June 19, 2006 9:48 AM
Maddy's singing competition
On a happy note, Maddy was involved in a music competition that was held at the Ernst Cultural Center at Northern Virginia Community College Saturday night.
There were 17 contestants 13-18 including one band, two piano soloists, and 14 vocalists. The material was not trendy pop, so Madeleine was more in her element than the last competition we kinds faded out of. And instead of popular vote, the winners were chosen by a panel of eight judges who are professionals in the music industry. Definitely a more appropriate venue for Maddy's singing.
She sang You Raise Me Up by Josh Groban - including a second verse he wrote but didn't sing on his recording.
When I am down and, oh my soul, so weary;
When troubles come and my heart burdened be;
Then, I am still and wait here in the silence,
Until you come and sit awhile with me.
You raise me up, so I can stand on mountains;
You raise me up, to walk on stormy seas;
I am strong, when I am on your shoulders;
You raise me up: To more than I can be.
There is no life - no life without its hunger;
Each restless heart beats so imperfectly;
But when you come and I am filled with wonder,
Sometimes, I think I glimpse eternity.
You raise me up, so I can stand on mountains;
You raise me up, to walk on stormy seas;
I am strong, when I am on your shoulders;
You raise me up: To more than I can be.
The result:
A plaque to hang on her wall. Oh, and a check for $100!
First runner up was a talented young man (18) who played his own composition on piano. The winner was a talented young woman (16) who sang an Ella Fitzgerald number called "Sweet and Lowdown."
Three judges told us afterwards that Maddy had the best voice in the competition but needed to work more on stage presence, which is why she was second runner-up. This was a great opportunity for her to see exactly what she needs to do to bring her visual performance up to speed with her vocals. She has been too understated in what she wears - usually a black skirt and top, but for some reason without my knowing it, that night she packed black slacks and top. She has refused to wear any makeup - under lights which wash out faces - and also wears her hair in a ponytail with bangs hanging down to her eyebrows which casts a shadow over her eyes.
So having a winner and first runner up who presented themselves well was very helpful to Maddy. She will also get a DVD of the competition - another big help.
I think any artist - singer, writer, actor, painter - has the same three issues to balance:
1. your craft
2. perfecting your craft
3. promoting yourself
You may be a great singer/writer/artist but you must be able to promote yourself or no one will ever hear/read/see you. And you must always be learning and growing in your talent.
Every gifted artist has the first. But they sometimes balk at one or both of the other two. Maddy has proven herself to be exceptional at the second. She is VERY teachable and her voice coach is amazed at her progress, saying she wishes she could see the same in her college students. Now Number Three is the next hurdle for her.
But she has lots of time. . . .
