This blog entry is being written while flying somewhere between NYC and Kansas City. I first want to go on record that loud, crying children in a plane is like nails on a chalk-board…plus, you can’t really run away.

So a lot of growing up has happened in the last month and a half. I learned a lot about myself while singing “Tosca” with Pittsburgh Opera. First, great company! (and no I am not kissing up). The people there really seem to care and were really supportive. From the top, all the way to the bottom. Special props goes to Chris Powell and Bill Powers. Getting to work with Angela Brown and Mark Delavan was an amazing experience, but more so because they were supportive and really treated me as an equal even though they were the big attraction to that show. They were open to just working and developing a story and were both open to the creative process and were just plain fun.

Secondly, I learned about EMPOWERMENT. I worked really hard in putting this role together…explored every option and came into this project with a sense of pride. Along the way, that pride was taken away from me and doubt crept in and I started questioning everything I did to put this role together. It was a terrible feeling to feel like maybe it wasn’t enough or even right…BUT…I had to channel my inner self with the help of people that are always there to put me back in focus. I channeled my “inner strong black woman” and reclaimed my inner strength and just sing and not try and “impress” anyone…it never works!

Finally, this was my first role with the new body. Was it the best I ever did? Nope. Was it the worst? Nope. I know what needs to improve and what worked. That is the beauty of music! There is always something to work on. I left Pittsburgh…satisfied and a long the way made some new friends as well as a potential gig. I got some great reviews and not so great, but the best review for me is when people write me e-mails saying they felt “something” and also asking if I could work with their students. After those e-mails…who cares about reviews. I also learned that if people do not have confidence in you or trust you then it is their problem and not your own if you haven’t given them any reason to doubt.

NOW:

--- Congrats to all my students that auditioned for colleges. Every one of them got into their school of choice with scholarships.

--- Held auditions for Lawrence Opera Works 2012. As Artistic Director, I am having to go through 70 auditions. No small feat.

--- Getting ready to go to Philly to work with Center Stage Opera on “Il Postino” by Catan. It premiered with LA Opera with Placido Domingo. I am making the East coast premiere in that same role, so I hope I do it justice. That is my main concentration for the next month or so.

--- I am still living the Paleo lifestyle and learning more and more about it. I am also learning that maybe the fitness modeling is not the best thing for my mental state. Freaking out about carbs is a bad way to live people.

Well the crying child FINALLY fell asleep. It only took about an hour…DAMN! He woke up...I wonder if I can get a parachute.

XOXO

So I am sitting here in the JFK Airport and I have to say it is very nice! I have never flown out of this airport before, and even though it is rather far away, I totally dig it! It feels rather European to me. So first, I need to say that I have been pretty healthy this entire time…until this week…I have a small sniffle, which of course, as a singer, freaks me out! Pittsburgh Opera is giving me a chance to sing with some amazing artists and I want to make a good impression, but I just need to embrace the cold and know that it will go away! (I hope soon)

This gig is my first main role in my new body so it almost feels like an experiment. I have been working with this body for a while now and I think I am more settled. People ask me if it feels different singing and for the most part the answer is, “Yes.” I think the biggest different is how I breathe. Plus, I have been working with a new teacher in NYC and we have tweaked some things. I hope people like it.

Aida at the “Big House” was a great experience and the singing was superb! I am rather fortunate to be part of such a great organization. I like seeing the thought process some of these individuals go through and realize that they are just as human as you and me! With the same fears and nerves. We all just want to give the audience our best.

Through out this entire time, I have also been teaching and getting my students ready for their college auditions. I flew down and also did lessons through Skype. People wonder how that works and I am here to say that as long as you have a good connection, it is a rather effective tool. I am happy to say that all of my students that have auditioned did a wonderful job and I am proud of every single one of them!

I decided that from now on I will be posting more from gig to gig and that way it will keep me honest and Kyle, my wonderful web guru, will not send me spam as a hint to write a blog.
I hope you have had a chance to look over the entire website. There are new pictures and more to come. I am also thinking I should add more audio and maybe some video.
What would YOU like to see on the website? Please LIKE me on Facebook, which is on the right hand side of this and write a comment.

I am now going to drink a lot of water and have some coffee…airport water and coffee is expensive, but what can you do?!
OO,
Hugo