Update

You'd be surprised at how hard it is to keep up with blogging. Suddenly you get very busy with catching up with people, going out and enjoying the weather, celebrating birthdays. The list goes on.

I went to the Soxs game with the boyfriend, his brother and some of his brother's friends. We tailgated, and I ate this first hot dog I actually remember eating. The Sox played the Yankees and got crushed 1-7. We left at the top of the 9th inning. I had never been to US Cell Field before. It's pretty nice for a baseball stadium. I stopped and thought to myself at one point, Who am I? I'm eating hot dogs at a baseball game on the south side on a Sunday afternoon. What's become of me? I quickly answered my own question. Michael. This may sound strange coming from me, but I like a break from the music world every once in awhile. I actually enjoyed being outside on a nice day (hot enough to get a sunburn on my forearms :( never underestimate the power of sunscreen). Musicians are almost never outside to enjoy being outside. We're always inside practicing or performing or new research for our next gigs. I always say I'd never be able to marry a musician. There can be too much of a big personality. The best couples balance each other out, but have important morals and visions of life in common. Sometimes too much of the same thing isn't always the best match. So, long story short, that's why I went to the Sox game.

The story of Alcina is a fantasy, and the words are in Italian. I'm curious to see what the concept will be. Sometimes it's just best to be given information instead of searching for it yourself. I should start looking at what type of program I could put together for these few gigs my grandpa has found me. My schedule for the summer is starting to pull itself together and I can somewhat see the finish line. I'm kinda looking forward to summer school, it'll give my more structure to my schedule. I always seem to function better with a schedule.

Memorial Day has become a real holiday in my family ever since my brother was playing in the middle school marching band. My moms birthday is around the holiday, so it's become a tradition for the family to come over, enjoy the parade and then celebrate my moms birthday with a brunch in our backyard afterwards. My mom has a system of setting up chairs in our "spot" at 7am, getting Starbucks for everyone and returning to wake everyone up. This year, my sister was playing in the middle school band and my bro was playing for the high school marching band. There's another sister coming up behind the first one. There will be many more years of Uddenberg's playing in the Memorial Day parade. It's the "big deal" parade in my hometown. Kids sit on the curb with Jewel bags looking to catch candy from those in the parade. All the old fashioned army vehicles get brought out and driven thru town and we honor those who have served in wars going back to Vetenam. It's really a very cool day. And beautiful weather is the icing on the cake.

Until next time,
sopranodivaEm

Finding my Voice II: Approaching new music

Believe it or not, there is a right and wrong way to approach new music. A non-singer most likely doesn't know the amount of work and effort that is put into even a simple art song. Some snobby instrumentalists think we have it easy, but I would have to respectfully disagree. Although singers have words that help them expres the music, we also have to put in the work to understand what the words mean to us, the performer, and what we are supposed to portray to the audience.
The first step I take is look up a piece on Spotify or YouTube. Technology is great for all these steps, my dad complains on how easy I have it :P I listen or watch others performing the piece just to get it in my head. If it's a foreign language, I look up and write the IPA and translations into my score. (Before that, I copy the piece so it's nice and clean for any pianist who will play for me. Always be nice to your accompanist). I pluck the notes on the piano then sing them in rhytm notes etc on one syllable. Then I go back and listen again, to people who are fluent in the language. If the text is based off a poem, I read about the poet as well. Then I think about a character. Op Shop has taught me to do this fully and well. Why does this person start singing? How do they feel throughout the whole piece? How does it change? What hints does the music give away about the character? Where are they in the scene? Who else is in the scene? Why does this person stop singing? The questioning can go on and on and deeper until you are no longer yourself when you sing this piece. That's why acting is so important in this form. There is the challenge of language, musiciality and then theatrics. Opera singers in particular really do have to do it all well. Plus the costumes lights camera ACTION on the big stage. Having an audience there makes it all the more special. Performers all have the zone they get into when they are performing. That feeling is why all the hard work pays off. It's the best feeling in the world.
PS. The CIM fall opera is Alcina by Handel. More deats to come.
Until next time
sopranodivaEm

Parcourir

When people ask on questionnaires what some of your hobbies are, I always mention traveling. I absolutely love it. There's so much to discover about the world and yourself in a new place. Those people that stay in the same place for too long are selling themselves short. Everyone should explore a new part of the region they live in, and especially a different continent. I could go to Europe every time someone says the word "vacation". I've been to several places already, but I already want to go back to France, Italy, England and Spain.
Singers can use traveling as a tool of their own. We have to sing in foreign languages, and where better to learn how to pronounce something foreign correctly than its original origin?? There are so many different summer institutes that offer a new perspective on your voice and the composers than come from there. I want to study somewhere that speaks German, French and Italian. Might as well be well-rounded. Plus I would get to travel :)
Until next time
sopranodivaEm

Ranting a Little

Do you ever sit back and think about how you got to where you are? Or realize that all the stress and worrying you put into something was going a little too far? Or surprise yourself discovering how much you’ve changed, or how the people you’re close to have changed? Some things we want to change so quickly and we sit around waiting for it to happen. And then it hits us. Things have changed when we weren’t looking. We all know this feeling. It’s happening right now, but we haven’t seen the evidence yet.

You think everything is good and fine with life until something bad happens. Then another bad thing happens. It gets to a point where your little sister asks you, why do bad things always happen to us? I wish I knew. Why do bad things happen to good people? Are these events supposed to teach us something? Make us stronger? Did anyone ever consider that the things life throw at us we aren’t actually programmed to handle???

But then you stop and think again about how fortunate you are. You have cute clothes, good food, a safe home, good education, people who love you. It’s okay that bad things happen I guess because there are so many good things life gives us. I have a job. I have a wonderful boyfriend. I have friends who love me. Hoping that things would be perfect is probably asking for too much.

You know, the universe has a pretty solid idea of how to give us a balance in life. We may not always feel like we deserve the balance we get, but someone somewhere out there thinks they got it right. We really don’t have control on what happens next to us. We like to think we do, but it’s already all figured out for us. We just have to get up every day, put our best foot forward and do it all again the next day, despite what happened yesterday. That’s the hardest part. Forgetting yesterday. It’s over. It happened. But today is happening too. We have the chance to do something with the new day ahead of us. We should use the chance we’re given. If nothing works out today, there’s always a tomorrow to try again.

We have to remember to stay positive because life isn’t over just yet.

My Weather Theory

I have a theory that the weather affects people’s moods. I know that I am a much happier person when the sunny is shining, it’s about 75 degrees and there’s a breeze whipping my hair in the right direction. On a day like today in Chicago, cold, rainy, snowy even in some parts of town, everyone rushes inside to make hot drinks and curl up on the couch or in bed for hours on end. Or at least, that’s what feels appropriate. If there are long enough periods of ongoing rain, I start to sneeze. I am literally allergic to bad weather.

We’ve had an especially long winter this year. Somewhere along the lines of seven months. That is too many. It’s more than half a year. Everyone’s moral is slow, confidence and motivation levels are slow. It’s just a glum feeling, ya know? My first grade teacher was effected to the extreme by the weather. When it was raining, you just DID NOT mess with Mrs. King. But the next day when the sun was out she was the most chipper cheerful teacher in the entire school. She seemed like a completely different person.

So how do you deal with the weather blues? Well, make your favorite hot drink. Curl up with a good book that’s been collecting dust on the bookshelf or your bedside table. Bake cookies. I like going to museums when it’s raining. Clean your room. PRACTICE (although, you should be practicing every day rain or shine. But now you have an excuse to take an extra long practice session). There are so many things that have to get done inside, so you might as well do them when you’re stuck inside. That way, when you are free to be outside, the feeling will be that much sweeter.

What's In My Purse

So this seems to be a new trend, telling the whole world the contents of your purse. I thought the inside of your purse was supposed to be a mystery, but times are changing fast!

Emily's Purse

Inside my 7-year-old spring collection Coach bag I have:

- a book (I'm trying to read more)

-a notebook, where I keep to-do lists and my schedule

-inhalers

-pepper spray, since I live in Cleveland most of the year

-pens, pencils and Sharpies. Renee Fleming told me to always keep a Sharpie in my purse and I took that advice to heart

-highlighter, for new music

-headphones. I enjoy Spotify more than iTunes.

-house keys

-Tylenol. Best headache killer for singers, it doesn't dry you out. Stay away from Advil and Aleve.

-nail file

-CoverGirl lip stain and chapstick

-new this season Coach spring wristlet. I have too many cards and coins to keep in an ordinary wallet.

-(not pictured) iPhone 5c in blue

-(N.P)umbrella

-(N.P)waterbottle. I discovered cucumber, lemon, mint infused water. It's so good and a little more exciting than bland water. Gotta stay hydrated! I cradle my water bottle during class. You can pick out a singer a mile away from campus if they have a water bottle in hand.

Chicago versus NYC

I still am trying to figure this out: which city is better? I've grown up in Chicago, spent many summer nights at Ravinia and Grant Park concerts, seen various broadway shows, attended operas, visited the art institute, and dined at various scales restaurants. Chicago has a feeling of familiarity and it will always be home. 

But New York has a larger feeling of excitement and opportunity. The Met and the Statue of Liberty, Times Square, and even more choice of dining options. In a matter of blocks the scenery changes from Central Park to high class apartments to expensive stores stacked on top of each other. There's always something new to discover. I want to go to Juilliard  or Eastman school of music for my masters degree. I want the experience of living in New York. I will always be a city girl, never the camping type. I have high quality taste and New York can give me that lifestyle, provided I can pay for it. I love those tv shows like Gossip Girl and Sex and the City. (Guilty pleasures, I'll admit). But there are so many great captures of what the city can offer, and to so many types of people. Everyone has a place in NYC. I forgot to mention Carnegie hall and all those secret recital halls in the area. 

But neither city feels like the right place to raise a family. I love the feeling of Elmhurst. So I also know there will come a time when I move to a nice suburb, with access to the city of course. As long as there is a decent mall, a nail salon and Starbucks nearby I'll be satisfied. 

I feel like you learn something about life and about yourself when you move and live in different places. I know Cleveland will change me as a person and teach me things too. Cleveland isn't as exciting as the other cities I mentioned, so I won't be staying there longer than it takes to finish my bachelors degree. I need a place that will excite me, challenge me. Cleveland is just not doing it. CIM and the art museum will make it bearable though. 

Inspirations

Every girl has those list of things that just make her feel her best, and are great for a pick-me-up when she needs it. These are mine:
1) My parents. Oh sure, we've been through our rough patches. But after going to college, we seem to just talk about the stuff that matters and not the stuff that doesn't. I have the greatest relationship with both of them. Supporting, loving, and mine.

2) Friends. These people have been great to me this year. Elora, Victoria, Jose, Lauren and Halla. My CIMers. My singer people. We laugh, joke, live in very close proximity to each other. They know I'm a diva and love me anyway. They're people to keep around, at least for a little while.

 3) Pinterest. I know this looks weird, perhaps a bit obsessive because this is a website. I'm very aware. But seriously, how many of you out there have an account? Pinterest gives me ideas. It's actually helping me with my Summer list. Healthy habits, finding my style and getting my tools to prep for the next year of school. I'm not crazy, I promise.

 4) Ms. Renee Fleming. My role model. I would love to ascend to what she is doing: traveling and singing in various operatic roles, sharing stages in recital with the top singers of today. She recently sang the National Anthem at last season's Super Bowl. The gown she wore is on display at the Smithsonian in DC. Can she get any classier???? And she thinks I'm talented :)

 5) My school. CIM. The most supportive community of musicians in this country. It's amazing. I've already learned so much and I've only been there a year! And another three more to go. Stay tuned for this fall's opera production. You'll know soon after I do.

 6) The most important. My boy. My Michael. My rock. He's seen the best and worst versions of me and inbetween and loves all of me. There isn't anyone else out there for me. This is the most patient understanding attractive loving boy I've ever met, and I'm keeping him. He's the one, we just have to wait for the right time to say those two little words.

 7) My siblings. This picture was taken on such a fun day. The week before I left for Cleveland. We went in the famous McDonalds playground and got stuck in the slide. I have to play peacekeeper most of the time, but they're pretty great so it's okay.

First Few Days of Summer

To my pleasant surprise I apparently have readers!
Well, one anyways. You know who you are :)
Every college student knows that coming home after being away at school takes some adjustment. We suddenly have to live under our parents' roof again and therefore abide by their rules. I felt this sterotype slightly during winter break. But I've been home for four days now and all is still peaceful between the parental units and I. I've been busy of course, working, seeing friends, seeing end-of-the-year concerts/musical. Mothers Day wasn't a disaster, although the staff at Olive Garden might testify otherwise. Let's just say we didn't have to pay for our appetizers, or full prize for about half our meals. "When you're here, you're family" as they say.
The congregation at Prince of Peace assumes when I'm home I'm going to sing in the worship service that morning. I'm sorry to break the streak, folks. But don't worry, a date has been set for June. And that's just the beginning.
Summer school classes haven't started yet. I have a few weeks to unpack the van, catch up on sleep, attempt to get some of these knots out of my shoulders. It's quite a struggle. Anyone who knows a great deal on a massage, please let me know. I will eternally be in your debt.
The boyfriend starts his internship in the city tomorrow. My working man. Tomorrow night we will have dinner with his grandma and his parents. This is the first time this group has come together for a meal. I wonder if anything interesting will happen. I'll let him do most of the talking, he needs the practice anyways. For those of you who know me, know that I get lots of practice talking with people every single day.
I wish I had more exciting stories for you thus far, but I do not. But when something does happen worth telling, you all will be informed.
Until next time,
sopranodivaEm

Appreciating the Arts

It makes me sad how so many people in today's society lose the experience of the serenity that any of the arts can offer. All in today I spent several hours in the Cleveland Art Museum, shaking my head at the talent of so many people, reading classic litertaure, walking thru a park complete with fountains and many blooming trees. And of course, the music that is made at my school every day constantly deserves recognition. I've never felt so calm and empty-headed in my entire life before today. It was the most marvelous feeling. I intend to return to the museum tomorrow.
But these tecnological distractions take away from all of that. I was happy to see several school groups of young children, and even mothers taking their children to the art museum today. Art can expand all of our minds whether we participate in it or just enjoy it. There is a reason it exists. In elementary, once or twice a year, parents of the classroom would come in a present certain Art Appreciation or Music Appreciation. I hope schools continue those programs. As I was looking at many European paintings today, I recalled my trip to the many museums in Italy and couldn't help but smile at the memory. It fed my want to visit Paris even more, to experience the art-filled city and the culture and the music. I truly hope I can study abroad there junior year.
So take it from me, and take a break from Netflix for a few hours and go to a local art museum, go to free concerts in the park, expand your mind. Or simply go for a walk in the park and enjoy the natural art that spring brings every year. The experience is more calming than any spa day that has ever happened.

That Stuck Feeling

I've always been the type of person that would much rather be busy than bored. These last days in Cleveland prove that. I AM SO BORED! People are leaving school, I have but 1 final left that doesn't require much studying at all, and I have no lesson to prep for. I'm slowly packing up what's left in my room, I've been reading, and I would go to the art museum if it was open today. So I will be spending all day tomorrow there. The weather is dull so it's not the type of day you sit outside. Trust me if the sun were out I would be too. So I feel stuck, see? It's quite uncomfortable.
And then there's the dilemma of finding things to do that don't cost money. This is also a difficult endeavor. Like trying to shop at Tower City. It just doesn't work.
I've already gone to see a movie. I suppose I could go see another one... that would definitely kill several hours.
Wow I'm actually rambling. That can't be exciting to read at all. I'm gonna stop while I'm still ahead.
Until next time, and I come up with something better to write about
sopranodivaEm

Those Friends You Make in College

You always hear adults tell stories about the friends they made in college are their best friends for life. I have come to realize that this is true. Although I've only had one year of college, I've already made very very close friends that I know I will hold onto for the rest of my life.
It feels weird though, to become so close to people so quickly. Like, the friends you make through high school seem like they're going to be your lifelong friends and you get to college and it's like oh. Because in college, you're finally focusing on that one thing you will do for the rest of your life. You're making life changing decisions and dealing with a lot of growing pains. It's the next step into adult life... scary thought there. But having people to share those experiences with: long distance relationships, first juries, same classes, same teacher, annoyed by those same people, being in the same tech week rehearsals. You get to know a person that way. And you learn to love them and they learn to love you, no matter how much of a diva you are. They hate your catch phrases, you read each others minds, you double over in laughter together. Everyone has those friends or that friend. And that's really important. The friends you make help shape you as a person just as much as the events you're going through. Some people come into your life to just make an apperance, others are meant to stay.

Summer 2014

With only a sole final left in this school year, I figure it's time to strongly decide my summer goal for this year. I always think of one every year, but it's not always successful. I bet it sounds like a lot of your New Year's resolutions out there. But this summer it's going to be different. I have so much already planned for Fall 2014 that this summer needs to act as practice. So my goal for Summer 2014 (drumroll please)...... to better myself. This is what that entails:
-eating healthier, better
-exercise, I'm thinking yoga classes
-practice every day
-get a healthy sleep routine going
-actually read books instead of watching Netflix
-continue to write on the blog
-spend time with friends, family and the boyfriend
-make money in my summer job, then create a budget for sophomore year
-successfully complete 2 summer school courses, French and English
-continue to work through anxieties from the... oh wait. You don't know about that yet. Nevermind! (that one's just for me to know :))
-clean out my closet, donate clothes to sister/Goodwill
-determine my own style
I'm off to a pretty good start. I'm not sleeping the day away, I bought 2 books from the Fiction & Lit section at Barnes and Noble, bought bananas, gluten free pretzels and Luna bars. And I'm writing all of this down to make it offical.
But first, let me finish this chocolate bar I'm eating.
Until next time,
sopranodivaEm