Category: People in Music

It all hinges on three little words

Balance.
Resonate.
Flow.

In Donald Brinegar’s conducting class during my first year as doctoral student in choral music at USC, I discovered that these three verbs intersect and support multiple aspects of my life and work. From yoga, to singing, to conducting, to parenting, everything seems better when balance, resonance, and flow are in harmony. The challenge (and the fun) is figuring out what’s out of balance? Where is there a lack of resonance? What’s stopping the flow? Being able to answer these questions as they relate to various situations has been a key component to managing this rewarding and complicated life.

Conducting

Honestly, I miss choral conducting. I miss the singers, the connection, the spirituality, the magic of shaping the way voices touch other voices in shared space. The pandemic has really taken away our ability to fully practice this artform. Hopefully, opportunities for live conducting (if only on a small, informal scale) will happen in the coming weeks with my students at Harvard-Westlake and with my musical friends at Neighborhood Church.

Composition

The more I do it, the more I realize just how much I have to learn about composing music. I’m now analyzing the musical scores of revered composers from across the centuries so I can understand the idiomatic performance characteristics and notation practices of different instruments (especially for organ works). And I’m engaging more with composer colleagues, listening to their wisdom about the composition process. In my work as an adjudicator and mentor with the Her Voice composition competition for women, I get to engage with two phenomenal master composers Chen Yi and Stacy Garrop. I’m just trying to soak up as much wisdom as I can!

Singing

I’ve noticed that sometimes when I’m in a good mood or I feel like celebrating, I spontaneously start singing opera arias I learned in my undergrad days. My go-to celebration aria is “Je Suis Titania” from Mignon by Jules Massenet. Back when I was young, I thought It was the most virtuosic aria EVER, and I enjoyed learning it. I was never was able to master it, but it’s fun to just bust out random snippets of it between classes, in the car, while cooking, or whenever good news comes my way.

What’s your go-to celebration aria or song?

For Fun

My youngest daughter Natalie is a visual artist, and I absolutely adore her art style. Sometimes she sends me her drawaings just to brighten my day. She masterfully draws original anime-style cartoon characters using an app on her phone. I am AMAZED she creates such adorably pictures just with her finger on her phone! Here are three of her recent ones. This character is named “Cheesecake.” It’s Natalie’s cartoon version of herself. I’m completely smitten by my child’s “self-portrait.” It looks just like her in so many ways.

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That’s a lot of Zoom!

My deepest gratitude to the following institutions and organizations for welcoming me as a guest speaker in their virtual spaces over the past 8 months. I have loved engaging online with the educators and students in these places where choral music is alive and thriving:

California School of the Arts, San Gabriel Valley
California State University, Long Beach
Chapman University
The Choral Commons
Gonzaga University
The Handel and Haydn Society
InUnison Pod Cast
LHC Studios
Temple University
University of Chicago
University of Southern California
University of Utah
Virginia Commonwealth University

Composition

My choral works “No Fairy Tale Here,” “Veni Sancte Spiritus,” and “Can You See” continue to gain exposure across the country and even internationally. I’ve been so inspired from learning about and listening to music of other non-idiomatic Black composers over the last 2 months. There are so many musical ideas and sketches I want to develop that I almost don’t know where to start! Pray for me as I try to tackle new commissions for a short organ solo work and a new anthem for mixed choir and organ.

Teaching

On Friday, March 26, I’m presenting a virtual talk with Dr. Jace Saplan through the Western Division of ACDA on having transformative conversations in choral rehearsal spaces to help facilitate inclusion with the goal of producing more deeply meaningful and engaging performance experiences.

Get details on Facebook

I’m also looking forward to participating in the Black Women Composers Summit presented by Dr. Lori Hicks of LCH Studios March 26-28.

Learn more

For Fun

The 2021 ACDA National Conference March 18-20 celebrated the richness of our nation’s diverse choral communities. Even though it was a virtual conference without in-person activities, I was inspired and uplifted by the presentations and performances of colleagues, students, and friends. One of my favorite parts was participating in the Black Women Composers and Conductors network meet-up. There was so much beauty and musical magic all around me. It was humbling. Plus, it was really fun!

A “holiday” just for my people

I learned about a new way to celebrate the start of the year: in addition to being New Year’s Day and the last day of Kwanzaa, January 1st is also known as Z Day! This annual opportunity to celebration all things and people usually relegated to the end of any alphabetical list makes total sense at the start of each year, making the last first for a little while, and celebrating a letter most people probably don’t even use very often. In fact, we use this letter so much less often than others that looking at a page with a lot of Zs on it (try this one) can make you question if you’ve been writing them correctly — they start to look loopy after awhile!

Here are a few artists and influencers I’d like to celebrate today.

Zelda

I can’t believe The Rev. Zelda Kennedy passed away from cancer almost a year ago. She’s the first person that comes to mind when I think about people I love whose names start with Z. She was so soulful and full of life. Her voice was so warm and low and comforting. Not a day goes by that I don’t smile at her picture on the wall in my home: she’s in our wedding pictures, because she officiated our wedding. It was such a blessing to know her while I was at All Saints Church in Pasadena. And I miss her deeply.

Frank Zappa

Even as a little kid, I always thought “Zappa” was such a fun name! The iconoclast was one of the most powerful creative forces, across musical and cultures genres, through the 1970s and 80s. If you think he’s not a classical composer, click the link above and check his output. I would have sung his 200 Motels with LA Master Chorale and the LA Phil back in fall 2013 if I hadn’t a conflict – I hear that gig was a lot of fun and “memorable” for various reasons; it’s definitely not rated PG! But the man had skills, and a mind like no other.

Zenobia Powell Perry

(1908-2004)

This African-American and Creek Indian composer and pianist lived a fascinating and inspiring life, determinedly pursuing her music in spite of hurdles and lack of support at home. She was completely committed to her life in music, and while she moved and planned and worked to get the training and opportunities she craved, her music shows a strong connection to her hometown and the people she loved. She reached for the moon but kept her feet on the ground, and her career challenges how we define success as a composer and more. Click here to learn more about her

Zoltán Kodály

(1882-1967)

Few people have done more to refine and advance methods of musical education, first in his native Hungary, and then writing books that have changed programs around the world. Kodály’s work as a composer and ethnomusicologist are just as impressive. He wrote music for orchestra, choir, two operas, and some lovely chamber music, all influenced by the folk music he studied so carefully. Check this out if you’re not sure where to start.

Favorite things starting with Z

Zimbelstern

Zelus mini trampoline

Zenaida meloda (the scientific name for “mourning dove”)

A few Zbees I’ve worked with

ZaNyaa Lee

Maza Zimmerman

Zachary Wadsworth

Farewell to a mentor

Ben Bollinger, aka “Mr. B”, died on October 17. He founded the Citrus Singers and was chair of the Citrus College Music Department for decades. He also created the Candlelight Pavilion Dinner Theatre in Claremont, and helped numerous aspiring musical theater singers to realize their dreams.

I was a Citrus Singer for one year, and one year only: 1997-98. I had graduated from LACHSA, not knowing what do to with myself. My college auditions hadn’t been very successful. I had been accepted to Berklee College of Music in Boston, but decided not to go, wary of the cost and afraid to leave home. I didn’t know if I should study jazz or classical music. I had dabbled at composition – maybe I was a singer-songwriter or a film composer. I certainly hadn’t given any thought to pursuing conducting or teaching. I was pretty lost. I figured I’d stay home for a year, take care of some GEs, get a part-time job, then transfer to a conservatory or 4-year school or something.

When I first went to Citrus College and met Mr. B, I wasn’t impressed by him, and he wasn’t impressed by me. I think we were both kinda arrogant. I didn’t really know anything about the Citrus Singers. And while others might have been impressed, he didn’t really care that I came from LACHSA. There were tons of other students auditioning for Citrus Singers who were extremely excited — and extremely competitive. Mr. B said that first-years rarely make it into the top group.

Then I nailed the audition. I think I was 1 of 2 first-years to make it that year. I believe Mr. B was satisfied with me. And my eyes were opened to musical worlds I hadn’t even imagined. From then on, he was always kind to me. I looked up to him.

At the beginning of the school year, Mr. B arranged for me to receive a scholarship from the Manny Mota Foundation so I could go on tour to Europe for free with the Citrus Singers. I had no idea who Manny Mota was. I couldn’t even believe traveling to Europe to sing was actually a possibility for me! I don’t know what kind of strings he had to pull; I don’t recall having to compete or fill out any paperwork. All I know is that Mr. B made it so that I never ever had to worry about money so long as I showed up and sang at every rehearsal and every performance.

I bought my first tan T-strap character shoes, and had them rubbered and braced. I took my first dance classes: 2 hours, twice per week. I was extremely uncoordinated, and I don’t think I ever mastered a single dance combination. (God bless John Vaughanfor trying to teach me). For about 12 weeks, I had choir rehearsal with either Mr. B or Michael Skidgel every single day for 2-4 hours Monday through Thursday, and for 6-8 hours over Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. I learned my first works by Lauridsen, Vaughan Williams, Victoria, Kodály, Byrd, Dello Joio, Bruckner, Verdi, Gabrielli, Elgar, Rachmaninov…

We memorized EVERYTHING. And on top of the standard choral rep, we had to learn 2 hours worth of music for our “pop casuals.” I learned how to wrap microphone cords. I had my first ever costume fittings and learned how to wear fake eye lashes and makeup. I performed in dance tights and short dresses made of silver and blue sequins. I had a tin container to hold the costume pearls and corsage that went with the taylored red satin ball gown and matching red velvet jacket I wore for a seemingly endless number of off-campus Christmas casuals and endless on-campus performances of “Christmas Is” at the Haugh. I learned how to play handbells… and LOVED IT! I went to my first Country Club, and I think we sang at almost every country club in Southern California. These ultra-formal affairs helped pay for the group’s trip to Europe. And I gave starting pitches for every a cappella song we sang, in every performance. Yes, I was the “pitch bitch”. All of this was grueling, but it made me a stronger person. Now that I think about it, the pace was very similar to that which I endured as a doctoral student at USC. Now, it’s fascinating to recall that Mr. B was a college football player and that he also studied choral music with the great Charles Hirt at USC.

Back then I didn’t know anything about USC football or choral music or anything! I didn’t really know what it meant to be part of a legacy. And I didn’t really know what hard work was until I became a Citrus Singer. I always thought it was weird how Mr. B would reference Joe Paterno and Penn State football when talking about choral music – he loved him some Joe Paterno! Maybe that’s why today I see so many parallels between football and choir – I love me some football! I think we were Mr. B’s football team, and he was an elite coach. But he was old school. Honestly, he wasn’t nice with us. He was aggressive, passionate, and an expert in his field. Practice was grueling but effective and even beautiful. Mr. B’s voice was incredible: a rich bass-baritone, if I remember correctly. He often used the word “facilitate” when explaining how to achieve a sound he needed from us, and to this day, I love that word. Making music with Mr. B was a humbling experience. He had such reverence for the composers whose music he tried to teach us. He absolutely loved this music, and he truly shared that love with all of his students.

I am thankful that he came into my life, pushing me to be more and do more than I thought I could be or do. And I am so grateful for the priceless experiences he gave me in my early years as a choral musician.

Requiescat in aeternum, Mr. B.

May 25 is my birthday!

In honor of this occasion, I’m celebrating 10 people/organizations who, through public service and/or artistry have made a deeply positive impact on me since my last birthday.

10. Vincent Robles

<– Duh, he’s my husband. ❤❤❤

9. Morris Robinson

Former football player who is slayin’ the classical singing world with his incredible voice. Uses his FB page as a platform for having dynamic conversations about Black Lives.

8. Shawn Kirchner

Composer/Singer who collaborated with my students and me at Harvard Westlake this past April to present one of the most beautiful and artistically satisfying choral performances in my career as a conductor.

7. Tonality

The choir that is changing the world.

6. Beyonce – Coachella

That is all.

5. NANM

The more time I spend with my “aunties and uncles” in this organization, the more my life is blessed.

4. Craig Hella Johnson

Conductor of Conspirare. We met briefly when he headlined the regional CCDA conference at CSFU this past fall. His message and his music at the conference were sublime. But to speak to him face to face was a total experience. One could drown in the depth of love and passion he brings to his art form.

3. The Weekend

Hip Hop singer/songwriter. I didn’t even really like this artist when I first heard him on the radio a few years ago. But over the last year I’ve become intrigued by the sweet, vulnerable quality of his voice. His song “Pray for Me” which was featured in the movie Black Panther has become a part of my personal inner soundtrack.

2. Mornings with Keshawn, Jorge, and LZ

These dudes on this KSPN morning show crack me up on my way to work. Their banter is usually hilarious and often deeply stimulating with regard to social consciousness. Though it’s a sports radio show, they honor musical artists and talk about current events, thereby making me feel connected to the world beyond my little musical sphere.

1. J. Michael Walker

Visual artist. His paintings of women of color are simply extraordinary. Every single one of his works is bursting with love and radiance. I have been moved to tears on occasion just by the art he shares on Facebook.