Day 6: So Close...

Today was another great day for progress. First, Terri gave us some updated figures concerning how much money we've secured, how much we expect, and our projected fallout. This gives us a much better idea of how the financial situation is and will work out, so that's great. Then we passed around the letters that we'll be sending out to some specific donors to hand-sign them and add that personal and professional touch.

We also went over headshot info and finalized a date to have them taken. It's important that we all have professional headshots from a known practicing photographer in order to be taken seriously by the agents at showcase. Along the same lines, we also discussed the importance of changing your phone number to have a New York City area code. The reason is to make sure that the agents know our intention is to move to and stay in NYC. Unfortunately, they want nothing to do with us if we don't have that intention, so that becomes extremely important.

We spent the final part of class having people sing through some solo song ideas and I'm extremely pleased to say that not only did I find the song I'll be singing, but nearly the entire group has their songs chosen. We only have one or two people left to choose their songs, which I'm sure will happen on Tuesday. Something that I realized today, though, which was pointed out by Jonathan, is that picking a song isn't as complicated as it seems. I was trying to think up new songs and ideas that I hadn't sung before and while that was good, I was missing the material that I'd already worked through and really worked for me. In Jonathan's words, "We aren't here to reinvent the wheel." At the end of the day, I ended up with a song that I sang a couple years ago as my showcase songs and it works great for me, so I couldn't be happier.

We should be putting the final touches on our lineup and working the group number within the next couple classes. We're making great progress and I couldn't be more excited. Showcase, here we come.

Day 5: Two Steps Forward, One Step Back

Today was a great day in terms of overall group progress. After a bit more singing and some discussion, we've settled on a group number. I won't say what it is here (I don't want to influence anyone who may read this to think about their own Showcase experience), but suffice it to say that it suits us very well as a group, sends a good message, and allows us to really show what we as a class can do. The next step concerning our group number is having Terri and Jonathan talk to each other and decode how they want to cut it and incorporate it throughout the entire show.

We also had a couple more people figure out their solo numbers today, which was exciting. I'm really impressed with the material everyone's been bringing in to sing; we've all been finding really great pieces that accent our talents, which is amazing.

Personally, however, I'm back on the hunt for a piece. I liked my original choice, but the longer it sat with me and the more thought I gave it, the less I liked it for a showcase scenario. So I'm back on the prowl to see what I can find. It really is challenging, trying to find that one piece. It seems like the longer I rack my brain, the fewer ideas I can summon and the farther away from my goal I seem to travel. But I know that in the end I'll find what I'm looking for. It's just a matter of time. The journey's half the fun, anyway...right?

Day 4: The Hunt Continues...

Today we sang through a few ideas of group numbers and a couple more people sang songs for their solo ideas. I have to say, it was great to hear us sing as a group together even if it was just a rough run-through of our ideas. Our class has an amazing sound and it's amazing what we can accomplish when we work together, so of course we're looking for songs that can showcase the sophistication we have as a class of vocalists and musicians.

Which brings me to an important point that's becoming more and more apparent by the day: One of the most important things you can do in terms of showcase (as well as life in general) is find your strengths and capitalize on them by finding pieces that emphasize them. That's why we're looking at pieces like "Trashin' the Camp" and "Merrily We Roll Along" as group numbers; they showcase what we as a class are able to do vocally.

But as Terri pointed out today, more important than that is finding a piece that you enjoy performing. If you can do that and you love the work that you're doing, nothing else will matter because the love and ease younfeel for your work comes through in your performance and THAT is what people really want to see.

Unfortunately, as was also pointed out today, there is no perfect piece to emphasize everything. All you can do is find a piece that suits you best for the time and that you love to perform. And so, with all that in mind, the hunt continues...

Day 3: A Little Old, A Little New

Day three was a good continuation of the work we've been doing thus far. Terri gave us some updated budget figures to consider and work with, which gives us a better idea of how much we have left to raise. Along with the meeting all the seniors had last night where we discussed more fundraising options, I think we have a great idea of what's left to do and how we can get there.

Part two of today's class was conitnuing to talk about group numbers. Terri shared some of her ideas since she wasn't able to be in class on Thursday, so we added her thoughts and, after considering the list we had from Thursday, came up with a small list that we'll sing through over the next couple of classes.

Finally, we had a few people sing through some solo ideas. All of us who sang had great ideas that met with approval, but for my idea, at least, Terri wanted to talk to people to make sure that it wasn't overdone and would be well-received. Overall we've had some great ideas so far and I'm sure we'll continue to have them in the days to come.

Day 2 - Group Numbers

Day two, which was cut short due to the Majors/Minors meeting, was dedicated to suggesting and listening to possibilities for our group opener and closer. There was certainly a lot to consider; it isn't as simple as finding a song that we all sound good singing together. For instance, one concern is the style of songs. With the current trend of rock musicals on Broadway, we would like to find a song similar to that style as one number. But we also want to show that we're capable of doing the "classic" musicals that are revived and touring on a regular basis, so we're looking at songs of that style as well.

We also have to consider the actual content of the songs we find within those styles. For example, we looked at "Burning Love" from All Shook Up which would be a fun, rocky number for us. However, consider the lyrics: What does it say about our class? What message does it send? Sure we'd all sound great performing it and it'd be a fun number, but if it doesn't lend itself to a stimulating performance, it leaves us with better options.

So with all these things to consider, we've come up with a potential list that we can pull from once we talk some more and pick out solo numbers, which will begin on Tuesday. Progress is being made! It's certainly an exciting time; can't wait to keep the process movin'.

Day 1: The Journey Begins

It seems completely surreal, yet here we are: KSU Senior Showcase 2011!

This blog is dedicated to chronicling my own personal journey through the showcase process. My hope is that current and future undergrads will be able to read through my exploits and get a sense of what the journey entails as well as start thinking about their own potential futures in their own respective showcases.

So without further ado, here we go!

Day one covered much of the business aspects concerning the showcase. We got a general idea of what our budget for the show looks like as well as an idea of how much money we have right now to put towards showcase. This, of course, led to the matter of donations, which are a hugely important part of showcase. We (the students) are tasked with putting together a number of letters asking for donations which we will then send to places such as the Honors College as well as a couple of student organizations.

We also had a chance to discuss the show itself today. We tossed around a couple of group song ideas as well as discussed some issues such as whether each student should sing one song or two shorter cuts, but the most important thing that came through today was that whatever it is we should decide to do in terms of song choice and the like, the most important thing is that the people in the audience see who we really are. They don't want to see a character or a Jekyll and Hyde contrast; they'd much rather see us because at the end of the day, that's what they will be trying to sell to everyone else.

I think that about covers our first day. I'll be posting after each class with additional posts should they seem appropriate to the situation, so check back often. : )