| Region 3 Sweet Adelines Newsletter Spring 2010 |
|
|
PERSONAL INFO CHANGES?
|
Please send any personal information changes (email address, home address & phone number) to the Communications Coordinator.
|
| Our Mission |
Lake Michigan Region 3 of Sweet Adelines International is dedicated to the advancement of four-part harmony, barbershop-style, for women of all ages, through education and performance. |
Regional Management Team
|
 Communications Coordinator
Director's Coordinator
Education Coordinator
Events Coordinator
Finance Coordinator
Marketing Coordinator
Membership Coordinator
|
| Quick Links |
Region 3 Website
Sweet Adelines International
|
| Newsletter Deadlines |
May 15 - Summer Issue (6/1/10) Aug. 15 - Fall Issue (9/1/10)
|
| Future International Convention Dates |
2010, October 19-23, Seattle WA
2011, October 18-22, Houston TX
2012, Oct. 30 - Nov. 3, Denver, CO
2013, Nov. 5-9, Honolulu, HI
2014, Nov. 4-8, Baltimore, MD
2015, Oct. 6-10, Las Vegas, NV
2016, Oct. 11-15, Las Vegas, NV
2017, Oct. 10-14, Las Vegas, NV |
| Future IES Dates |
July 15-17, IES Central, St. Louis, MO
July 21-24, IES, West, Rancho Mirage, CA
November 11-13, IES Pacific Rim, Auckland, New Zealand
2011
September 8-10, IES Europe, Glasgow, Scotland
| |
|
| Dear Sherry, |
| Remember to check the newly designed Region 3 website for Chorus, Quartet, Regional, YWIH and other announcements. If your group is having a fundraiser, or you are having a special party or celebration, be sure to send it in to the webmaster along with any flyers.
-- Mary Ann |
HAS YOUR PERSONAL INFORMATION CHANGED?
|
It is very important both to the Region and to International
HQ that you keep your personal information up to date with both groups. The
vast majority of our regional and international communications are sent via
email, including Voices Round the Lake and the PitchPipe Lite, and it is your
responsibility to keep your information current so that you can continue to
receive communications in a timely manner.
Please note: you must update the Region AND International -
we do not get these updates forwarded on to us at this time.
To update information with International:
1. Launch the Sweet Adelines International website
2. Click the link to Members Only
3. Log in using last name, first initial, e.g. doej and
member number, e.g. 12345
4. Click the link to Member Profile
5. Log in again
6. Any of the contact information can be changed: address,
telephone numbers, e-mail address, etc.
7. Click Post Changes
8. A verification screen appears. Double check the
changes for accuracy. Click Post Changes a second time
To update information with Region 3:
Send all pertinent information to the Communications Coordinator.
|
EDUCATION COORDINATOR - Ann Jarchow
|
Warm wishes
to you all as we slug our way through winter!
Crazy weather all over the country has been occurring - I find it ironic
that our sister choruses in places like Dallas and Washington D.C. probably had
to make the decision to cancel rehearsals due to snow! For the first time in a long time, we had a
Winter Workshop with no weather issues!
Yeehaw! And - the faculty of Joan
Boutilier, Judy Herrick and Penny Hock had the best evaluations I have seen in
a long, long time. What a fabulous
educational opportunity! Remember, we,
the RMT, provide these educational workshops for you - the singers in Region
#3! I took individual voice lessons from
a PhD professor of music at one of our colleges for several years and I can
confidently say that the voice lessons, the education, the techniques presented
by our faculty members was second to none and well worth your time (as was
evident by the evaluations).
At regional
contest, we hope to offer an educational session as was provided last year by
the Four Bettys on Friday. It's a
perfect occasion to gather with education in mind, after all, we are and
EDUCATIONAL Organization! Yes, there is
education in just participating in the contest, and why not add more since
we're already there, together as a region!
The Fall
Workshop with David and Sandi Wright is shaping up as an opportunity which will
offer a totally different perspective of our organization - its background and
its vision. We may be holding this as a
one-day only event, and be assured, this one day will knock your socks
off! Everyone is busy - let's be sure to
be busy doing something that stretches the mind, titillates the sense and fulfills
the need to learn. To close - I wish to
quote Henry Ford ~ anyone who stops learning is old, whether at twenty or
eighty. Don't be her - take advantage of our regional workshops and
adventures in music (AIM) - you won't be sorry!
|
2010-2011 REGIONAL MANAGEMENT TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT
|
This year only two positions were open on the RMT, due to realignment
of terms by International: Education Coordinator and Membership Coordinator. I am pleased to
announce that Ann Jarchow (Grand Rapids) will continue as our Education Coordinator (this is an
International appointment) and Cindy Slowik (Midwest Crossroad and Melodeers) has been "elected by acclamation" as
our new Membership Coordinator. (Note: when only one person has applied for an
elected position, that person is elected "by acclamation"). We are thrilled to have both of
these talented women with us on the Regional Management Team.
Your 2010-2011 Region 3 Management Team members are:
Communications Coordinator: Sherry Berkley (River Bend & Melodeers)
Directors Coordinator: Lynda Keever (Chapter-at-Large)
Education Coordinator: Ann Jarchow (Grand Rapids)
Events Coordinator: Shelly Hughes (Melodeers)
Finance Coordinator: Alice Deller (Choral-Aires)
Marketing Coordinator: Corinne Garcia (Midwest Crossroad)
Membership Coordinator: Cindy Slowik (Midwest Crossroad & Melodeers)
Team Coordinator: Carol Thompson (Melodeers & Great Lake Sound)
|
HELP WANTED! APPLICATIONS
NOW BEING ACCEPTED FOR RMT SECRETARY.
|
The RMT Secretary is a non-voting position of the Region 3
Regional Management Team that is appointed yearly by the RMT. We are now
accepting applications for this position through March 31st, 2010.
The RMT Secretary's primary duties are to record and transcribe the minutes of
all RMT meetings, reporting primarily to the Communications Coordinator. The
full RMT Secretary Job Description and the Application can be downloaded at the
Region 3 website on the Resources, Forms and Links page.
| |
|
|
IES GLOBAL 2010 IS ALMOST HERE!
by Sherry Berkley, Communications Coordinator and Webmanager
|
Have you been thinking about attending IES this year? Do you
even know what IES is??? The International Education Symposium (IES) has been
restructured into a wonderful two-day learning experience to enrich and empower
singers with skills that strengthen and integrate the voice, the body and the
mind into a total performer. IES Global is being held in three locations across
the continental US this summer: Pittsburgh, PA; St. Louis, MO; and Rancho Mirage,
CA. And just in case you'd like to
really do it up globally, you may want to consider one of the other two IES
Global locations: Aukland, New Zealand and Glasgow, Scotland in 2011.
Still not sure? Well, then....visit the new Region 3 IES Global webpage! This new site contains basic information about IES East, Central,
and West, with links included to the International website for more detailed
information, estimated driving times from either Chicago or Grand Rapids, and a
"Bulletin Board" for posting requests for roommates or travel buddies.
Don't know which one to pick? Well........a little birdie told me that
not only is there a
YWIH festival at the IES Central location in St Louis, but Region 3's
very own
Four Bettys will be on hand! And that same birdie told me that there is
an
extra day you can add to the IES West location in CA for Visual
Leaders. IES Global will enrich and empower singers with skills that
strengthen and integrate the voice, the body and the mind into a total
performer, all taught by our very own Sweet Adeline International
Faculty
members.
Go to http://www.region3sweetadelines.org/IESglobal.htm.
|
IT'S ANNUAL REGION EVALUATION TIME!!
by Sherry Berkley, Communications Coordinator
|
Each year, each chapter is asked to evaluate the activities
and programs in their region. This is your chance to recognize your region's
strengths and identify areas for improvement. Remember, your comments and
visions are what make us stronger and truly affect change in your region. And,
each chorus has an equal say, no matter its size. Your Regional Management Team (RMT) uses this feedback to assess how regional
education and programming meets the needs and concerns of regional membership. Results from these reports are compiled and sent to the International Board of
Directors so our representatives can applaud our successes and review our
challenges.
Your compiled responses will be seen only by the members of your RMT.
All chorus Presidents/Team Coordinators should have already
received this information from me by now, so this is just the first of a couple
reminders. Your RMT really would like 100% participation by the choruses this
year! Instructions to Presidents/Team Coordinators: Please complete the
Regional Evaluation online by May 1, 2010. To access the survey, please go to www.sweetadelineintl.org/are.
At the bottom of the page, there is now a link that will print a copy of this
for you to make it easier to compile your answers with the members of your
board or team.
After consultation with your Chapter Board/Team members and other musical
leaders, complete ONE compiled form based on your perceptions of the
region during FY 2009-10 (May 1, 2009-April 30, 2010). You may either complete
this on paper and mail it to me, or you can complete it online. (Online is
really nice, because it will compile the results in one place for us!)
Please answer as many questions as possible. Your RMT is very interested in the
comments your share, as your responses are extremely helpful in establishing
priorities and planning events.
Thank you!
|
REGIONAL CONVENTION UPDATE
by Shelly Hughes, Events Coordinator
|
The countdown to regional convention and competition has
begun. There are several important dates
to remember:
March 1st - All Event orders due to receive early
bird pricing
Hotel
reservation forms due
Function
space request forms due
Quartet
entry deadline
March 2nd - Chorus entry deadline
March 8th - Draw for the Order of Appearance
March 17th - Quartet late entry deadline
(additional fee required)
March 18th - Chorus late entry deadline
(additional fee required)
April 1st - Final date for advance All Event
orders
What chorus do you sing with? Back by popular demand, chorus names will be added to the All Events
Badges at Regional Convention. Are you a dual member that would like
to have both choruses appear on her badge? No problem. Just send an
email to Shelly Hughes (skhsnoopy@comcast.net). List both choruses you want to appear on your badge and in what order. We'll make it happen!
Stay tuned to the next Voices issue for all kinds of
convention information. If you have any
questions, please feel free to email me.
|
| SILVER NOTE AWARD 2010 RECIPIENTS
|
|
CONGRATULATIONS!!
25 Years
Valerie Burton, Battle Creek
Peggy Arnold,
Choral-Aires
Leona Tatman,
Choral-Aires
Suzanne Wheeler, Grand Rapids
Janice Mader,
Melodeers
Donna Ostrye,
Melodeers
Bobbie Slack,
Melodeers
Tori Hicks, Midwest Crossroad
Ame Hale, Sauk Trail
Sound
30 Years
Barbara Cotton, Battle Creek
Lois Flanders, Battle Creek
Marybeth Humeston, Battle Creek
Sally Ann Radivan, Calumet Corner
Lynda Keever,
Chapter-at-Large
Jeanne Lashley, Edge
O'Town
Sharl Ludwig, Edge O'Town
Denise Van Dyken, Grand Rapids
Jane Baines,
Melodeers
Bev Turbak, Melodeers
Karen Breitwieser, Midwest Crossroad
Holly Ozbolt, Midwest Crossroad
Lynn Vaughn, Midwest Crossroad
35 Years
Alverne Sidor, Chapter-at-Large
Shelly Sweet-Rubenic,
Chapter-at-Large
Susan Loftus,
Choral-Aires
Yvonne Ludacka,
Choral-Aires
Mary Murphy,
Choral-Aires
Carol Richard, Edge
O'Town
Janna Chelland, Grand Rapids
Sue Higgins, Great
Lake Sound
Donna Dommer,
Melodeers
Diane Landry,
Melodeers
Diane Grace, Midwest Crossroad
Gerry Burton, West Shore
40 Years
Arleen Hannon,
Choral-Aires
Phyllis Nickels, Edge
O'Town
Julie Kendrick,
Melodeers
45 Years
Norma Andersen,
Chapter-at-Large
50 Years
Ann Reid, Melodeers
Donna Hufeld, Midwest Crossroad
Grace Reynolds, Sauk
Trail Sound
Joan Melling, West Shore
55 Years
Mary LaMaster,
Choral-Aires
60 Years
Fran Beugelink, Grand Rapids
|
| CHORAL-AIRES
by Debbie Fletcher and Tiffany Self |
The Choral-Aires hope everyone had a
good holiday season and that you were able to sneak in some R&R in
anticipation of a busy 2010. Before our holiday break, we had an enjoyable
time as guest performers on the Brotherhood of Harmony show at Harper College
December 19th. The theme was Christmas Around the World, and we had
fun sharing the stage with the men's chorus, a Polish choir, and a steel
drum band.
We are currently enjoying getting to
know several new members that joined us for that show and have felt the need
once again to spread out to a larger rehearsal facility with more parking.
(Thanks to our search committee for all their hard work on that!) So, as of
February 1st, we will be at Redeemer Lutheran
Church (345 S. Kenilworth Avenue, Elmhurst, Ill.) each Monday from 7-10
p.m. Please stop by some time!
With spring right around the corner,
you can count on another Choral-Aires Fashion Show! Our 23rd
annual, "Step Into Spring", will be held March 6th at
the Oak Brook Drury
Lane. Tickets are $40 and are going fast, so check out our website for more information. As always, there will be fantastic raffle
prizes, entertainment, food, and fashion.
The Choral-Aires celebrates its 50th
anniversary this year! We will be celebrating with a special dinner and show on
Saturday, October 9, at Park Place of
Countryside.
This event is open to the public, so join us in commemorating this milestone.
More details to come, keep your eyes on our website
for information.
As we gear up for regional
competition, we know you all are doing the same. We look forward to seeing you
all in April, and wish you the best! Check out our new Facebook page to
keep up to date on what's going on with us.
Join us
for our annual Quartet Workshop from 7-10 p.m., August 9, at Redeemer Lutheran
Church (345 S. Kenilworth Avenue, Elmhurst, Ill.)! More information about the
workshop will soon be available on our website.
|
| GRAND RAPIDS by Jeanne Martin
|
The Grand Rapids Chorus had fun singing our way through the holidays. The highlight was being the guests on a show with the Great Lakes Chorus, Barbershop Harmony Society. Both
our chorus and the men's have a huge following in west Michigan and
it's always a delight to come together for a joint concert.
We're having a Luck O' The Irish Cabaret
this month. Time to shake off the late winter blues and have some
fun. The chorus will sing, quartets will be featured and our Contest Boutique Committee has a fabulous silent auction planned. Join us. Go to www.grsa.net for details.
We are very busy preparing for Regional Contest. We'll be singing for evaluation only and then it's all about Seattle!
Our coaching calendar is action-packed and has already begun. We're
seizing all fund-raising opportunities and have a busy summer planned.
We look forward to seeing all our friends again in Grand Rapids for contest and we wish everyone in Region 3 an early spring!!!
|
MELODEERS & CAPITAL CITY CHORUS enjoy a day of sisterhood & song
by Allison DeStefano |
"It's not far
away...lift up your head and say: It's gonna be a great day!" Indianapolis isn't THAT far from Northbrook!
The Melodeers were so honored that Capital City Chorus from
Indianapolis (Region 4) joined us for a special Saturday rehearsal on
February
20th. They got an early start
and traveled by bus. It was indeed a GREAT day!
The day was filled with plenty of music as the Melodeers
prepared songs and choreography for Grand Rapids. It was wonderful to have
an audience to sing
for AND with! The day also included the revival of the "geek Olympics." We had
two events: the four-woman bobsled as well as the speed skating relay. Competition was fierce and there were medals
at stake. But, at the end of the day, we
all came together in song. There was
also the opportunity for Q & A and we enjoyed sharing what we do.
The Melodeers are excited to be back in competition
mode. Grand Rapids is coming up soon and
we look forward to competing in front of our home crowd. Stay tuned for information and details about our "50
Fabulous Years" celebration. Watch our
website for more information!
|
SPRING VALLEY CHORUS ANNOUNCES NEW DIRECTOR
by Pat Spilotro
|
We are excited to announce that Helen
Giallombardo has been chosen by Spring Valley to be their new director.
Helen is well known as the tenor of Jukebox who placed first in Region
3's regional contest in May, 2009. In addition, Helen has sung in many
different quartets, served as associate director for Windy City West
and Melodeers; and was a music director of the Valley Lights Chorus.
Her list of accomplishments is awesome within Sweet Adelines
and she is currently a member of the Melodeers chorus. Helen's husband,
Jay, is also well known and was chorus director at New Traditions for
many years.
Spring Valley is really proud to have her on board and we
look forward to all the expertise, knowledge and excitement she brings
to the chorus. |
WESTERN LIGHTS
by Sue Brander
|
Like Sweet
Adelines everywhere, we blanketed the countryside with love in the form of Singing Valentines. The
unsuspecting recipients were delighted, but none as much as the Cardiologist whose wife
arranged this gift for the man who is truly "all heart"!
It's not too
early to save the date! Our annual show,
entitled, "Let's Get Away From It All," will be presented at Nazareth Academy
on Ogden Avenue
in LaGrange Park, Illinois. Hope to see you there November 20th,
2010.
How to beat the
"winter blahs"? Set your sights on
Competition Weekend for an immediate pick-me-up!
We've done just that, are excited, looking forward to seeing all of you, and wish each competitor the best of luck!
|
SWEET ADELINES INTERNATIONAL
|
SING WITH BONNIE IN GREECE!
|
There's still room for more! Join Bonnie Fedyski for a trip
through Greek as she directs a chorus of Sweet Adelines that includes YOU! This 10 day trip runs from June 13-23, 2010. For more information go to Harmony Travel or
contact Bonnie Fedyski.
|
THE 10 MOST COMMON PROBLEMS OF SINGERS
by Teresa Radomski, MM, Assistant Professor of Voice and Theatrical Singing at Wake Forest University
|
In dealing with the
physical production of the singing voice, one encounters many
problems, all of which are interrelated, and often
addressed simultaneously. The ten problems listed below are
prevalent in different types of singers, regardless of
training and experience.
1. POOR POSTURE: The efficient alignment of
the body is of primary
importance to voice production. Problems in posture range from
"collapse" of the chest and rib cage, with corresponding
downward "fall" of the head and neck, to the
hyper-extended, "stiff" posture of some singers that results in tension
throughout the entire body. Effective posture evolves
from the kinesthetic awareness, that may be developed through the study of a physical discipline such as Hatha
yoga or Alexander Technique.
2. POOR BREATHING AND
INAPPROPRIATE BREATH SUPPORT: Some beginning voice
students
seem to "gasp" for air,
and exhibit clavicular or shallow breathing patterns.
Trained singers, on the other hand, use primarily
diaphragmatic breath support. The muscles of the lower back and
abdomen are consciously engaged, in conjunction with
lowering of the diaphragm. As the breath stream is utilized
for phonation, there should be little tension in the
larynx itself. Sometimes, in an attempt to increase loudness
(projection), a well-trained singer may over-support or "push"
the airstream. This extra effort may affect vocal
quality by producing undesirable harmonics.
3. HARD GLOTTAL OR
"ASPIRATE" ATTACK: "Attack" or "onset" (a
preferable term for singers) occurs with the initiation of
phonation. Some singers (possibly related to poor speech
habits) use a glottal attack, which is too hard (produced by
to much tension in closure, hyper adduction). Vocal cord
nodules may develop with habitual use of a hard
glottal attack. The opposite problem is the "aspirate" attack,
in which excessive air is released prior to phonation. While
this type of attack rarely damages the vocal cords,
it causes a breathy tone quality. (This technique may,
however, be utilized to help correct a hard glottal attack.)
4. POOR TONE QUALITY: Many terms are commonly used to describe a
singer's tone, and among those familiar to singers are: clear,
rich, resonant, bright, dark, rough, thin, breathy, and nasal.
Although "good tone" is highly subjective, according to
the type of singing and personal preference of the
listener, in general, a tone that is "clear" (without extra
"noise") and "resonant" (abundant in harmonic
partials) is acknowledged as "healthy" and naturally
will have sufficient intensity for projection without
electric amplification.
5. LIMITED PITCH RANGE,
DIFFICULTY IN REGISTER TRANSITION: All singing voices exhibit
an optimal pitch range. Typically,
untrained voices have narrower pitch range than trained
singers, due to lack of "register" development.
The term "register" is used to describe a series of tones
that are produced by similar mechanical gestures of
vocal fold vibration, glottal and pharyngeal shape, and
related air pressure. Some common designations of registers
are the "head" register, "chest" register,
"falsetto." etc. Singing requires
transitions from one register to another; each of these transitions
is a called a "passaggio," Italian for passageway. Lack of
coordination of the laryngeal musculature with the
breath support may result in a "register break," or
obvious shift from one tone quality to another. Untrained male
voices and female "belters" tend to "break" into
falsetto/head voice in the upper range. Regardless of the
style of singing, a "blend," or smooth transition between
the registers is desirable.
6. LACK OF FLEXIBILITY,
AGILITY, EASE OF PRODUCTION, ENDURANCE: Traditional voice training in the 18th-19th century
"bel canto," Italian for "beautiful singing,"
method places emphasis on vocal flexibility or agility --
for example, the singer's ability to execute rapid scales and arpeggios. Virtuosic technique demands excellent aural
conceptual ability, coordination of an abundant airstream
with energetic diaphragmatic support (sometimes
perceived as "pulsations of the epigastrium"), and clear, resonant tone
quality. The use of rapid melodic passages in
vocal training helps to develop a relaxed, yet vital voice
production, that contributes to the development of
increased vocal endurance.
7. POOR ARTICULATION: Pronunciation with excessive tension in the
jaw, lips, palate, etc., adversely affects the tonal
production of the voice. Problems of articulation also occur
when singers carry certain speech habits into singing. The longer duration of
vowel sounds in singing necessitates modification of
pronunciation; the increased "opening" of certain
vowels in the high soprano voice, or elongation of the first
vowel in a diphthong, are examples. Retroflex and velar
consonants (such as the American "r" and "l") need careful
modification to allow sufficient pharyngeal opening for best
resonance, and the overanticipation of nasal consonants ("m,"
"n," "ng") may result in a
"stiff" soft palate and unpleasant tone.
8. LACK OF DISCIPLINE,
COMMITMENT, COMPLIANCE: As any athlete knows,
regular practice is essential for optimal development
and performance. Unfortunately, the need for disciplined
training is not always apparent to singers. Furthermore,
"artistic temperament" may contribute to a lack
of compliance with the advice of teachers on issues of
vocal technical development. When a teacher's advice is
contrary to a singer's own established ideas and work habits, the
singer may tend to overwork, over-perform, or simply
"try too hard" in practice. The singer's practice and
performance regimen must be sensible, productive, and
acceptable to both teacher and student alike.
9. POOR HEALTH, HYGIENE,
VOCAL ABUSE:
Many students ignore common
sense and good vocal hygiene. The physical demands of
singing necessitate optimal health, beginning with
adequate rest, aerobic exercise, a moderate diet (and alcohol
consumption), and absolute avoidance of smoking. College
voice students often test the limits of their vocal
health by overindulgence in "partying," alcohol or
drugs, and by screaming at sporting events. Many singers are
careful with their voices but abuse their voice by
employing poor speaking technique (for example,
Bogart-Bacall Syndrome).
Professional singers who
travel are confronted frequently with changes in their
sleep and eating patterns. (Specifically, singers
should avoid talking excessively on airplanes that are both
noisy and dry). Performing in dry, dusty concert halls,
or singing over the din in smoke filled clubs increases the risk
of vocal fatigue and infection. A minor cold or allergy
can be devastating to a professional singer, who is obliged to perform with swollen (edematous) vocal cords.
Good vocal hygiene, good travel habits, and vigilant
protection of one's instrument (good judgment) is an important
responsibility of every singer.
10. POOR SELF-IMAGE,
LACK OF CONFIDENCE: Although many singers
appear to have "healthy egos" and may display the aggressive
behavior that is known as "prima donna" temperament,
such behavior is a cover-up for anxiety and/or
insecurity. Since the slightest aberration - phlegm, for example - can
result in momentary loss of voice (even in the
greatest of performers!), singers often feel that they are
always in a state of vulnerability. Despite unpredictability
in vocal performance, the singer does gain confidence
through repeated performance and increased self awareness.
Teresa Radomski, MM, is an
accomplished operatic soloist and Assistant Professor of
Voice and Theatrical Singing at Wake Forest University.
In addition, Ms. Radomski is a consultant for the
Center For Voice Disorders. Her column, "A
Singer's Notes" will appear as a regular feature of THE VISIBLE VOICE.
Ed. For more information, visit The Wake Forest
University Baptist Medical Center
web
site.
|
TAKING THE FRIGHT OUT OF STAGE FRIGHT
by Carol Thompson, Region 3 Team Coordinator
|
|
Stage fright is actually very treatable. Many
people suffer in silence, experiencing near panic when the stage lights go up.
But the good news is that stage fright can be overcome.
Follow these tips to
avoid stage fright: -
First,
concentrate on your breathing. To keep your breathing under control, inhale and
exhale fully
with each breath.
-
Keep
in mind that the audience is your biggest ally. They came to see you perform
and want you to do well. Relax and entertain them.
-
Acknowledge
that you'll be anxious, and that that's all right. If you focus on working with your anxiety and
stop fighting it, you'll feel calmer and more in control.
-
When
speaking, concentrate on your material and your audience's reaction; this will
suggest ways to connect with your audience more fully.
-
Use
eye contact to establish a connection with your audience. Sing directly to
them. While this may sound terrifying,
you'll actually feel less apprehension by getting your audience involved.
-
Refuse
to focus on yourself and your fear. Simply take several breaths (and feel your
heart rate slow down), admit your anxiety and then proceed to perform with
confidence and authority.
-
Use
visualization to help you experience the feelings BEFORE you actually perform. The mind cannot tell the difference between
REAL and PERCEIVED. Your body starts to
feel comfortable with the performance even though it has never physically
experienced the stage. Using
visualization to "see" and "feel" the experience will allow you to perform at
your optimum level. Do this many times
and notice the calming effect.
The
competition experience can be one of the most gratifying times of your Sweet
Adeline Experience. You are in
control. Take charge of your emotions
and let them catapult you into the performance of your lifetime. |
ONE DEGREE OF DIFFERENCE
by Carol Thompson, Region 3 Team Coordinator
|
At 211 degrees, water is hot.
At 212 degrees it boils. And with
boiling water; comes steam. And steam
can power a locomotive.
Raising the temperature of water by one extra degree means
the difference between something that is simply very hot and something that
generates enough force to power a machine - a beautiful, uncomplicated metaphor
that ideally should feed our every endeavor - consistently pushing us to make
the extra effort in every task we undertake.
Seemingly small things can make tremendous differences.
So simple is this analogy, that you could quit reading now,
with this thought implanted in your mind, and benefit from it. A simple idea with a singular focus - an
actionable focus. 212 Degrees. It's this dramatic - three numbers joined
together to form one, crystallizing message that absolutely assures
life-altering, positive results for those who choose to apply it.
Much has been written and taught with an approach to
reaching an end by close to effortless means.
Advertisers continually promote methods of achieving end results with
little or no effort. And this material
and message is so effective that in many cases, people will work harder to
avoid the extra effort than to actually apply the effort that will produce the
original desired outcome.
Great materials with solid approaches to results have been
created and taught. Unfortunately,
ACTION on the part of the student in so many cases is the missing ingredient. 212 Degrees is not only a message of action -
it's a message of persistent and additional action - the continual application
of heat (effort) to whatever task or activity you undertake in order to achieve
not only the primary objective you seek, but to reap the exponential rewards
that are possible by applying one extra degree of effort.
There are no real secrets to success. Success in anything has one fundamental
aspect - effort. To achieve exponential
results requires additional effort. Read
books. Take courses. Listen to tapes. But take ACTION and take it with commitment.
Consider these:
Professional
golf tournaments are comprised of four rounds of 18 holes played over a
four day period. The average margin of victory for the last 25 years in
all major tournaments combined was less than three strokes and the winner
took home an average of 76% more in prize dollars than the second place
finisher.
The
margin for victory between an Olympic Gold Medal and no medal is extremely
small. During the 2004 Summer
Olympic Games the margin of victory was:
Men's 200 m
freestyle 1.24
seconds
Women's 200
m freestyle 0.59 seconds
Men's 800 m
(running) 0.71
seconds
Women's 800
m 0.13
seconds
Men's long
jump 28
centimeters
Women's
long jump 11
centimeters
Two of
auto racing's premier events are the Daytona 500 and the Indy 500 in which
each race takes approximately 3 ½ hours to complete. In the last 10 years of combined racing,
the winner took the checkered flag by an average margin of 1.54 seconds
and took home nearly $1.3 M in prize money. Average prize for second place was
$621,321 - a difference of over $650,000 - less than half that of first
place.
How many opportunities have you missed simply because you
were not aware of the possibilities that might occur if you applied a small
amount of additional effort? You now
have a target for everything you do - 212 degrees. It's your life. YOU
are responsible for results. It's time
for us to turn up the heat!
At 211 degrees,
water is hot.
At 212 degrees, it
boils.
And with boiling
water comes steam.
And steam can
power a locomotive.
>From this day forward, commit to operating at 212 degrees in
everything you do. It is guaranteed that
you will increase your results positively and in many cases, increase them
exponentially.
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
