The latter session was a lot of fun as the three guys are already bringing their own distinct personalities to their characters even though we haven't yet got round to working on characterisation proper. And when you eventually see the way the Wise Men are envisioned in our wacky version of the Christmas story, you'll understand why we did as much laughing as we did learning and rehearsing. Wait, I shouldn't say that - that sounds unprofessional and unfocused. We did more laughing as we did learning and rehearsing. Much better.
This early stage of rehearsals involves the use of music scores, for those who read notation, to teach individual lines of melody to the respective players, while simultaneously allowing them to improvise and come up with their own harmonies and variations on the tunes. It's quite an organic process in that sense, which, as I've mentioned in my welcome note below, I think is great. What I'm already finding interesting is, from the viewpoint of a composer, it's easy to believe that something you've written is easy to sing just because you, the writer, are able to sing it. And then, when you teach it to others, you realise, "Ooo, it's not necessarily straightforward, is it??" By no means is it a reflection on the calibre of the singers (we've got an awesome selection of talented folks, believe you me!); rather, it's a case of remembering that what's familiar, and therefore "easy", to you is often foreign, and therefore challenging, to someone else.
But therein lies the fun, i.e. in helping someone learn how it's all supposed to sound. And if you're lucky, in the process, you get questioned on - which hopefully leads to an understanding of - your own creations, leading you to take a closer critical look at your work. Take, for instance, this little moment during rehearsal with Tim on Tuesday. (Tim, please forgive me for putting this up!) Note how the video clip reveals a sneak-peek of music, untidily played by yours truly on the keyboard. (It'll sound better during the show, boys and girls. I can almost promise you that.) Note Tim's rather impressive first-attempt at a protracted falsetto (we sure are aiming to reach beyond vocal "safe zones"!). Note, also, how I conveniently cut off the video clip at a critical juncture:
In case you didn't hear it, my last words in the clip were "Oh boy." Heh!!
Anyway, this is how it's like at this point, folks. From now until early October, the focus will be on learning the melodies and securing the harmonies, and making sure everyone knows what they're supposed to be doing singing-wise. October onwards will see the introduction of choreography (during which point, hopefully, our choreographer will write something on this blog on the process!), and the latter part of rehearsals as we approach the more critical November stage will involve acting, characterisation and blocking (ditto the director!). While all this is happening I'll be working with the band to get all the live music nailed. The plan now is for seven-piece rock band; details to be finalised shortly. How exciting, no??
Okay, that's it for now, boys and girls. Check back again soon on more updates, y'hear?? And in case any cast members are wondering if videos of them are going to be put up on this blog, let me assure you... I can't promise that won't happen. *straight face*
Hehehehe. Till next time! ~Nick
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