On Being Professional

The title is, of course, an excellent use of hyperbole. I still don't consider myself a professional anything... with the possible exception of professional dogsitter. But I had a really great experience today and I felt the impulse to blog about it. (I go in and out of blog spells, apparently. I still am yet to match September's 17 posts. I obviously had little to do then.)

So my family and I drove up to Ft. Collins today to the somewhat obscure Avogadro's Number Restaurant. (I KNOW! What a cool name! Unfortunately, its address is 605 Mason St. in Ft. Collins, when Avogadro's Number is roughly 6.02 x 10²³, so the numberin

g is a bit off... but maybe its owner was just a chem major at CSU (something that I, for the record, will never be), or a big nerd (something that I, for the record, have always been.)

But I'm getting ahead of myself. This is not a blog about chemistry, but about the joys of singing.

So, anyway, I had my first paying gig, receiving a whopping $25 for my singing ability. This was the first time I was given money for singing in a non-artistic setting. (Though I have accompanied on piano for money, but that wasn't performance... after all, the singer is the main attraction.) But I sang three songs:

Non piu andrai, by Mozart (from the opera The Marriage of Figaro)

Chiquitita la Novia, by Fernando Obradors (fro

m a collection of traditional Spanish songs called Coplas de Carro Dulce)

Our Great Mikado, Virtuous Man, by Gilbert and Sullivan (from the operetta The Mikado)

And I frankly thought they were highly entertaining. The other singers were great as well. And, at the end, I got this lovely little honorarium for my troubles:

It is only $25, which (at least, hopefully) will eventually be like a drop in the bucket of the millions of dollars I'll be making as a vocal performer. But it's just kind of special, because I have never gotten money for singing outside of a competition setting. Just for performing. It feels kind of cool.

The performance's purpose was to honor those who had finalled in the Colorado regional Classical Singer Competition, something that only eight students in the state were invited to do. For those of you following my vocal pursuits, this is the competition that is taking me to LA this summer along with my best duet partner Hillary Thompson, who is amazing as well. It's also the same competition that sent me to New York last year, so this is the second year I've participated in the second round (hopefully, though, this year I'll make it a bit farther... last year I think I was disqualified because I was never told that I needed to have more than one piece prepared-- the website was fairly unclear. This year, of course, I know better.) I'm just as excited this year (even though LA isn't quite New York... haha) and I really hope I get far enough to at least garner some scholarship money. We'll see.

Well, at any rate, I have $25. :D That will pay for lunch at college... for a week. Maybe. Or maybe a few trips to Starbucks. Like now. Or I can spend it on clothes... I could buy more vests. But you know what? It's my money that I earned, so I can buy whatever I want!

(Well, as long as whatever I want falls within the price of $25.)

The Joy of Installing Ovens... Among Other Things

So today was an interesting day.

Last week, my dad decided that it was time to put in a new oven. Because apparently the oven we've been using for the last 14 years can't cook a turkey, and obviously, since we are proud middle-class citizens of the United States of America, the inability to cook a turkey, arguably one of the most patriotic animals that is allowed to be slaughtered and eaten (obviously bald eagles are not exempted from such a status because of the whole "eating and slaughtering" thing, though not necessarily in that order. But I digress.)

And so, my parents, being the absolute darlings they are, decide that we won't get the oven professionally installed. No, after all, they have two "strapping young lads" (and that's a direct quote, mind you) to help carry in and install ovens and other kitchen items. And for the second time in this blog's history, we turn to the magic of the dictionary:

strapping [ˈstræpɪŋ]

adj

(prenominal) tall and sturdy

[from strap (in the archaic sense: to work vigorously)]

Now, I am certainly tall, but I'm not exactly "sturdy." I am certainly the least masculine person in the family, with the possible exception of my mother. And I'm not really an excellent person at such activities as heavy lifting, which this task required a lot of. There was first the heavy lifting of the original oven, which was already considerably large, as ovens are apt to be. And then the new oven, which was like three hundred times (and this is, I must confess, a rough estimate) heavier, and of course a much worse thing to drop on the ground. If we drop the old oven on the ground, who cares, it's an old oven, but the new $1500 oven (which my parents considered a steal- I see it as a chunk of my college fund... haha. But again I'm digressing. All I'm saying is that if it truly was a steal it wouldn't be a big deal if I dropped it and broke it) would of course break and then I'm sure I could have to at least partially contribute to a new oven. And while I have money saved up for college spending money, I don't have enough to throw into a new oven.

And after all that, we still haven't completely put the oven in. It's just awkwardly standing in the kitchen next to a gaping hole where the old oven used to be. It's connected, so in theory we could probably use it as a real oven... it just happens to be a giant block in the middle of the kitchen, which, if left alone, could lead to stubbed toes, angry words, and a body count-- three things that are undoubtedly and equally unpleasant. So, tomorrow (which, I might remind you, is the Christian day of rest... plus it's already Lent. So unorthodox), the strapping young lads will assist their father in sliding this giant piece of machinery into a wall and hoping to the good lord Jesus Christ (it will be Sunday after all-- I must find some way to spiritually engage myself) that it fits.

Also today, I learned that I am definitely and completely incapable of driving a manual stickshift in a car. It's pretty much impossible, so I'm glad that my car is an automatic. Because if it wasn't, I'd... probably be able to drive a stickshift by now. Hmmm. Bad argument. But my brother (who just passed his permit test Friday) and I were learning at the same time, which is not a good combination. I, of course, am much too dependent on the automatic gears, having driven them for the past three years, and so it is understandable that this sudden change would be so... well... sudden.

However, I closed up the day video chatting with my dear friend Ali "Sunshine" Bongiardina over Skype, in which we discussed several hot topics such as abortion, theatre, and college. I also managed to fall out of my chair mid-conversation and was laughed at. My hamster, Fiyero, also partook in the conversation as a silent third party, which was quite pleasant as well. And then that ended, which was sad. My internet kept phasing in and out during the conversation, though, which made for some awkward pauses and difficulties. And then Ali, in the middle of a pleasant conversation, decided that she was going to get food and left me at the altar... or rather... computer, all alone without any love in the world. But luckily, my internet finally stopped being stupid and we went like a full hour without any issues, which was pleasant. It has really reminded me of how much I miss being with my NYT friends, who I just don't get to see as often, which is quite sad.

But while discussing life with Ali, I learned that the CenterStage Theatre Company (located in Boulder-- political friends of mine probably know my feelings about the city... haha) is putting on Titanic: The Musical (yes, there is such a thing, and no it's not based on the movie) this summer, so I'm considering auditioning for that. After all, my goal this years was to participate in five musical productions, and right now I've only gotten four (including Chess), and since Sound of Music with NYT didn't work out, I need to get some last show in before I head to college. Especially if I go to CSU, because they don't do a lot of musical theatre stuff. They do a lot of opera and Gilbert and Sullivan, but they don't do a lot of musical theatre, which is, of course, my first love in the theatre. So I've gotta work in as much as I can. Four productions is just not going to cut it, I'm afraid. So I'm considering that. The only problem is, of course, the location. Frequent rehearsals throughout the summer could be difficult to work with, as I'd be driving to and from Boulder every time I go there, but I have almost the entire summer off-- I'm just unavailable one weekend to go to LA for the Classical Singer Competition (Par-TAY in L-AY!), so if that weekend is when auditions/callbacks are, I'm screwed. But I can certainly hope.

But anyway, all six of my faithful readers, that's all in the life of Eric for today. Still no important scholarship offers from NYU or Miami, and I certainly can't expect any more mail until Monday... and of course school starts back up again after that. Gah. But tomorrow I will be participating in my first ever paying gig at a restaurant in Ft. Collins. (A company, Arias@Avos, is honoring the Classical Singer Finalists for Colorado, of which I am one, at a dinner tomorrow. And I'm being paid a $25 honorarium. Sure, I make more money dog-sitting, but this is indeed the first time I'm being paid to sing (excluding, of course, the times I've won money for vocal competitions), so that's a nice step in the right direction. I can never say my vocal abilities amounted to nothing now! I've got $25 to say the opposite. :)

So that's it, for now. If you haven't heard yet, I'm playing Molokov in the THS Choir's version of the hit musical Chess on April 27th at 6:00pm. Be there or be squared. It's going to be ridiculously AWESOME. :D

College News and Reflections

I apologize for the lame title. :)

So, today was a fairly wonderful day. I got admissions decision from both the University of Miami and NYU, along with admission to their respective music schools, which is really great.

However, I am yet to hear about any scholarship awards for academics or vocal ability, which is really what is going to make the decision for me at the moment, meaning that CSU is still in first for my heart and future.

I know that a lot of people will be shocked that I would choose CSU over NYU or Miami... or even DU, considering the great scholarship package they offered me. But really, as far as undergrad goes, the cheapest university is going to win. I'm already definitely going into a graduate program to get my Masters in Music, and that's when I'll be going for the big name schools. Especially considering that grad students also get great consideration in scholarships. Let's look at Eric's life as it stands right now:

Eric goes to CSU for four years and gets his BM in Vocal Performance in a program that is excellent, if not as well known. He's had a great experience at CSU and has beefed up his resumé considerably (especially when one understands that CSU is one of a handful of universities in the world that has been known to grant Freshmen leading roles in productions- something that's really winning me over at the moment.) Four years have passed, and it's time to apply to grad school. Eric has decided that while Colorado is a wonderful place, it's time to maybe break the mold and go out of state to a conservatory. If things go as planned, Eric will apply to the Manhattan School of Music and the San Francisco Music Conservatory, on top of some other possible schools for a two-year program to get his Masters. In addition, he will reapply to NYU and Miami's graduate programs in hopes that he'll get a good scholarship and then spend the next two years studying his butt off and hopefully starting to establish a career. Once he gets his MM, he leaves school forever and starts pursuing an operatic career. He might start out in the Denver Opera (which, for all intents and purposes, is a fairly well-respected program) or start in some other smaller opera companies before finally making his debut at the New York Metropolitan Opera. After Eric sings opera for a few years and fully matures his voice, he will then transition to Broadway, singing the bass roles that are really only offered to older people (because young characters in shows are almost always tenors because the world is unfair.) After Eric makes his transition to Broadway, he eventually gets the part of the Phantom in The Phantom of the Opera (which I'm assuming will still be running at that point) and then dies happily shortly thereafter.

Well, I'm hoping I don't die that quickly as I'm hoping to live to be like 105, but you get the point. I basically have my life mapped out.

The reason why I don't want to go to NYU for undergrad (unless I am offered significant financial aid) is because I don't want to be in debt for the rest of my life. College loans are hard enough to come by anyway in this tragically sucky economy, and paying them off at the same time as waiting for a performance career to spark would be suicidal (both literally and figuratively). My parents are, thankfully, helping me with college, but they have also told me that if I want to go to a private university (which happens to be 8 out of the 9 colleges I've applied to) and I'm not offered significant scholarships to cover a majority of the costs, I'm out of luck. And, unfortunately, federal grants are very difficult to come by and those that do exist will go to people less fortunate than I. I'm not guaranteed a performance career, and I don't want to pay off loans for undergrad. I might be willing to take loans for graduate school, but that's four years down the line.

So, the moral of this blog entry is that if I'm going for a big name, I'll save it until grad school. I am fully confident that CSU's program is just as good as any of the "big-name" schools' programs are- it just comes at a fraction of the price. Another bonus about CSU is, of course, that it's close to home and I've familiarized myself with the program quite nicely. I know the instructors there fairly well, and I have done a lot of research and found that the opera program is very well-respected across the state. I'm not making any commitments yet, of course (I imagine I'll be doing that all the night of April 30th... :P), and I tend to change my mind every two minutes as far as college is concerned, but, at the moment, this is my mindset.

Back in September, I would have jumped instantly when I found out that I was admitted to NYU. And now, though it's fairly painful to let this opportunity slide, I think I'm making a great decision in the long run. And NYU isn't going anywhere. Neither is Miami, or any other opportunity. I've proven to myself now that I can get into both schools and their respective music programs. Transferring is always an option, and so are graduate studies. I've waited 18 years to go to these schools.

Certainly four more won't be too difficult.

The Wonderful World of Colleges and Scholarships

So, I haven't blogged in a while, and I've been pushed by numerous people to do so. Apparently my life is so exciting that if people don't hear about it enough, they get very upset. And I can't have that happening on my watch. So, I'll be sure to keep everyone updated. :D

Really, the main thing discussed in this blog are my college plans. They can be elaborated upon much more in a full blog than in a Facebook status... or even a note. I feel like the blog offers me a greater area of elucidative analysis.

So, anyway, six out of the nine colleges I've applied to have accepted to me, and five of them have offered me significant scholarships.

The contenders:

CSU is in first, having offered me $2000 for academics, $3000 for vocal abilities, and $1000 for joining the honors program. This may not seem like a lot, but since CSU is a state school with a tuition of only about $6500 (according to Cappex.com, at least, excluding room and board), that is very significant. Nearly a full ride. Which is great.

DU is in second, having offered me $17,000 for academics and $10,000 for vocal abilities, making for a very good package. Unfortunately, since DU is in fact a private school and costs a lot more ($35,000 a year, not including room and board), the $27,000 award falls about $8000 short. Granted, it's a great scholarship, but my college fund doesn't quite allow for it.

Coming into third place is DePauw University in Greencastle, Indiana, which has offered me a whopping $19,000 for academics and an additional $5,000 for vocal abilities. DePauw's tuition, however, is still $33,000, so they're falling short as well.

Rolling on into fourth is Luther College in Decorah, Iowa, which offered me $18,000 for academics. Again, it costs about as much as DePauw, and I didn't actually send them an audition, so they're not very likely. Which is sad, because my beautiful stage wife KT goes there.

At fifth place is St. Olaf College, which only had the decency to offer me a $6500 annual academic award-- hardly enough to make a significant dent in their $35,000 tuition. So they're pretty much out of the running, especially considering I neglected to send them a vocal audition either. (I thought their deadline was January 1, when it was in fact December 15. My bad.)

And in last place is Capital University in Columbus, Ohio, the alma matter of my aunt and both of my grandparents. They've offered me nothing. Those jerks.

At this point, I'm still waiting for admission decisions from NYU, The University of Miami, and the University of the Pacific. My hopes for significant scholarships are, of course, not high from NYU, but I can still have hope, can't I? I should hear from them around April for both academic and music scholarships (if any). I'll probably have a week in all to decide where I'm going.

Right now it's CSU, which actually is not something that I feel bad about. I've had a few family members (who, by the way, are NOT paying my tuition) who have chastised me for sinking as low to go to a state school (GASP!), but I have others (including my immediate family) who are all for CSU, because all in all I've been very impressed by what I've seen of their program and they have, in fact, made me the best offer so far. Plus, Ft. Collins is not too far from home. And if, for some bizarre reason, I do not like it there, I can always transfer my credits someplace else. I, of course, would probably go someplace else to obtain my Masters in Music Performance (I'm still hoping for a big name conservatory-- either Manhattan or the San Francisco Conservatory), but that's four years down the road.

And so, until next time, I bid you adieu, my faithful readers. I wish you the best. When I make my decision, you'll be the first to know. (With, of course, the possible exception of the university itself... and my family... and probably people on Facebook. THEN blog-readers.)