And the winner is...

The "Level 1" Contest was a race to see who would be the first MMVS students to receive their Level 1 Certifications for Mel's Vocal Program.  Level 1 requirements are listed on this blog's list of links on the right hand side.  They include practice time, blog posting, anatomy of the voice, music theory, song projects and performance evaluations.  1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners won prizes including a free hour lesson at MMVS, free attendance to a performance workshop, awesome iPod ear buds, mad bragging rights, and a featured video on the MMVS youtube channel.

Meet your 1st Place contest winners:

Katie Hodes and Jordan Kellogg!

Jordan Kellogg

Age: 15
Band name: NEVER4GET
School: Lauralton Hall
Instruments: Piano, some guitar
Fave singers: taylor swift, katy perry, ben gibbard
Fave band: jack's mannequin
Fave things to do: singing, dancing, piano & guitar
Best subjects in school: choir and english
Fave NEVER4GET Song: you better rain
What I love most about music: the fact that you can express yourself without actually having to say anything. it can totally express and change your mood, depending on what you're listening to. 
when I go through an experience that really emotionally effects me in some way, or I just randomly think of a good idea (this rarely happens)
What I look for in a friend: funny, funny, really funny, trustworthy and nice!
Best thing from the 80s: legwarmers, and neon outfits
Best thing from the 90's: boy bands...backstreet's back alrightttt
In five years I will be: 20 and writing amazing songs with my bestfrand katie ;)

Music video for "Forgive & Forget" by NEVER4GET 

Katie Hodes

Age:16
Band Name: NEVER4GET
Schoo: sHeLtOn HiGh  
Instruments: I play the guitarrrrr
My favorite color is and always will be PINKKK
My favorite singers are Tswift, carrie underwood, Christina Aguilera, Aly&aj, and katy perry
My favorite bands are boys like girls and the maine
my favortie activities that i do in my spare time are singing, song writting, guitar & dancing
My best subject in school is englishhhh
My favorite original song would be "shine" or "you lied"
I'm an only child
What I love most about music is it changes your mood and you can get inspired by lyrics. Sometimes it helps you get over a break up, or it makes you wanna dance. 
What inspires me to write songs is usually guys who have hurt me in the past, things that are going on with friends, loving or missing something or someone. I usually cry when im writting sad songs because i write in the moment. If something bad is happening i will write something down quickly after.
What I look for in a friend is someone who is crazy funny, trustworthy and loyal. Also someone who would have my back no matter what happened. I made some mistakes with friends in the past and i need to chose people that i can really rely on.
Best thing from the 80's: idk i wasnt alive???? i like this decade 
Best thing from the 90's: i kinda miss Britney Spears and the back street boys 
In five years I will be... partying it up being 21 living it up in hollywood with Jordan. And some hit songs out there :P

Performance Workshop Recap

Yesterday ROCKED.  As Richard would say, it was "dude awesome."   Fifteen MMVSers got together to figure out what makes a performance truly memorable and bring some of that to their own performances.  The answers ranged from "energy, emotion and originality" to "professionalism, ability to handle mistakes, and vocal range/power."  Ultimately, we agreed that there are four keys to an awesome performance.

Preparation (Seeking perfection through lessons, practice, rehearsal, song selection, research of venues and getting to know your strengths/weakness)
Experience (Gaining professionalism by working the microphone, managing your monitors, handling mistakes on stage, getting over your nerves and reading the crowd)
Action (Movement, stage presence, stage set-up, expression, dynamics, crowd interaction, band interaction.  What you do, visually, to make the audience feel something)
Connection (Connecting with the music, the audience, and yourself.  This is when the magic happens.)

You guys made some great points about these four categories.  You all seemed to agree that while "connectivity" is what makes a good performance a great one, you could never truly get there without preparation, experience and action.

Funny - that's the point that I was gonna make!

Next we were treated to a brief performance from every student in attendance.  Everyone volunteered and everyone was inspiring!  We did not critique technique.  We talked about how we felt as audience members - and as performers - during each song.   I hope you all learned that even though you might be nervous or in unfamiliar situations, you can still make a roomful of people feel like they are "having oatmeal in front of a fire" or "instantly happy and excited" just by sharing a bit of who are you are inside.

Lastly, we were treated to a little chat with Kicking Daisies' managers, Brian Murphy and Rich Herzfeld.  They talked about the importance of connecting with the audience - not just impressing them.  We also talked about the hard work involved and how amazing you all are for being committed to your passion for music.  It sets you apart, and I'm so proud to know you!

All in all, I thank you for a great day and I hope you had a great time.  Please take a moment to post your feedback to comments.  You are shaping the MMVS workshops and programs for 2011!  If you didn't attend the workshop, please answer all that apply.

1. How did you feel about your performance before you sang vs. right after you sang at the workshop?
2. What were the most important things you learned?
3. Was there a performance that was special to you?  That really moved you?
4. What areas of performance (Preparation, Experience, Action, Connection) do you feel come easily to you?  Which ones are you committed to working on in 2011?
5. What topics would you like to see covered in the future workshops?  What activities would you like to do with your fellow MMVS artists?

Talk About Performance!

Next Sunday, 11/21 is the first Performance Workshop held at MMVS in Fairfield.  You're all invited to sign up.  $30 for all students, FREE for those who achieve level 1 status this season.    We're going to talk about the amount of preparation required to let go and be yourself on stage.  We'll hear from professional performers like Mike Falzone and Carly Kalafus about how they have come to feel comfortable and at ease in front of large audiences.  We'll take turns singing and discovering how to create that undeniable connection with our audience (in this case, each other).

As for the Level 1 Contest, we've got ties all over the place!   There are six winners (two-way ties for 1st, 2nd and 3rd) and others who I expect to finish their final songs this week.  I'm very proud!

Here's a treat for you: an MMVS interview with Kicking Daisies bassist/singer Carly Kalafus.  Almost two years ago she was reluctant to join the band, had never performed before and certainly was not comfortable singing lead vocals.  Today she talks to us about finding a home on stage, where she can be herself 100% of the time.

Guys with Guitars

MMVS saw a lot of guys with guitars this week!
Here are a few pics of them and a few questions for you:

1. Who is the best male singer of all time?

2. Who is your favorite guitar player?

3. If you could play one musical instrument (that you can't already play) what would it be?

4. What is your current song project at MMVS and how is it going?

Mike S. is a professional singer/musician who leads a contemporary band at a church in Fairfield, CT.  Blue and I went to one of his services this year and we were blown away by the singing, the music, and the beautiful service.  

Danny M is new to MMVS this Fall.  What a vocal range on this guy!  He's working hard to reach Level 1 and make all of his musical dreams come true.

Casey C. has been a friend and musical colleague of mine for years.  It's very special to have him working with me at MMVS now.  And get this: Casey was accepted to medical school this week!  The future Dr. will be treating us to a performance at the MMVS workshop 11/21/10.