Finally, we have a bit of much needed rain falling on this warm, humid Sunday morning; I fear it will not be long lasting.
Yesterday, Saturday, it was a bit of running errands, a much welcome nap with the dogs after prepping hobo dinner packets, a musical downtown, and a quick trip to Riverscape, all in upper 80s and low 90s temperatures and high humidity.
At 1:00 PM my teaching week will commence and this coming week is a bit more packed than the one I just completed.
As of last my night my previous week’s walking accounted 44,911 steps, a daily average of 6,416. Sundays, Mondays, and Tuesdays are often under 2500 steps so I clearly make up for those days Wednesdays through Saturdays.
Two Mary Lincoln day lilies are in the front yard and it looks like one more will join us, Monday, on the 136 anniversary of Mrs. Lincoln’s passing.
The rain continues, my sinus pressure of the past several days appears to be diminishing. With that, I’m going to make it a great day.
I have a maddening addiction for good diction in the performing arts and sadly, my addiction is seldom fulfilled.
I stress to my students, “tell the story.”
It’s how we tell the story that makes the story exciting and interesting, but most importantly, understood by the listeners, the audience..
My Ball State University choral director, Douglas Amman, during a BSU Chamber Choir rehearsal, said, “It’s not the notes, it’s what you do with the notes… and it’s not the words, it’s what you do with the words.”
The summer before, I’d learned some of the diction tricks of the trade from the master of choral diction, Fred Waring, and his choral associates who had once been in The Singing Pennsylvanians, Fritz Mountford, Brian Breed, and Len Thomas. It was that summer I discovered sheer magic through storytelling with excellent diction. When Dr. Amman stated his quote above, I felt like my music life had become the last scene in the Broadway/motion picture classic, THE MIRACLE WORKER: I was at the well of the world opening up to me!
My role as director, teacher, and performer took on an entirely new outlook to the process: excellent diction.
I experimented with my choirs, show choirs, and musical casts. Before long, colleagues were coming to me for advice on how to teach and execute good diction. While I shared some of my techniques, both learned and self-discovered, I encouraged my colleagues to adopt their own strategies of teaching, supporting, and demanding excellent diction.
“I had a teacher who stressed for me the importance of diction in terms of… I want to be very careful about how I say this… in terms of supporting one’s voice when one is singing. In other words, if you hold on to your words, your voice will pull through for you when you’re singing. So be true to your vowels.” – Julie Andrews
I go to concerts and shows and I must say, my students know their shit on stage. Not only do they sing and deliver lines correctly and beautifully, their diction is seldom in question, nor in competition with others.
Am I bragging? You better believe I am.
It’s this simple: young singers/actors, older singers/singers, experienced singers/actors, inexperienced singers/actors need to be constantly instructed with excellent diction and storytelling.
Directors and teachers need to hit diction head-on.
Directors and teachers need to demand excellent diction.
I have had director friends say, “But I understand what they are singing or saying on stage.”
Yes, you, as the director probably do understand what your singers/actors are singing or saying, but the audience may not.
As directors, we know the lyrics and lines; therefore, we do not listen aggressively and with an alien ear. We must always, always listen to our students or casts as though we are hearing the words for the very first time.
“Do we understand each word?”
If not, fix it. Now. Not later when you have an audience. Your audience should never be forced to work hard at deciphering what is being said or sung. I too often find myself working on a few words or phrase only to miss the next few words or phrase. No!
It is not enough to tell our students or casts to “fix your diction.” Sometimes they are not adept enough at comprehending how it must sound to the audience and nothing gets fixed.
If a singer says, “All love you to the in of time,” to them it might sound exactly like the words on the page, “I’ll love you to the end (ehnd) of time.” Ending consonants are too often entirely ignored; a shadow vowel often fixes this common issue.
Directors and teachers: It is YOUR job to make sure excellent diction is taught, instilled, executed and clearly understood. Get the job done!
All too often, concerts or musicals are so close to being excellent productions but they are sabotaged with horrible diction.
Don’t be one of those concerts or productions because “I just can’t get around to everything” or “The audience will just have to listen better.” Do your job, teachers, and directors, and enforce excellent diction.
I am a bitch when it comes to bad diction. I will not accept bad diction and have been known to leave a production at intermission due to piss-poor diction. To show that I do possess some humor in this particular, critical arena of telling the story, I leave my readers with this…..
After sleeping in until 8:30 AM, it seems as though I just cannot get a complete grip on getting my Saturday started.
After the morning ritual of feeding the dogs, taking my medications, and retiring to the deck for breakfast, I spent 30 to 45 minutes hand writing a letter to Mother, and a short but good 15 minutes chatting with my neighbors, Kay, from next-door, and Bob, from behind me. It does feel I’ve had a good deal of socializing already for this day.
The temperature has already hit 80° (10:30 AM) and the humidity stands at 73%. Fortunately, it appears the humidity will greatly lower as the temperature greatly rises to 93° by mid day.
I’m running some errands, treating myself to a Mexican dinner at La Piñata, returning home to hopefully tackle some writing, and then working my way to the Dayton Convention Center to see a musical.
There were five Mary Lincoln daylilies hanging out in the front yard, this morning, and it appears today might be their last day to bloom as I see no other signs future blooms to appear. Ironically, my Mary Lincoln daylilies always seem to make their final appearance near, or on the anniversary of her July 16 (1882) death.
The resident male cardinal has been in full voice this morning. His, as are the voices of the twin mourning doves, is always a most welcome sound.
It’s hot. It’s humid. I still intend on making it a great day!
The singing cardinal is performing in the tree near the deck.
I decided that if Friday was to truly equal a FunDay per my earlier blog from this morning, I had to truly make it fun.
By 10:15 AM I was mowing the lawn, pushing to complete it before 11:30 AM. I did.
I hopped on the bus for downtown to mail Mother’s letter, grab the buffet lunch at Liu Gardens, and then relax on a swinging bench at Riverscape Metro Park overlooking The Great Miami River.
The breeze and slight coolness from the river keep the 88-degree temperature fairly comfortable, the 40% humidity is truly helping. Within the next two hours the temperature is expected to shoot up to 92-degrees and I suspect the comfort level with change.
At 6:10 PM, a student is accompanying back downtown to see THE PRINCESS BRIDE on the large screen at The Victoria Theatre. I always enjoy these movies in such comfortable seating.
What a beautiful and refreshing afternoon to read, research, and relax.
In the summer, Thursdays are my Fridays and since Saturdays oft seem to be my Sundays (my teaching week resumes on Sundays), Fridays are my Fundays.
Due to a late night after seeing Epiphany’s production, THE SECRET GARDEN, I elected to remain in bed until 8:30 AM, and my furry trio obliged my need of additional rest.
It is currently 10:20 AM as I write this and I am already 15 minutes behind my day’s schedule. I hoped to be mowing the lawn at this time but I had several pressing needs to attend.
Today brings writing and new theatrical opportunities that excite me, followed by an evening showing of THE PRINCESS BRIDE at the Victoria Theatre.
Five Mary Lincoln day lilies are celebrating this Funday. I’ve also included some photos of flowers lovingly planted at Epiphany Lutheran Church.
Whatever is on your schedule, make it great day and a Fun Day!
I didn’t roll out of bed until 8:00 AM and yet, I don’t feel refreshed from slumber.
Breakfast on the deck followed the dogs breakfasting in the kitchen, and the gentle breeze, at first, nicely cooled is adding touches of warmth. It’s a very pleasant deck-moment with wind chimes gently tinkling and the resident cardinals singing up the morning.
Several students begin their very first day of marching band. Tonight, a number of students and former students open THE SECRET GARDEN. A good half dozen students are finishing up music camps. I’m excited for and proud of each student.
Today, only five Mary Lincoln day lilies are joining us. It appears more are to follow but their tenure is close to its end. The Rose of Sharon is filled with blooms and my neighbor’s coneflowers push through my side of the fence, which I appreciate.
It’s a beautiful day, here, in The Miami Valley. Make it a great day wherever you happen to be.
Years ago, when Chief and Navi arrived as puppies, we had to move Logan’s cat food to the top of the kitchen table so the new puppies would not eat Logan’s food.
Chief, however, tried his best to figure out how to get to Logan’s food dish, even moving a box to attempt a huge climb.
When Neko arrived, the cat food dish was returned to the kitchen table because Harrigan and Bailey wanted his food. A short while later, we welcomed Clyde into our family. Sadly, both Neko and Clyde’s time with us was short-lived.
I’ve always been prone to “nudges” throughout life – nudges that cannot be explained. Just signs, perhaps. I welcome those signs
Neko
Clyde
This morning, on top of the kitchen table, there were several pieces of cat food where Neko and Clyde’s food bowl was.
I’ve been on the deck since 7:15 AM and I feel as though I’ve barely scratched the surface of my morning.
I try to do very few house related tasks in the mornings before teaching. Instead, I prepare my brain and body for the long day ahead. This morning, however, I feel rather sluggish in my attempts to relax and find balance in his cool atmosphere on the deck and a sinus headache wanting to take control.
Ten Mary Lincoln day lilies will be our guests throughout the day. My Rose of Sharon is blooming and budding.
This evening I will attend a photographer’s event at The a Schuster Center which does nudge me a bit into some energy.
Whatever faces you this Wednesday, be sure to make it a great day.
Last night at The Neon Movies I saw WHITNEY, the documentary about the legendary singer, Whitney Houston… powerful… exhilarating… painful… tender… appalling… and a stark reminder of life’s fragility even when one is on top of the world and seemingly strong.
When I left the theater I felt as though I’d been sucker-punched in the stomach. I was not familiar with the tremendous amount of substance abuse that literally buried this star, nor some of the abuses she endured. I was quite familiar with her mother, Cissy Houston, and her cousin, Dionne Warick, but there were so many other colorful folks who were a part of her life that were quite interesting.
I, at first, scoffed the idea of this documentary as just another cheap documentary. How wrong I was.
You will be uplifted by her music played throughout the movie, but expect to be pained by the story.
My Monday actually began, yesterday/Sunday; however, this morning feels like a true Monday.
I slept miserably and this morning I feel as though I am chugging along.
The week ahead is filled with a Schuster Center photography event, two musicals, two movies, a meeting, dinner with a former student, and hopefully some major writing time.
13 Mary Lincoln day lilies have joined my front yard, today, while the predecessors wilt and eventually fall to the ground.
It is supposed to be a hot and humid 89-degrees in The Miami Valley. Make it a great day.
Saturday could not have been more beautiful and Sunday seems to be echoing its most recent predecessor.
A gentle breeze crosses the deck but it’s not strong enough to make the wind chimes make their music. The dogs are lounging on the deck, occasionally rushing to the yard for whatever piques their attention.
I teach a lighter load today with several students attending Show Choir Camps of America and a few on vacations.
Today, thirteen Mary Lincoln day lilies grace the front yard and I discovered my Rose of Sharon bush has bloomed.
It’s a very cool breezy 66-degrees with low humidity and a high of 82-degrees.
The five wind chimes that surround the deck are merrily dancing and singing with a variety of birds offering a peculiar but very satisfying harmony.
I’ve absolutely nothing on my schedule, today, and I am at a loss as to what I should do. I need to write, but I am not wanting to depart from the deck. I also do not want to stay home with so many things to see and investigate.
I had never seen the movie, ADAM’S RIB, until this evening.
What an absolutely fun, delightful vehicle with Spencer Tracy and Katharine Hepburn playing two high power attorneys in New York City who just happen to be married to one another. They quickly find themselves on opposite sides of an attempted murder/shooting centered around a love triangle.
I’ve only seen a few Tracy – Hepburn movies, my absolute favorite being their final work together, 1967’s GUESS WHO’S COMING TO DINNER?.
The chemistry between these two stellar actors is absolute magic.
7:00 AM: coffee and toast on the deck while the canine crew explored the yard on heir morning rounds.
It’s a nice breeze I have moving through the deck and the wind chimes are finally singing again after being still for nearly a week. It’s a good sound.
Heading to Half Price Books with a friend, and then there rest of my day is up for grabs. I may attempt to see ADAMS RIB at The Victoria Theatre, tonight. I could use a dose of Spencer Tracy and Katharine Hepburn.
19 Mary Lincoln day lilies have made an appearance.
Off to feed the dogs and shower kick off the next part of the morning.
Wednesday, July 4th, was a long, busy and fun-filled day and today I feel as though I’ve welcomed a hangover.
I was heading to Centerville for the Americana festivities at 8:00 AM. While the morning through evening activities were so much fun and joy-filled, the heat and humidity took a toll.
After arriving home in the late evening, and spending time with the dogs who were thrilled I was finally home, I settled down to cap off the day with my favorite musical, 1776.
This morning, I allowed myself sleep until 8:00 AM despite the three canines wanting immediate Dad-time at 7:15 AM.
20 Mary Lincoln day lilies have joined us for Thursday and I suspect their delightful mission will be soon coming to an end.
It’s hot. It’s humid. Just smile and make it a great day.
While growing up in Central Indiana I always attended the spring event, SPECTACULAR, a dynamic, two-hour theme park style concert presented by the internationally known, Ball State University Singers.
Several times, I heard the theme song in the medley, “Lady America”, which was a catchy, glue-like melody that resounded in one’s mind for weeks. It was one of my favorite numbers.
Larry Boye
In 1983, I joined this ensemble upon entering my freshman year of college as a music education major. Mr. Larry Boye, the Ball State University Singers’ director, had worked with Disney in several capacities, but mostly as director for Disneyland’s Kids of the Kingdom. When the Ball State University Singers went on tour the fall of 1984, “Lady America” was resurrected with new, additional tunes. It was the finale to the tour production medley concluding with “Golden Dream” from EPCOT’s The American Adventure.
Every July Fourth, two songs resonate in my brain: Irving Berlin’s “It’s A Great Country” from MR. PRESIDENT, and “Lady America.”
I looked up “Lady America” on YouTube and found it! How cool to revisit the Kids of the Kingdom performance.
While in high school I watched a Fourth of July television program that included a fantastic arrangement of Irving Berlin‘s, “This Is A Great Country,” also made popular by crooner, Perry Como.
Several years later during a private directing lesson with my mentor, Joshua Logan, we began going through one of his songbooks; I accompanied, Mr. Logan sang. Mr. Logan was a decent singer but the dear man could and did, sing with a mighty gusto.
As I turned through the book I came upon, “This Is A Great Country” and was prepared to turn the page. Mr. Logan grew exceptionally excited.
Roberts & Fabray
“Oh, no, Son, we have to do this song! This is from the musical MR. PRESIDENT that I directed back in the early 60s. It had Robert Ryan and Nanette Fabray as the first lady. It didn’t… never mind.” Mr. Logan sat taller on the bench, placed his hand on the piano where he would energetically smack out the tempo, and said commanding gusto, “OK, I am ready!”
With fists dramatically punching the air like a drum-major leading a mighty band, we sang the song. It was glorious. Mr. Logan was not only traveling down his fantastic, incredible memory lane, he was also swearing his allegiance to the red, white and blue through the rousing song.
I still love “This Is A Great Country” and often find myself repeating the lyrics, “take a look in your history book and you see why we should be proud.”
So, happy birthday, USA! Despite the hideous turmoil in which we are mired, it’s still a great country.
Let’s all make it a great day so we can continue working in the spirit of our Founding Fathers to make it a great country.
My first year of marching band I first heard the phrase, “To be early is to be on time; to be on time is to be late.”
I’d always been the early bird. Well, actually, I was always the bird who was waiting on the worm to appear.
My maternal grandfather was notoriously pre-punctual. Many times, we were still getting ready knowing we would be a good 10-15 minutes before departure when Grandpa Leroy would begin pacing, and eventually go wait in the car. While we were often amused, we know he also meant business.
Mother raised us to be respectful of time. Not only were we raised to be on time, we were also taught to be respectful of others’ time:
When in the cashier’s line, have you checks written out or money ready to go as not to waste precious time of those behind you
“Be there before others”: never keep anyone waiting at a meeting location
Be early to be of assistance: to assist with a meal, to assist the pastor at the church with lights, shoveling snow, etc. – basically, to always be of assistance
Be on time so you are not rushed and can have some breathing time or time to chat with others
If church began at 10:00 AM, you could bet Grandpa would be pulling into the church parking lot between 9:00 AM and 9:15 AM AM.
As a father, I quickly discovered I was my grandfather as we were always very early with the intention of assisting anything the pastor needed to be accomplished, and to greet others. My sons quickly adopted this precedent and I see it is now of value to them as adults.
Mission accomplished!
My friend, Jeffrey Carter, selected this fine Forbes read on his own and sure stars shining… to which I happily wake each morning.
This article from Forbes offered a dandy list of “secrets” to assist those of us who lead a busy day/week. Some of these things I’ve done for years; others are great ideas to help the process along.
I love waking before Bailey and Harrigan for a calmness I seldom know once a day commences.
The Girls are usually snuggled against me: Bailey on or very near my pillow and Harrigan pressed against or very near my knees. Some might find it uncomfortable but it works for me and that’s what counts.
I don’t have dogs that need to be let out to potty at 3:00 AM. In fact, only when my dogs were puppies was this even an issue. Our last potty is at 10:00 PM, unless we are “decking it” later outside and the first potty of the day follows their 8:00 AM (or close to) breakfast.
Once my alarm sounds my bed turns into one of those vibrating beds that amused me as a child when we’d stay overnight in a hotel.
First, there are stretches and yawns, and each girl then slowly wiggle-walks toward me. Bailey is the best runway wiggle-walker! Before I can turn around I begin feeling their warm tongues smacking against my skin. Y this time, Chief has jumped onto the bed and does this cute little circle dance that I dearly love seeing. It’s a holdover from his puppy years and as he approaches 8 years old this November I do love seeing his puppyness continue.
That’s how my waking moments begin.
However, on a rare morning where I’m awake before the alarm, I get to pet The Girls as they sleep. They seldom stir but occasionally open their eyes before drifting off to sleep, again. It’s rare that I capture Bailey not wiggling and I steal as much calm time from her as I can.
Although I would have appreciated more sleep I cherish the moments of peacefulness with the pets before charging into a busy day of teaching that kicks off at 8:00 AM.
There’s always a reason to make it a great day.
The photo is hard to define but Harrigan and Bailey are snuggling, feet to head, next to me. It was easy to pet them while sleeping.
The summer before, I’d learned some of the diction tricks of the trade from the master of choral diction, 
It is not enough to tell our students or casts to “fix your diction.” Sometimes they are not adept enough at comprehending how it must sound to the audience and nothing gets fixed.
When I left the theater I felt as though I’d been sucker-punched in the stomach. I was not familiar with the tremendous amount of substance abuse that literally buried this star, nor some of the abuses she endured. I was quite familiar with her mother, Cissy Houston, and her cousin, Dionne Warick, but there were so many other colorful folks who were a part of her life that were quite interesting.
My maternal grandfather was notoriously pre-punctual. Many times, we were still getting ready knowing we would be a good 10-15 minutes before departure when Grandpa Leroy would begin pacing, and eventually go wait in the car. While we were often amused, we know he also meant business.
The Haasienda on Shroyer... 