Mia Kinsella and Vincent Menard performing for Atria Woodbridge residents and guests in November
Success Starts Here
Year after year, my students garner honors and awards and are asked to be guest performers at special events. The main key to success simply seems to be the desire to participate. Naturally, talent, hard work and improved skills are all part of the success equation. But unused talent and skills doesn't win prizes. Being there is an essential success component. (See the list of winners and achievers, below.)
Two years ago I joined the struggle to save the California Association of Professional Music Teachers Vocal Ensembles Festival and Competition from extinction. There are relatively few performance opportunities especially geared toward singers. CAPMT is part of Music Teachers National Association. MTNA was considering cutting the program in order to cut costs. Our argument centered in part around why voice teachers would need to be part of an organization that doesn't serve them and their students, and how an organization in place to support the education of all music students could eliminate voice students from that group. Thanks to a few rather vocal voice teachers we managed to retain the multi-level event. If the program is to stay in place, though, it requires teacher and student participation.
In the fall of 2011 and, again, in 2012 my students took away 1st prize at the local chapter level of the event. First prize entitles the ensemble to advance to the regional Southern California Festival, should the ensemble so desire.
This past fall I couldn't rally even two people to participate in the event. This makes me sad for what it might mean to the future of the event, sad for my studio, and sad for students who could have a great time and possibly win awards. I offer free rehearsal time to students who want to sing as part of a duet, a trio, or even a larger group. My fondest desire would be to develop a small chamber ensemble, or an a cappella ensemble. This could be a ton of fun!
The time to begin preparing for the fall Festival is NOW. I had hoped to produce a musical theatre ensembles event this summer that might aid in Festival preparation. But May recital planning has taken precedence. Also, the only available theatre/stage space I have been able to find that also includes a piano is cost prohibitive. Taking all costs into account, a very short two-month rehearsal window, and considering how many students might be available to participate this summer, the event will have to simmer on the back burner for the time being.
I would like to count on students and parents for your show of interest in the CAPMT Ensembles Festival and other evaluations, competitions and special events. I worry and wonder about the level of interest when I am the one making all of the advances.
Success takes commitment. It takes desire, a positive attitude and a good work ethic. The music part? No problem. You are all capable of winning prizes. Oh! And think of what you might learn along the way. There's that.
So, I leave it up to you. Raise your hand! Furiously shake your head up and down at your lesson. Give me a sign. Text me! Let's make beautiful music together.
CAPMT 1st Prize Vocal Ensembles Recipients. Trevor Cislaw and Sydney Little (2012) and Aditi Sinha and Nikki Hezar (2011).
 
Oh, my stars! Just look at the cool things students are up to.
In March Sarah Maugaotega was special guest performer in front of hundreds in attendance at the annual Social and Philanthropic Organization of OC charity Fashion Show. The $70/plate luncheon was emceed by news media personalities. The only photo I can find of Sarah at the event is housed on a stock media website and may only be used by permission for editorial purposes. I guess you've arrived when you find your watermarked photo on a page shared by Lady Gaga. Sarah will graduate from OCSA this year. What a future she has in store!
See Sarah below, left, in April 2013 as she received her 1st Prize in the local Exchange Club Search for Talent and with me in November 2013 at the NATS Student Evaluations - where she also came away a winner.
Studio Star Power
Kelly - performed in the Company of KISS ME KATE with the Arts & Learning Conservatory. She also received Honorable Mention in her division of the NATS Student Evaluations this past fall.
Lauren - performed roles in SCROOGE, THE MUSICAL; FIDDLER ON THE ROOF; FOOTLOOSE with Musical Theatre Village.
Julia Urone - is currently in rehearsal as The Baroness in THE SOUND OF MUSIC with Ladera Performing Arts.
Savannah Young - performed in the Company of OKLAHOMA! with Newport Theatre Arts Center, and as Bielke in FIDDLER ON THE ROOF at Huntington Beach Playhouse. Savannah, a working actress who has recently appeared in commercials, in a music video and in Pearle Vision and LensCrafters print ads, is currently playing the role of Annie in the Newport Heights Elementary School production of ANNIE, JR. Savannah is also Little Miss Newport Beach 2014.
And many thanks to Kelly, Lauren, Mia Kinsella, Vincent Menard and Julia Urone for sharing your talent and performing for senior residents of Atria Woodbridge. You made their holidays merry and bright!
Some of my adult working professional students are doing great things. I am proud to say that I am coaching two of the stars of this year's CHOC Follies, Barbara Attell and Nancy Livingston. Barbara will perform for us at the May recital. Another pro, David Hoffman is in-studio recording tracks with his band for an up-coming CD release. David, Jeffrey Bayless and David Warrick Jones are the primary players in the band, Nebraska Falls. Here are their links at Reverbnation and Facebook.
Julia Urone singing in November at Atria Woodbridge
Certificate of Merit News
Mia Kinsella and Haley Pham successfully completed MTAC Certificate of Merit Evaluations at CSULB in March. Both passed performance and theory exams with flying colors. Congratulations!
Sights to See
Did you know that I maintain a website focused on promoting choral and vocal music? And I am a freelance music writer for Examiner.com. Find me at www.vocalartscommunity.com and www.examiner.com/music-in-santa-ana/patricia-shanks
In my copious spare time...
I was crowned Ms. Newport Beach Ambassador 2014 this past fall. My platform is support and promotion of local arts and artists, particularly less well-known musicians who deserve to be noticed.
 I am looking forward to hearing all of the wonderful pianists and singers at the recital May 18, and to a summer of study, and fun, and Certificate of Merit preparation, and ensembles practice and whatever other good things the future has in store for us! |
