Emily F. VRH 10/10

Emily F. VRH 10/10: 
Kaylee Ann Simmons: The chest looked a little concave, and that was reflected in the sound, almost like the low sternum made the sound held back. I'd like to see the breathing come from a lower, more powerful place. Sometimes the jaw was free, but sometimes was pushed forward. Timbre is a soothing, easy sound, with a relaxed vibrato, but I think there's a lot more power in there. The French seemed good on the lip vowels, not so consistent on the smiley vowels. (Kaylee told me later that she forgot a ton of words and made stuff up. I couldn't tell even a little bit, so WOW! good job) I didn't really understand what the song was about. It was pretty but I couldn't see a clear emotion attached. 
Sam Meredith: The first thing I noticed was your shoulders and I thought about the exercises Cindy had you do. I wonder if working on the shoulders would help with the neck and jaw tension. I wondered while I watched where your center of strength comes from--where do you feel the power coming from? It almost seemed like it was coming from the middle of your chest. I could be totally wrong, just something to think about. I would have loved to see you just let that powerful voice fly, rather than pushing it out. You've got some serious strength in your sound--trust it! :) And based on the title of your song, trust the feeling of the lyrics as well. I didn't understand them, but I really wanted to see the feeling behind it. 
Ashton Lindsay: Sternum looked low, like it was difficult to get all the air you needed. Timbre is a little airy, but sweet. I thought about Thomas' advice to me: "piano is a color rather than a volume," when I listened to you. Even though the song is quiet you can do more with it. I know you've got more power in your voice. Diction was clear and understandable. The piece was a good choice. Expression could have used more clear colors during verses, and a lot of imagery in between verses especially. 
Randy Wellbaum: Way to go behind the piano to talk to your accompanist! Toaster shoulders! They looked a little rounded forward. Breaths looked like they came from chest up. Timbre was easy, with more richness in lower range. Vibrato seemed a little forced, maybe? The upper range was more nasal. Diction was clear, and I understood the intent and meaning of the words. I could tell that you enjoy the song, and it made it enjoyable to watch.