Singing in the Key of Me

Musings on the art and joy of finding my own voice as a performer and teacher.

[cynthiavaughn]

Nice Things

Every time someone says, “This is why we can’t have nice things’ I am more determined to find things of beauty, people of interest, organizations that matter, and communities that care. Once we begin to accept rudeness, apathy, lawlessness, and disrepair as the norm, those things define our community. We deserve nice people, nice parks, nice roads, nice art, nice music, nice theaters, nice schools, nice businesses, and nice civic leaders. We can have nice things. It’s your choice.

[cynthiavaughn]

Si nos dejan

PART 1

As a singer, I get to perform a lot of fun and interesting music--from classical to music theater, from Celtic to Russian, from hymns to pop songs. This weekend, for the first time, I am singing an all-Spanish language concert with Mid-Columbia Mastersingers Chamber Choir and a phenomenal local mariachi band-- Pasco, Washington School District’s award-winning Mariachi Halcón del Rio. (”Mariachi River Hawk”, named for the Chiawana HS mascot, also known as the osprey.) Mariachi Halcón del  Rio is under the direction of Ochoa MS/Chiawana HS band director, Allan Madsen, who is also the pianist for the Mastersingers. The singers rehearsed the music separately for several weeks, with Spanish diction help from Mr. Madsen, and we  practiced for the first time with the Mariachi band yesterday. It was an incredible experience in some very unexpected ways! I hadn’t anticipated how emotional I would feel hearing this music and seeing the confidence and comaraderie of the students. In my mind, I was transported back to my home town of Commerce City, Colorado, a suburb north of Denver with a large hispanic population. Growing up in Commerce City (until I moved to Texas at age 16)  it just seemed normal to go to school with kids named Maria, Juan, and Jesus along with the Suzys, Debbies, and Bobbys. I don’t recall a lot of racial tension in school. Mostly, the  hispanic students (Chicano was the accepted term in the 70s) stayed to themselves, and the white students did the same. There was some gang activity, but most of that happened with older young men, not at the middle school and high school. Students mostly stayed in their own groups In the cafeteria and  hallways between classes. In classes, there was usually assigned seating so students were mixed, but not voluntarily. The exception was theater and music classes. In those arts classes, we weren’t Whites and Latinos; we were sopranos and tenors, clarinets and trumpets, actors and stage technicians. It didn’t seem like a big deal at the time, but looking back, that was pretty remarkable. We were focused on creating and performing our very best, much like the students in the Halcón del Rio band. Many have a shared culture and heritage, but not all. Yet they all wear the Mariachi suits  and monogrammed custom hoodies with equal pride. Now, 40 years past my Commerce City school days, I am grateful that music and theater gave me a place to truly belong. Whatever successes I have had in my life (performing, teaching, writing, traveling...) all had their roots in my home town. I am Commerce City proud,  and honored to be sharing the stage with the Mariachi Halcón del Rio musicians. 

Part 2

Another, less pleasant but pivotal memory from my Commerce City school days surfaced. I haven’t thought about this in years, but it’s important: Most of my 7th grade year at Kearney Junior High in 1970, I was bullied by a 9th grade girl. I’m not sure why to this day that “Kathy” chose me to be her victim, but for months she would trip me in the hallway, knock books out of my hands, bump me into lockers, or just walk behind me pushing me repeatedly and calling me names. I was 12 years old. I remember thinking that if I just ignored her and tried not to react or cry, she would stop. The more I ignored her, though, the more the taunts and bullying escalated. I didn’t tell my mom and I didn’t tell a teacher, because I was sure that would make it worse. I only felt safe in my classes that she didn’t attend. Mercifully, Kathy wasn’t in 7th grade core classes like English, math, and science, or my choir class. However, once a day, we were both in the same Spanish class. We must have had assigned seating because I remember sitting near the back of the class (I hate sitting at the back of the class!) and she was right behind me. When the teacher wasn’t looking, and most of my classmates were looking at the blackboard, Kathy would poke me with a pencil or pull my hair. I didn’t say anything. (And I’m guessing that my “friends” decided not to get involved.) Day after day, the bullying continued, and I was always looking down hallways to avoid Kathy during the school day. Then one day.....in that Spanish class, Kathy went too far. I was wearing my favorite dress--a faux leather dress with fringe that looked groovy with the white go-go boots that were the fashion rage. (Hey! I said it was the 70s!) My mom made most of my sisters’ and my clothes because it was cheaper and she was a really good seamstress. That faux leather fringed dress, though  was a special store-bought dress and I felt like a movie star when I wore it. That day in Spanish class, Kathy wrote all over the back of my dress with an ink pen. I just let her do it! After class, I peered at the ruin over my shoulder and I ran out into the hallway, not able to hold back the tears. Kathy was right behind me as I bolted for my next class, 7th grade girl’s P.E. Then as I started to go into the locker room, I snapped. I spun around and shouted in my loudest voice ever “NOOOOOOOOO!” and I punched her in the stomach as hard as I could. Months of holding back my emotions powered my small fist as it found it’s target.  By now, everyone in the locker room was watching us--me standing, shaking, sobbing; Kathy on the floor with the wind knocked out of her. The teacher came over and I was sure she was going to send us both to the principal’s office. Kathy pleaded, “Don’t send me to the office. I’ll get suspended for fighting. It’s my last chance.” The gym teacher paused. Then she told me to go get dressed for gym. And she told Kathy to get to class. 

Kathy never bothered me again after that.

I finally told my mom that night, and she tried to clean the ink off my dress. It was a total loss and had to be thrown away. By then though, the dress didn’t matter. What mattered is that I finally stood up for myself and I was a different person. I was someone who knew how to say NO and I wasn’t going to let anyone bully me again. I”m sorry I didn’t tell the P.E. teacher sooner (she probably knew) and I’m sorry I didn’t tell my mom sooner (she didn’t have a clue.) I also resolved to be the kind of person who wouldn’t stand by while another person was being bullied. It’s one thing to know something is wrong. It’s another to have the courage to say “NO. This stops now.” 

What does this have to do with a Mariachi song? Just this.....I’m singing a very cool retro 1990s pop song with Mariachi Halcón del Rio on the concerts this weekend.  The lyrics include “Si nos dejan, nos vamos a vivir a un mundo nuevo.” (”If they let us, we’re going to live in a new world.”) I wish I’d known at age 12 that I don’t need permission to make a new world.

[cynthiavaughn]

Howard Amon Park, Richland WA This is Washington, too

[cynthiavaughn]

This is Washington, too

A few weeks ago, a young man in Fort Collins Colorado asked me where I lived in Washington. He was from Edmunds or Everett or one of those E places near Seattle. I answered, "Oh, we are in Tri-Cities, on the East Side." He said, politely "Oh, that doesn't count. That's not Washington." I was dumbfounded and couldn't come up with a snappy answer. I think I just mumbled "um, well, we kind of like it." I still don't have a perfect answer, but I keep thinking of the overflow crowd that gathered a few months ago for "Create The Community You Want to Be A Part Of." The speaker was from Fargo ND and he spoke with enthusiasm about how Fargo (yes, Fargo) had become this really cool, desirable place to live. He talked about how we need to stop reinforcing the negative stereotypes and embrace new stories. So, here's what I like about Eastern Washington: SUNSHINE (seriously, it usually doesn't rain here except this winter which has been really weird and wet and snowy), NICE people (I mean super nice in a way that freaked out my daughter from NYC), beautiful RIVERS and BRIDGES, Columbia Valley WINE, and a small, vibrant and passionate ARTS community that doesn't take this stuff for granted because you don't have a professional theater or concert hall on every corner like the West Side. Oh, and Roasters Coffee is better than Starbucks any day.

[cynthiavaughn]

In a cookie cutter world, be the purple Christmas tree. 

[cynthiavaughn]

Everybody doesn’t know

I teach a lot of high school students. I used to teach a lot of college students. One thing they have in common is the habit of comparing and predicting an outcome. You could call it self-sabotage. The conversation goes something like this:

Teacher: Great work on your audition piece! You will be really prepared by the audition next week.

Student: Yeah…..but everyone knows __x__ is going to get the role.

So, who is everybody? And what if everybody doesn’t know? The student who has prepared for weeks goes into the audition with the attitude that her performance doesn’t really matter because the outcome is already decided. That lack of confidence and near-certainty of the outcome will destroy an audition before the singer has opened her mouth. What if, instead, the student thoroughly prepares and brings her very best A-game performance to the audition without considering who else is auditioning. The student may surprise the audition panel.  Who was that girl? Even if she doesn’t get the role this time, she might get noticed. Somewhere between defeat and bravado lies a genuine performance. Bring that. 

[cynthiavaughn]

What do you do with a gorilla suit?

In the brilliant 2015 film “Trumbo”, sleazy film producer Frank King (John Goodman)  tells blacklisted screenwriter Dalton Trumbo (Bryan Cranston),

 “So look, we bought a gorilla suit. We gotta use it.”

My music studio in Colorado is a nice big open space....with a column in the center of the room. It’s a structural post and I’m stuck with it. Instead of constantly being annoyed with the barrier or trying to ignore it, I decided to use it. For holidays, I decorate it. Once, it became a palm tree for a concert with a jungle theme. It’s a great place for performers to tack a set list and it creates a natural “line” to set up the front row of chairs. 

Look around. Think about it. What do you have that is unexpected, unique, maybe even a little weird?  Maybe it’s an object or resource. Maybe its a skill or talent. Own it. Use it! 

[cynthiavaughn]

Moving the finishing line

I’m remembering PE class in grade school and how we prepared for “Field Day.” I wasn’t the fastest or tallest or strongest. But I was pretty good at broad jump--standing in one place and JUMPING to another place, across a stick that was the finish line. When I made it across the stick without falling back into the pit, my teacher would move the finish line. Little by little, I was able to jump farther and farther. 

Nine years ago I jumped across an imaginary finish line into my 50′s. Ask me how old I’ll be next month on my birthday and I will happily answer “NOT 60!” I’m determined to enjoy one more year of not being 60 because 60 is old and I will only be 59, I also know that next year the finish line will move again, and if I’m lucky, I will jump across that stick into my 60′s. Then 70 will be old. Then 80. Then 90. My grandmother is 98 and she may get to jump over the stick to 100! 

In the meantime, I will keep jumping forward, reaching small daily goals, and picking myself up when I fall. Because every day is Field Day. 

[cynthiavaughn]

Too Old Not to Do This

I am writing this on my 58th birthday. For the past few weeks, I have been kicking up my heels (literally) as “Aunt Eller” with a cast of young professionals in a regional theater production of the musical, “Oklahoma!”  During a typically intense production week before the show opened, we had a couple of “ten out of twelve” rehearsals (12 hours of rehearsal with hour breaks for lunch and dinner.) I had the thought, “Whoa! I’m getting too old for this.” Then I had an epiphany--a big realization. “No! I’m getting too old NOT to do this!” 

This  is what i have trained for 50 years (if you count elementary school music class and school pageants.) This is what I do. This is what I teach. This is what I breathe. There are no guarantees of tomorrow, no upside to waiting until....waiting until......waiting until..... what? My years onstage as a ingenue turned into a few leading ladies and momgenue roles (sweet secondary roles like Mrs. Darling.) Then, in my 40′s the roles were limited and I turned to academia and concert work. While satisfying in their own way, I missed the madness and intensity of immersing myself in a character and role with only a few weeks from cast meet-and-greet to opening night! A decade rolled by and the stage called me back again. “This. Now you are ready. You are old. You can play the character roles that delight, inspire, and season the story. You are not the center. You are a “supporting” character to enliven or ground the story. You are Mother Abbess, you are Aunt Eller, you are Martha, you are Mrs. Potts,  you are Jack’s mother,  you are “this.”   Perhaps another definition of character role is that you have to have lived long enough to have built some character and made mistakes and lived through them. 

Sophia Loren said “There is a fountain of youth: it is your mind, your talents, the creativity you bring to your life and the lives of people you love. When you learn to tap this source, you will truly have defeated age.”

So though my feet hurt, I will move and dance and be on stage. While my mind can memorize pages of dialogue and scores of music, I will speak and sing on stage. While my ears can hear, I will listen to the director, my fellow players, the orchestra, the laughter, and the applause. Though I am physically exhausted, the adrenaline of creating and being will carry me to the end of the show. And when “this” is over, I will cheer on those relentless, dedicated performers who continue to do “this” day after day, show after show, because a world with art is  kinder, gentler, curious, thoughtful, passionate, funny, fascinating, ephemeral, and lovely.

And now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m going to go soak my aching old muscles in a nice Epsom Salt bath. 

[cynthiavaughn]

Soprano Alexandra Cathryn Trosper:

 "Be grateful for all the people you meet and the experiences you have. You never know what the future holds. Don't take your gift, the people you meet, or those that support you for granted. Remember the relationships that are important to you. At the end of the day when you walk off that stage and get in your car or walk to the subway, who will you share your experiences with?"

www.MagnoliaMusicStudio.com

[cynthiavaughn]

TEN QUESTIONS: Meet Soprano Alexandra Cathryn Trosper

TEN QUESTIONS: Meet Soprano Alexandra Cathryn Trosper 11/10/14

MagnoliaMusicStudio: When did you first start singing?

AlexandraTrosper: I feel like I started singing since I can remember. However, I didn't start lessons until I was in High School. There I sang in the top Jazz choir while playing piano in the top Jazz band. 

MM: Who are your heroes, the people who support you in your life and music?

AT: My Mom and Dad, Jeff and Heather, Anna, Austyn, the Rusks, Gerry Porraz and Holika, Father Humberto, Rita, Angela, all of my Aunts and Uncles, Cousins, Brian Luedloff, Wes Kenny, Vicki Fogmycles, Cynthia Vaughn, Dr. Tiffany Blake, Kelly Buckman and the Klements Family, Melissa Lyon, Kimberly Render, Jacob Thompson, David Lavery, Lauren Spease, Joel Suttliff, John Lindsey, Graham and Stephanie Anduri, James and Lindsey Baumgardner, Gene Stenger, Audrey Hurley, Ashlie Harris, Karen Stoody, Chaazi Munyanyan, Mr. Wagner, Mr. Snell, Mr. Seller, Joie Holmber, Walt Jones, Dr. Metz, Dr. J. Seesholtz, Dr. Queen, Dr. Hochmiller, Ruth Ann McDonald….. This question is really hard there are so many…

My heroes are my family, friends and teachers. When I think of success, these people define it. It is these people that I look to and seek advice and inspiration. I would not be where I am today without them. Nor, would I be inspired to keep going if it wasn't for the example they have set in their own lives. All of these people inspire me to no end. They are all very passionate about their "life". I have learned a great deal from each and every one of them. These are people that range from my best friends, brothers and sisters to my Parents (my parents are my rock and fortress they are incredible people and I hope someday to have the courage and wisdom that they do), my Poppa, my Grandparents, Aunts and Uncles, Cousins to Colleagues from Opera Fort Collins, to my bosses, and my teachers from Elementary School to College.

George Shirley: I went to one of his classes and sang for him at CSU. He gave me my teaching philosophy that I live by today. “We aren't just dealing with a singer...we are dealing with a soul". He said, “Never doubt a student, for they will surpass you". I truly was moved by George Shirley and his wisdom. He not only taught at Michigan State University but he also performed at the Metropolitan opera house after teaching high school choir for 12 years. His story showed me you can do it all. "You just need to keep that ball rolling..." (He said this to me after I sang for him. I expressed my torn heart between teaching and performing). “You never know what's going to happen. You just have to keep going and doing what you're doing". 

I really looked up to Robin Williams. He always left me in awe. No matter what he did. He was a man of many hats and I admire that. He was great at creating tear jerking moments in his dramatic roles and drop dead hilarious scenes in his comedic roles. His passion has always inspired me to think out of the box. His wit and charm will never be forgotten. 

Lucille Ball, she was told many times she would never make it. She took acting lessons and was told to get her money back. But she kept auditioning and acting. She never took no for an answer. Well...who doesn't love Lucy? A woman of perseverance. Not to mention a comedic genius. 

Anna Netrebko: She wanted to learn to sing opera. She went to a conservatory and couldn't afford to keep going to school so they gave her a job at the opera house where she swept floors. Students at her school said, "You aren't anything special. And there's nothing very unique about your voice. You're just....'okay' ". She was a forgotten face many times. Anna Netrebko never stopped trying. She worked very hard. She kept asking to audition at the opera house until finally they said, " okay you're pretty you'll probably just make chorus". She opened her mouth and the rest is history. She now sings as a regular at the Metropolitan Opera house along with other high acclaimed opera houses internationally. She reminds me that, you have to work very hard in this industry and that even colleagues and people you work with will have their opinions about you, but you must never give up on yourself. You must keep going! 

MM: What are some of your favorite experiences as a performer?

AT: Honestly, my favorite performances are when I get completely wrapped up in the moment and character. I walk off stage and think, "Wow. It's over already?” The best performances though, are the ones where you just know everyone is "on". Your colleagues have great energy, the orchestra and conductor and I are all on the same page/tempo/emotion and the audience is active and engaged. But, you know it's a great performance when you feel it inside. You just know. This incredible feeling just swells in your chest and you feel lots of pressure and your heart starts racing and you can't stop smiling. 

Some of my favorite experiences: Competing for Young Musicians in the Piano division, performing on Catalina Island, Singing in China for the scenes program, singing in Germany, Austria and Rome in the huge Cathedrals! Turn of the Screw, Old Maid and the Thief, Mozart Requiem, Gift of the Magi, Carmen, Singing "O Holy Night" with Orchestra in Down Town Denver, Galas with Opera Fort Collins, I sang harmonies and accompanied a student who was mentally disabled for the talent show when I did my High School student teaching. His name is Louie. I remember just crying after the performance because he was so brave and this was his first talent show. He inspired me because he was so passionate. Performing for outreach programs for schools in Colorado, Singing for Midnight Mass and Good Friday, I mean I could go on and on. I love performing. 

MM: You play piano AND sing. How important is it for singers to be able to play piano?

AT: Vital. I mean you can get away with not doing much for a little while. But knowing something about piano will really help further you along in your career as a singer. But, in all honesty because of my piano training I am able to get further into my music, play gigs and sing, practice my music without singing (play my parts and listen because we all know we can't sing for hours and hours), I can accompany myself, my students and colleagues if needed. I am able to do many different warm ups with my students. I truly believe that I would not be the musician I am today without learning an instrument. I am so thankful my mother never ever let me quit piano in 8th grade (I just wanted to do sports). You have to play until you are a senior in my parents’ house. And I can't thank her and my dad enough for all the music lessons they payed for. Turns out after my 8th grade year and fighting my parents about it, I never brought it up again because I realized how much my music meant to me. 

MM: Some people don't know that you are also trained as a dancer. What kind of training did you have as a dancer?

AT: Yes! I love to dance. I think it's such an incredible art form. I studied Hip Hop, Lyrical, Ballet and Jazz. I was on the Varsity Dance team in High School and danced when I was very little. In High School we danced 2.5-3 hours every day after school and during state training we danced 6 hours on Saturdays. Dancing has served me well in the industry. I have had the privilege to dance for Opera Fort Collins and Colorado State University for multiple operas and I have danced in a couple of musicals as well. 

MM: What are your dream roles that you would like to play?

AT: I would love to be in the following roles! 

Violetta: Traviata I LOVE THIS OPERA

Juliet: Romeo and Juliet both Opera and Shakespeare Play

Musseta: La Boheme she's such a flirt! 

Lucia: Lucia di Lammermoor (I get to cover Lucia in May with Opera Fort Collins)

Gilda: Rigoletto

Elphaba or Glinda: Wicked I love them both and can relate to either. 

Sarah: Ragtime I have always wanted to sing “Daddy’s Son"

Christine: Phantom of the Opera

Skeeter: The Help ( yes I love movies too)

Satine: Mulan Rouge

Cat Woman: Dark Knight Rises

Sally: If Nightmare Before Christmas Ever becomes a musical....

Again.....this list could take forever.

MM: Who are your favorite performers, any genre?

AT: Anna Netrebko Russian Soprano

Luciano Pavarotti

Diana Damrau

Joyce DiDonato

Justin Timberlake

Pink

Mumford and Sons

Metallica

Avenge Sevenfold

Whitney Houston

Maria Carey

Civil Wars

Jason Mraz

Adele

Bruno Mars 

Aretha Franklin

Peggy Lee

Frank Sinatra

Prince

Queen

Pentatonix

Arianna Grande

Gwen Stefani

Christin Chenoweth

Idena Menzel

Garth Brooks 

Faith Hill

Blake Shelton

MM: What advice do you have for young singers who want to have a career in music?

AT: Be ready for one of the hardest but most rewarding things you will ever do in your life. This is not an easy business. This business shouldn't be easy. It takes a lot of heart, passion, strength, energy, intellect, perseverance and commitment. There are many who want to perform and sing. And I am happy that many want to be a part of it. But I think people become very glamorized with this profession.  As a professional you will be coaching, studying, listening and practicing often or you'll be wishing you could practice more because you will be working another job to support your audition fees, competitions, hotels, and airline flights. You will be as busy as you want to be. It’s a lot of self discipline. Especially after college or even if you don’t go to college the real world will not ask you, “ Did you practice today? Did you call your coach? Did you look for auditions? Even though you aren’t in a show right now, what arias or songs are you working on? Did you get headshots yet? Did you book your flight? ”

 I want to let you know some people will support you and some will not. Do not compare yourself to others. Yes, people will be better than you and some won't be better than you. That's the nature of this beast. Do not say to yourself, “I wish I sounded like ________”. You must be kind to yourself. You must be kind to yourself because sometimes that's all you'll have. You worked hard, but found yourself disappointed. It's okay to be disappointed about an audition. But the beautiful thing is about this industry is that, there is another audition! Let things roll off your back like a duck lets water runoff its feathers. You did your best and that's all you can do. Some things are just out of your control. Keep life and singing in perspective. Also, be kind to your colleagues, directors, orchestra, band, pit, chorus, being kind is a great way to show others that you're easy to work with for a long period of time (hint hint... shows can be 6 weeks or longer for runs it’s nice to work with easy going intelligent people). The business you're getting into is collaboration. That’s why it's important to keep your ego in check. Just because we sing or won ____ amount of competitions doesn't mean anything if your attitude and ability to work with others is poor. Be grateful for all the people you meet and the experiences you have. You never know what the future holds. Therefore, don't take your gift, the people you meet, or those that support you for granted. Remember the relationships that are important to you. At the end of the day when you walk off that stage and get in your car or walk to the subway, who will you share your experiences with? 

Do not limit yourself. Strive to be your best. You will have many people tell you "no". I know that's a cliché phrase, but it's not very cliché when you get out there. Keep going. But, be realistic. You will have bills, rent, groceries and student loans to pay for. Being an adult those things may have to take priority from time to time. And that means you don’t audition and perform for a little while. Be smart with your finances. The chance of you singing as your primary job is highly unlikely. You will have multiple "hats" in this business until one of them finally gives way. This industry is a time consuming one. Don't think you're going to be a star overnight. It doesn't "normally" work that way. (For some people, yes, but majority have to work very hard to get to where they want to be). I am not trying to put a damper on singing. I am being honest. I have and I am living it successfully along with many of my other colleagues who are working hard at this business.  I love what I do. All of it. I love singing and will never stop. It's been a very difficult road but I am who I am because of it and I have loved every minute of it. Enjoy every moment you have working on your gift and talent. Practicing and taking lessons is a gift. You have to practice. You have to study and learn about your craft in order to become what it is you want to be. Whether that's pop, r&b, rap, opera, jazz, blue grass, country etc. you have to learn about it! To be able to sing is a gift. Guard and protect your gift for it is intertwined with your soul. We perform to be changed and to grow. Whatever you put into your craft is what you will get out of it. Be ready to eat, live and breathe music. It's a ride that's for sure, but more than anything look at this adventure as a journey and not a destination. 

MM: You trained in opera, but you also sing rock! What is that about?

AT: I love all types of music. I noticed I was being asked to sing for events that didn’t involve opera. So I needed to adapt. I didn't want to train in opera when I started in college. I wanted to sing pop and music theater. But, I found out after studying opera that I just loved it! Then I thought, well hey I'll do it all because I loved it all. And I literally perform it all. It took a while to figure out the different techniques for the different styles but I am very thankful I didn't limit myself to one genre. My iPod has the most random songs on it. Why? Well sometimes I feel like singing Rock or Pop or Opera. Just depends on my mood. Sometimes I listen to straight up movie soundtracks with no singing whatsoever! There's something very intriguing for me to listen to various artists and music. After all, variety is the spice of life and I am definitely a spicy lady. 

MM: Why do you teach?

AT: I feel like teaching chose me. I never knew I liked teaching or knew I wanted to do it. It evolved and I found out it came naturally and I just like sharing information that I had learned from my amazing teachers. I seriously love learning how the voice works and how our body functions. Anatomy and Physiology, Biology, Vocal Pedagogy were some of my favorite classes paired with Opera Theater and Acting for Singers. I realized that I wanted to share and teach the information that I learned in those classes to others. I have been very sad to see the arts cut from many school programs. I feel it's my duty to make sure the arts stay alive and well. I am very grateful I've been able to use my degree and teach privately and publicly. I love seeing my students grow and learn every single week. I love the relationships that I have with them. It's a joy to see them, talk to them and learn from them. I knew I always wanted to work with people, I just didn't know how I would be doing it! I never thought I would be here today teaching and performing at the same time either. I am truly grateful for the gifts I was given and to have incredible support from so many people. I look forward to what I do every day. While I’m driving in my car from one location to the next I just say, “What fun! Thank you God for putting all of these wonderful things into my life.” 

###

Soprano, Alexandra Cathryn Trosper teaches in-studio and in-home lessons for Magnolia Music Studio-Old Town www.MagnoliaMusicStudio.com She received a Bachelor of Music Education Degree and a Masters Degree in Vocal Performance from Colorado State University where she studied voice with Tiffany Blake, Todd Queen, and Cynthia Vaughn. Alexandra was an Opera Fort Collins Apprentice Artist 2011-2013, performing in main stage productions, educational outreach, and the popular opera wine dinners at Enzios. Internationally, Alexandra performed opera scenes in Shanghai for East China Normal College cultural exchange and  helped prepare music for World Youth Day singers in Spain and Rome.  She teaches classical technique as well as popular styles and music theater. Alexandra teaches individual lessons for all ages and is a youth choir and adult choir director and cantor.

[cynthiavaughn]

I have heard this more times than I can count from my teen voice students. Variations include the drama teacher doesn’t like me or the competition judge doesn’t like me. It sometimes extends to my professional students who bemoan about casting directors and producers.

“Oh, that’s not true.”...

[cynthiavaughn]

Lyric soprano Kimberli Render. KimberliRender.com

[cynthiavaughn]

Kimberli vs The Train

If you know Fort Collins, Colorado, you know there are train tracks in the middle of town. Really. The trains go right down the middle of Mason Street, a major north-south corridor, where freight trains are required by law to blow their horns very loud at every (yes, every!) intersection downtown. While the whistle warning may be helpful to alert cars, pedestrians, bicycles, and possibly wake the dead, the mournful blasts are not helpful when opera singers are trying to sing from the stage of Avogadro's Number. You see, once a month, Opera Fort Collins Guild hosts Arias@Avos. At this popular local pub, outstanding regional classical singers, dressed as casually as the audience,  are invited to sing Mozart, Puccini, Sondheim, Lippa and everything in between.  It's a good sing and a great time. That is, until the first strains of the train whistle sounds, still several blocks away, and the audience members glance up, ears at attention. The singer has to make a decision mid-aria: "Do I keep singing? Do I stop and wait for the train to pass? Maybe I can just sing faster!!" I have heard singers try to outrun the train. I have seen singers stop deliberately, or stop because the train distracted them and they forgot the lyrics. I have seen singers pretend "What train?" and keep singing, appearing to be muted by an imaginary remote control that is turned on again after the train passes. (Read my lips.) And then, there are the few, the bold, the loud singers who say to themselves, "Come on, Train. Bring it on!" Tenor Andrew Lunsford is among the few who have taken on the train and won. However, the most memorable victory was when lyric soprano Kimberli Render was closing a program with Margaret Bonds spine-tingling arrangement of "He's Got the Whole World in His Hands." On about the second verse, Kimberli and the audience heard the first wail of the train whistle. The stage of Avogadro's Number indoor venue is mere yards from the street and the train tracks, separated by a wall with windows.  Undaunted, Kimberli sang on, "He's got the birds and the bees....He's got the beasts of the field."  Closer and louder. Train vs Kimberli. "He's got you and me in his arms." And as the train barreled past the front of the building, rattling the windows, Kimberli soared majestically to the high notes of "He's got EVERYBODY in his hands. He's got the WHOLE WORLD in His hands."  Kimberli = 1. Train = 1. Rather than fighting the Iron Horse, the soprano joined her voice with the train whistle, the roar of the wheels on metal tracks, and pianist Karen Stoody,  creating a momentary symphony. The energy in the room was electric and everyone leapt to their feet for a standing ovation. The lesson I learned from Kimberli that day was that sometimes you have to wait until the noise passes by and sometimes its okay to keep going and embrace the commotion. And you get to decide when its okay to toot your own horn.--Cynthia Vaughn

photo credit: fcgov.com

[cynthiavaughn]

Just Sing.

"We have become such a nation of pseudo celebrities that nearly anyone who can carry a tune is told, "You should be on America Idol or The Voice or American's Got Talent..." or the next next big whatever. Your singing doesn't need to be for anyone else but you. If you are happy singing in the chorus, stay there unapologetically! Sing in the shower, sing in the car, sing in church, sing to your babies. Just SING."--Cynthia Vaughn

[cynthiavaughn]

A New York Story-the Emperor's new Mariachi

(stock photo 123rf.com)

[cynthiavaughn]

A New York Story-the Emperor's new Mariachi

The Manhattan bound 7 train pulled into Queensboro Plaza, and the passengers filed routinely into a comfortably full, but not crowded, car. Just as the doors were closing, I heard the guitar player shout, "¡Ándale!" to the accordian player as they jumped onto the train from opposite doors. The passengers stared straight head, or at their smart phone screens, or turned their earbuds up as the musicians met at the front of the car. One woman never missed a word in her cell phone conversation as she moved to the opposite end of the car. 'Just another day on the train, getting from point A to point B.  No one spoke (except the guitar player in rapid fire Spanish), but the collective consciousness of the passengers was palpable: "Don't look at them. Don't acknowledge them. And for God's sake, don't give them any money! They will go away." I stared diagonally ahead so that I had a peripheral view, wearing my neutral New York face, secretly happy that they hadn't brought the trumpet player along. Phew! And then the music started--gentle guitar chords, balanced with quiet accordion. (Can accordions play quietly? Apparently so.) The two men joined their voices in sweet tenor/baritone harmonies, singing a surprisingly pretty song. Still, no one in the captive audience dared to look their way or acknowledge the musicians or risk the wrath of fellow passengers. ("Just stare straight ahead and they will leave.") The music was so sweet I had to look away to the end of the car and that was when I saw the toddler in the stroller. The little boy was mesmerized by the guitar and the accordion and the singers. His little face just lit up and I was able to enjoy the spontaneous concert through the eyes of a curly-haired cherub. I smiled at the boy, but he only had eyes for the musicians. Standing above him, the weary mom (or nanny) protectively clutched the stroller handles but couldn't see the child's face. As the musicians  finished their song, they made one last stroll through the car, cowboy hats outreached for "tips."Even they never glanced down at the child. (Toddles don't usually carry cash.) The guitarist tipped his hat and the men disappeared to busk in the next train car, where they would hopefully find some Spring Break tourists to take photos and toss in a dollar. The whole thing lasted maybe three minutes and they were gone, but the air in the car felt lighter, whether from the music or its cessation, I don't know. In the classic fairy tale, the Emperor's New Clothes, only a child admits that the king is wearing nothing but his underwear. ("Seriously! Don't you people see that the emperor is naked?") On the noontime 7 train, only a tot in a stroller acknowledged that something really cool and very interesting was happening. And I'm grateful to have shared that magical moment through his eyes.