“I’m not going to do nothing any more.” “Never again?” “Well, not so much. They don’t let you.”

(Christopher Robin, to Pooh )

I've overindulged on my blog vacation. Living the unexamined life has proved pretty seductive. My month off has sprawled into 6 weeks, and it's time to force myself back into circulation.

But I'm back and ready to face audition season. Are you? Hop on board, and we'll get through this together.

First things first:

Deadlines

The first deadline for Filene Young Artist applications is about to pass (at midnight tonight). Studio Artists have until Friday (10/3), and Filene Young Artist applicants for Vienna, New York, and Philadelphia have until next Friday (10/10).

Arias

If you're a singer, you're probably assembling the dreaded aria list. You know: something in Italian, French, German, and English; a range of historical periods and styles; something to show off your money notes; something to show off your acting chops; a combination of safe arias you can sing in your sleep and something that shows innovation and individuality; 4 or 5 magical selections that show you're capable of both versatility and specificity. Simultaneously. Or so it seems.

As you refine your aria package this fall, I invite you to submit a comment to the blog. If you're on the fence about what to include, we'll try to help guide your process.

As you're preparing your list, I'm reviewing my aria database. It contains 823 arias (at this writing), and every year it gives up new treasures. I've been doing this particular audition circuit for 15 years, and there's always something new to learn.

Stick With Us

As we work our way through the fall, look for discussions on audition protocol and attire, Fach, age limits, callbacks, acoustics, and more. Talk back in the comments section if you have burning questions.

What I Did on my Blog Vacation

Walked 90 miles. Stuck to the 2.5 mile/day plan for once.

Purged 25 years of old photos. Didn't remember being some of the places I went, and have no idea who some of the people in the pictures are. Having a bad memory stinks.

Played all Beethoven sonatas, Bach English & French suites. (Well, I cheated on the Hammerklavier and part of the Waldstein, and my tempi weren't pristine. But it was fun.)

Sent my son off to college.

Saw a fabulously funny Russian play at 1st Stage. If you live in the DC area, go!

Learned more about rebar, #21 gravel, truss design, and heat pump ratings than I really needed to know. We're building a music room onto the rear of the house :)