the production was the fact that acting never felt like acting. Director Jillian Keiley's direction of the company and production as a whole was able to transport the audience to the attic of the work building and see the play as the true story of the Franks while in hiding.

Ending note: Before the show began, my mother and I were approached by a Festival member and asked to participate in an event created around this production of The Diary of Anne Frank. Playgoers from all places and of all ages were asked to step into a special booth and record an entry from Anne's real diary. It didn't make sense, until we walked in the theater and heard various entries being read aloud over the theater speakers by previous playgoers. The idea that my voice would be heard before a future showing at the festival was incredibly inspiring and moving.

Stratford Shakespeare Festival's The Diary of Anne Frank Trailer

For photos and videos of this production, visit:

http://www.stratfordfestival.ca/OnStage/productions.aspx?id=29426&prodid=57763

For more information about the Stratford Shakespeare Festival, visit:
http://www.stratfordfestival.ca/Default.aspx

***NEXT REVIEW:*** 

The Adventures of Pericles or Pericles, Prince of Tyre

Director Chris Abraham Brings Risk and Laughter to the Stratford Shakespeare Festival Stage in Hilarious New Production of 'Taming of the Shrew'

Above: Deborah Hay (Left) as Katherina and Ben Carlson (Right) as Petruchio

The ultimate question: Can Katherina be tamed? One of the most famous and widely produced Shakespearean comedies of all time, The Taming of the Shrew offers an answer to this question along with scores of laughs and "unusual" circumstances. I was excited to see Taming of the Shrew after seeing Hamlet previously that afternoon not only for a change of pace, but also because I had never seen this play staged live. Now that I have, it can easily be scored as another one of my favorites.

Set up in this production as a play-within-the-play, The Taming of the Shrew follows sisters Bianca and Katherina as one is being courted for marriage while the other is not. Courted by various men, Bianca is ready and willing to give her heart to the man who is able to catch it, while Katherina shows no desire to be married and instead turns to violence and her foul tongue to voice these opinions and cause trouble. Knowing that Katherina will never get a husband this way, their father strikes a bargain with the suitors: once Katherina has found a husband, he will allow Bianca to be married to the man of her choosing. Eager to win Bianca, the suitors quickly realize that it is impossible to find a husband who can tame Katherina, until a willing man steps forward claiming he can do just this. Katherina may be a wild flower, but is there something more underneath her hard shell?

Like Hamlet, creating a stand-out production of Shakespeare's greatest comedy is quite a challenge. While reading the program before the show, I was excited to see that director Chris Abraham set the production as a play-within-the-play, just as he did A Midsummer Night's Dream last season. This angle brought a whole new light to Taming of the Shrew and made for quite the introduction to the actual play. It was almost time to start when my mom and I noticed that a man had sat down next to us holding a brown paper bag with a bottle inside it. It wasn't long before my mom quickly realized he was wearing a fake nose and leaned over to tell me she thought Carlson was sitting just two seats away from us. At first I thought she was crazy, but suddenly it all made sense. As the play began, Carlson (known at this time to be a man called Christopher Sly) got into a drunken argument with a few "ushers" until he flung himself on the stage and joined the company. The players then decided to play a trick on Sly and convince him that he was their lord and master. After awaking and falling for their trick, the players then tell Sly that they will perform a play for him in his honor and for his entertainment - and thus The Taming of the Shrew began. This opening was not only an incredibly fan-girl moment for me, but also one of the most clever and hilarious ways to introduce Shakespeare's play into action.

Leading this rampage of humor and laughs were Deborah Hay and Ben Carlson as the dueling Katherina and Petruchio. Carlson showed his vast talent for comedy throughout the play while utilizing the full potential of Shakespeare's text. Opposite Carlson and the star of the production was Deborah Hay. After seeing Hay a few years ago as Beatrice in Much Ado About Nothing and not loving her portrayal I was interested to see if and how Shrew would fit her, and I was incredibly happy to see the two together were a perfect fit. Playing Katherina to her fullest physical comedy and screaming her unyielding comments at various characters, Hay proved a force to be reckoned with and commanded one thousand percent of the audiences attention. Comedy is always harder than tragedy but Hay succeeded in this and more with ease. From running, to screaming, to being flipped upside down, Hay's portrayal of Katherina was incredibly well done and hilarious from start to finish. Carlson and Hay prove to be quite the power couple, both in Shakespeare and real life.

Another set of players additionally stood out in this production: Tom Rooney as the faithful servant Tranio, Mike Shara as the suitor Hortensio and comedy gold Gordon S Miller as the servant Biondello. Rooney and Miller were seen together for a majority of the play and were a pair with striking comedic chemistry while Shara also took the spotlight with his unforgettable portrayal as a suitor/tutor to Bianca.

A romp from beginning to end Taming of the Shrew joins the Festivals roster as the leading comedy of the season, bringing scores of laughs and fun for both participant and audience members alike that is not to be missed.

Stratford Shakespeare Festival's The Taming of the Shrew Trailer

For stage photos and videos of this production, visit:

http://www.stratfordfestival.ca/OnStage/productions.aspx?id=29356&prodid=57753

OR visit the Stratford Festival's YouTube Channel

For more information about the Stratford Shakespeare Festival, visit:

http://www.stratfordfestival.ca/Default.aspx

***NEXT REVIEW: The Diary of Anne Frank***