Hello from Northampton.
Week 1 is done. I am still in disbelief that I am singing for a living. I am traveling for a living. I am well looked after, with positive people around me and new repertoire under my belt. Midweek, I stopped to reflect on the whole situation, and I am in disbelief. I would rise before the whole cast, excited to have a day of singing. I'd finish some "shifts" with the phrase, "I'm so glad I don't have to go to work tonight."
They say this will be unlike the majority of cruises at sea; firstly, it's such a short contract, with only 2.5 months of performances on the ship. Secondly, it's more of a ferry than a cruise, as it transports every day between Helsinki and Stockholm, so I won't have to worry about long voyages at sea.
 |
| The Silja Symphony Singers 2015-2016 |
Pampered and Pretty
My costumes are tailored to fit perfectly. I was given a robe to put on in between costumes, and I felt oh so diva as a result. I spent a good chunk of this week visiting different beauty websites and amazon.co.uk, trying to find the best products for my cruise. I invest in the best because, let's face it, my look is part of the finished product!
This week has been a great reminder of that fact. I remember having dance classes at RWCMD where the teacher would say I've got the ability, but I needed the presentation. She insisted I reflect on my "look" and adjust as necessary, whether it be finding interesting angles, putting a smile on, lifting my chin or dancing with (a tad more) confidence.
 |
| Sharifa Gets Measured. The costume team make adjustments as they listen to a quiet radio and the hum of their machines. |
Work Overload
Within a fortnight, we are expected to have 3hrs of material memorised, polished and performance-ready - including intricate harmonies, choreography and staging. The brevity of our rehearsal period is unprecedented, and we are resultantly under high pressure. We've done a great job with the workload so far, always attached to our phones, listening to recordings of our parts. However, it's taken my focus away from presentation and towards perfection (in harmonies).
 |
| #antisocial. |
There have inevitably been hiccups. Whether it be Sharifa making suggestions on how to sound more rocky, or Jamie watching out for my staging, or Simon laughing it all off, the others have been a great help to me and I can't be more happy with my fellow singers. I give back by watching out for rhythms, harmonies and dynamics that we can tighten. It's working!
Of course, there are dancers on the cruise as well. They have been nothing short of sweet, but with our heavy music schedule at the beginning of the week, we barely interacted even though we all live in the same flat. We finally took a chill night on Thursday to convene and catch a bit of The Apprentice.
 |
| Don't Worry. We're Snapchatting Each Other. The Mysteries of the Modern Social World. |
The past three days we've been working in the studio with the dancers, seaming everything together. Here's a little shot Belinda took of the Silja crew. Can you spot me?
 |
| The Whole Gang. Find the original post here. |
It is nearly 8am on Sunday, our one day off, and as I finish writing you, I'm thinking a nap is in order. Many of my flatmates have gone home for the weekend, and the rest are stubbornly taking a morning in bed. I am reminded of the many summer days where I'd be the first up, pestering my brothers to get up to no avail. I won't let it stop me today! I plan on seeing the Northampton Museum, maybe stopping by the Derngate where they are having a music festival in honour of Malcolm Arnold (British composer), and of course it's God's day, so will visit the local Cathedral.
Comments
Post a Comment