Really Worried About A Performance Tomorrow...

[Cruel_Sandwich]

Posted: 12/11/07 at 10:29pm

Tomorrow, I have to sing for a vocal jury. Quite nervous.

Anyone done this before?

[bwaylvsong]

Posted: 12/11/07 at 11:14pm

Yep. Don't be shocked if you get a lower grade than you think you deserve. Juries are generally strictly graded. However, I've never heard of anyone getting a really terrible grade. Just relax, look over your music, and sing your heart out.

[fabala4077]

Posted: 12/11/07 at 11:38pm

I second the relax thing. Lots of times, if I have to sing in public (even just in front of a class!) I find a lot of tension in my chest & abdomen, which in turn messes up my breathing. If possible, right before your audition, find a quiet spot and do some Alexander Technique, yoga, or just general relaxation. Focus on releasing all tension, paying special close attention to your back, chest, abdomen, and neck. Also do some reeeally deep breathing. I hope this helps. Break a leg!

[sleepyguy1717]

Posted: 12/11/07 at 11:59pm

Make sure to have firm control over your vibrato, especially if you're classically trained. Even when I have auditions for something classical, when I get nervous or anxious my vibrato goes crazy, and I forget all the control technique I have practiced so hard. And it doesn't end up sound pretty and natural. It sounds annoying and obnoxios. I've noticed this happening with other people too, even singers who are strictly classical.

[Broadway_freak]

Posted: 12/12/07 at 11:25am

When your nervous the first thing to go is your breath support. Sing the opening phrase a couple times before going on and just get used to the feeling and hope fully you'll relax. Remember, singing is a GOOD thing and should make you happy. Try to stay positive.

[Cruel_Sandwich]

Posted: 12/12/07 at 12:25pm

Well, I just did it. I forgot some lyrics but I managed to cover it up pretty well.

One of the judges said that I had a "pretty voice" so that's good.

Thanks guys for the help.

I think what my problem is that I really don't like the musical theater style of singing. I dunno. It feels really weird.

[RunningInTheDark]

Posted: 12/12/07 at 12:56pm

Musical Theatre doesn't have a style, and don't believe anyone that tells you otherwise. If you're trying to imitate its "style" than you're probably not being true to your voice. Audra McDonald certainly has a style all on her own, and she makes it work.

[Cruel_Sandwich]

Posted: 12/12/07 at 1:16pm

I think I have more of a Frank Zappa-esque voice.