Emily F. VRH 8/29 critiques

Emily F.'s 8/29 VRH critiques

Sarah Brenay: Posture was strong, relaxed, and confident. I noticed that her neck was stretched out a little far, and that may have contributed to difficulty with the high notes. Maybe tipping the chin down a bit would help. Breathing seemed low and fairly consistent. Intonation sounded accurate. Timbre was warm, round, rich, and smooth. Some of the notes at the beginning sounded hooty and swallowed, but improved over the song. Diction was clear and understandable. Sarah's expression was pleasant and matched the mood of the piece. I felt calm watching her.

Sarah Boucher: Breathing looked consistent and comfortable. I noticed some breathing through the nose, which probably helped with accessing good resonant space. A few notes seemed under the pitch, possibly as a result of pushing the voice on the louder, longer notes. Timbre was sparkly when released, a little strident when pushed. The words were clear and understandable, and the expression was believable. When in character more, breathing, phrasing, and timbre were all improved. It was an enjoyable performance.

Taylee: Breathing seemed a little high, and there was some stiffness in neck and shoulders. I felt a general sense of pushing, and that may have contributed to some intonation problems (sharpness). It seemed like she was going for volume, and the song could have done with less. The diction was crisp, good use of lips for the German. It looked like a fun, teasing song, and she maintained character throughout, so it was enjoyable to watch.

Mariah: Breathing looked low some of the time, but not consistently. There seemed to be some tension in the hips, maybe? When a deep, low breath was taken, the high notes were released and lovely, but without good breath preparation, the high notes seemed pushed and tense. There was a distinct correlation between good breathing and released sound throughout the piece. Timbre was round and rich, a lovely sound. Some of the Italian sounded a little Anglicized (lack of vowel purity), but the English was clear. The song was calm and pleasant, which was reflected in her face and attitude.

Carolee: Posture looked a little weak-- shoulders forward, feet close together. Timbre was a little chesty, a little pushy, but I really enjoyed her sound for this piece! This was a great song, and for the most part, she looked like she really enjoyed singing it. Her expression was appropriate, I just wanted more of it. It seemed like it was just a little reserved and stiff, but with that song I wanted her to let loose and just enjoy.

Emily Cottam: Breathing looked like it was high, probably due to nervousness. Nerves probably also contributed to neck and jaw tension. She needed a deeper body connection-- using strength and energy in legs and core to relax upper body tension. Pitch was flat at times, in connection with the dark, throaty timbre. Trying a few "snort" breaths could help brighten and lighten the timbre and pitch. (All of these things are things I struggle with, too!) Diction was excellent and crisp. Consonants were well-formed and placed. Expression was pleasant, but a little stiff.

Caitlin Craig: Breathing looked low and comfortable. Posture was strong and confident. Timbre was airy and a little weak, but I don't know why. Watching the breath preparation, I expected a stronger sound. Perhaps accessing a more forward resonance would help? The silky, smooth quality of the song required a sultry attitude, which she presented well, if a little reserved and "thought out". I'd like to see more "feeling" in the performance. She tends to nervously move her fingers, feel her skirt while singing.

Laura Berg: Breaths looked low, but shoulders were tense, and feet a little close together. Clear, round, strong, beautiful timbre at times, but inconsistent. Diction felt very forward--this was good for clear consonants, but prevented access to good resonating space on the vowels at times. Pleasant expression, but a little stiff. Could have more fun singing, enjoy it more.