Emily F. VRH 10/3

Emily F. VRH 10/3
Amber Denslow: Breathing seemed about half and half high and low. You seemed more grounded today than you did on Tuesday. The expression, even before you started singing, was good and appropriate. I could feel you breathing in the joy of the shade of the tree! Good job. Intonation was good, timbre was full and round. It was a nice sound, but I'm not sure I loved it for the piece. I was hoping for a more intense quiet energy--a sense of connectedness and peace. I know the song, and it is hard to maintain that energy throughout, because it has such long notes that can get lazy. You did a good job keeping the energy up, but it was a little more obvious energy than "duck feet under the water" energy. (If this totally makes no sense, I'll try to describe it better in person.) Overall a good performance--one of the best you've done in a while.
Emily Cottam: You sounded better today than last time--good job! I'd like to see more lower body strength. I could be totally wrong here, but it seems like your jaw was fairly released but your lips had tension in them. Intonation seemed slightly flat, but that could have been an effect of the timbre. Your sound was less swallowed than before. You have a nice richness in your lower range. I was able to understand most of the words, so the diction was pretty good. The piece is lovely and I would have liked to see more emotion behind the words. Your do-over was better! It seemed like you enjoyed it more and connected with the song better.
Sarah Gee: I was busy watching your jaw and forgot to notice your breathing. You did open your jaw for the higher notes, but it seemed like you were using a lot of extra movement, and muscling your way through the neck and jaw area. Intonation is fine. Your timbre is lovely and sweet and bright and round--just lovely! I can't wait to see what happens with your sound when you let loose and open up for us! Diction was clear and understandable, but I felt like your tongue was getting in the way of the words. Expression was pleasant, but I wonder if you have a solid picture in your mind of what this means to you? When you took charge and unapologetically introduced yourself on your do-over, it was great! That's what we want!