“All glory comes from daring to begin.”
– Eugene F. Ware

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It was an inspirational music week.

Most of the inspiration came from mentor friend Bruce Henry. He hosted a workshop Tuesday night and I joined fellow concert-teer Ann Potter (Global, Local and Homemade Songs™ Concert, Saturday Nov. 6) and other local singers, including Karen Quiroz, Rhonda Laurie, Connie Olson for an evening of song and instruction. We practiced improvising (yay!), sang the blues (in a good way) and some tunes for each other. Bruce encouraged us to set a goal for our songs before we sang so we could get feedback and suggestions from each other. All in all, time well spent. *smile*

Then, Bruce and I met again Thursday evening for a lesson. As often happens, my singing lesson turned into a life lesson as we talked about musical projects, goals and beginnings.

Given my own challenges in getting started, I asked him how he starts new projects. Surprise, surprise, he begins by writing things down. (*smile*) He says if he goes back to an idea and it still makes sense, he works out how to do it.

He also told me he believes that artists have an obligation to share their work with their audiences for the benefit of the audience (not just to make money) and encouraged me to perform more. And, he talked about recordings as snapshots of an artist’s musical progression and about his own quest for mastery.

It was a great chance to reinvigorate my vocal practice as I gear up to head back to Europe to continue my vocal improv course this December.

“Forget and forgive. This is not difficult when properly understood. It means forget inconvenient duties, then forgive yourself for forgetting. By rigid practice and stern determination, it comes easy.”
– Mark Twain

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(Not that I would call posting to my blog inconvenient. *smile*) Oops! I forgot to tell you I would be traveling this weekend, so I wouldn’t be sending a post today. *smile*

Good news! I have been invited to join a concert being put on by my singer friend Elise Witt in November.

Michiko, me and Elise singing in Hawaii

I met Elise in 2006 at a week-long vocal improv class I took with Rhiannon in Hawaii. (Yep, the same Rhiannon I’ll be traveling to the Canary Islands to study with in December.) Elise lives in Atlanta and does great singing work and singing workshops throughout the area.

Lucky for us, she’s heading north for the winter.

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I will be a featured performer, along with three other Minnesotan “divas” — Barbara McAfee, Ann Potter and Sara Thomsen. (Can you really say Minnesotan and diva in the same sentence? *grin*) The five of us connected through our love of singing. Barbara, Sara and I all lead community singing events and Elise, Ann and I have studied vocal improvisation with my mentor Rhiannon.

I am excited to have an opportunity to put into practice some of the things I learned in Italy. Ann and I got together this past weekend to plan and play. We’ll have another play session when Elise arrives in town near the end of the month.

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More good news, Elise will present two singing workshops while she’s in Minneapolis.

Saturday, November 6, 12:30 to 4:30pm

Singing For Fun: A Glorious Impromptu Chorus with Elise Witt
sponsored by Echoes of Peace Choir, artistic director Sara Thomsen

The Art Gallery
Hennepin Avenue United Methodist Church
511 Groveland Avenue, Minneapolis, MN
Cost: $60 at the door. $45 when you pre-register by November 1.

To register, send check payable to:
Echoes of Peace Choir
6476 S. Range Line Road
South Range, WI 54874

Registration contact: Sara Thomsen, sara@sarathomsen.com, 218-269-9557

A community workshop for new and experienced singers – from those who think they can’t carry a tune in a bucket to “singers for fun,” to professional singers.  In short, anyone who wants to experience the joy of singing in community. The focus is on the enjoyment of singing, while also working with the basics of breath, muscle control, tone production, and vocal technique. Repertoire includes rounds and songs from around the world. Even self professed “non-singers” find themselves, in short time, part of a glorious choir. Music reading is not a pre-requisite.

For those of you “up north,” Elise will present the Singing for Fun workshop in Duluth on Saturday, November 13 from 1:00 to 5:30 pm at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Duluth. To register, email Sara Thomsen (or call 218-269-9557).

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Sunday, November 7th, 10:00 am – 3:30 pm

World Harmony Singing Workshop with Elise Witt

The Marsh, a Center for Balance and Fitness
15000 Minnetonka Boulevard
Minnetonka, MN 55345-1500

In this workshop, we’ll explore harmonies from many different cultures and traditions – from the familiar triad harmonies of folk, blues, bluegrass, spirituals, country, and gospel music, to vibration unifying chants from Africa, the Middle East and Appalachia.

Beginning with the concept that “there are no wrong notes,” we will experiment with creating different kinds of harmonies to become confident and creative harmony singers. All songs will be taught by ear so reading music is not required. Singers ages 15 and over of all levels and experiences welcome.

Cost: $65 at the door. $50 when you pre-register by November 1st. (Sliding fee for 18-25 yrs. or those in need.)

To register for the World Harmony Singing Workshop, contact Betsy Sansby of the One World Community Choir.