Seasons

I tell my grown children (if you didn't know, I have five of my own plus all of yours!) that they should be thankful that they get to move on in their lives. I'm eternally stuck in high school! But if I didn't love it, I wouldn't be here. Which brings me to the title of this blog: seasons. In my job, seasons are defined a little differently than fall, winter, spring, summer. They pass without fail in the following way: All-State/Musical (or Variety Show) season, Christmas concert season, Pops Concert season, Contest season, Awards concert season. And that's just the high school. Of course, we have been working on Christmas music for 2 weeks now. It tends to sneak up on us. The mixed ensemble is getting ready to go out into the community to spread Christmas cheer. If you have an event for which you need Christmas music, let me know! All I ask is that you give me at least 2 weeks' notice (preferably more). At other times of the year, we need more lead time. But we are already preparing for a Care Center gig on December 19 so we should be ready by the 10th or so to help you out.
On another topic, let's talk about leaving comments on this or any blog. There are only 2 ways that I know people are reading this blog to get all of this essential information:) 1- you tell me in person (thanks, Diana). 2- you leave a comment on the blog. It's really easy and here are the step by step instructions. If you want to post a comment to my blog, (it’s always great to know that someone is reading my blog!) all you need to do is go to www.google.com and create an account. You will use this account information to reply to my blog after you click on the word "comment" at the bottom of the entry you want to reply to. It will then ask you to log in. You'll have to remember your log in information! Good luck!

Looking forward to comments from readers,
Mrs. Nichols

Kelsey & Colton's All-State Adventure

Hello everybody! Right now Colton and I are in Ames at the 2007 Iowa All-State Festival, and we are having a blast! This is the first time that me or Colton have participated in the All-State experience and so far it's been amazing. I personally have never done anything like it. There are 603 of the finest singers in Iowa all singing in the same place at the same time and it's just...wonderful! : The volume of the voices and the extreme talent of every individual is stunning and today during rehearsal I had to just sit down and say, "wow!"...haha... Me and Colton both are meeting tons of new people and starting new friendships. When we're not rehearsing we have to find things to do and one of the things we discovered was the 'Photo Booth' on Mrs. N's computer (explains the picture) :)... but just thought I'd tell everybody that we're having a good time here in Ames.

Opus Concert a Success

Success can be described in many ways. But I think you would have to say that this year's Opus Honor Choir Festival was a success in every way. First of all, you have four eager and talented students who are eager to learn and grow musically. Second of all, you have three gifted guest directors who love kids and are eager to share their musical wisdom. Thirdly, there are the supportive parents who provide transportation, money, and their presence (even when they don't feel well) to encourage these budding musicians. We can't forget the 716 other students from around the state who made up the rest of the four 180 member choirs. Add the teachers who lovingly prepared them and the packed house audience and you have the makings for a memory-making experience.
I haven't had the time to REALLY talk to the participants from yesterday: Alyssa, Daniel, Makaye, and Jenna because I'm still in Ames with the All-State students. I can't wait to hear what they have to say. I have three highlights of my own to share, however. For my thoughts to make sense to you, you will need to know that I happen to be the Chairman for this year's 7/8 grade girls choir. Thought #1: Students enjoy and NEED to be a part of something bigger than themselves. When they are, it changes them for the better. I had a student tell me during the day that "this has been one of the best experiences of my life." Sigh. Thought #2: Some musical treasures can be gifts from God. During the 7/8 grade concert I was moved to tears at the mature and lovely heart-touching emotion that the choir poured into their song "Heart, We Will Forget Him." Simply beautiful. Thought #3: It's so cool when you are appreciated for all your hard work. All four choirs received standing ovations from a packed CY Stephens Auditorium crowd and the sincere thanks of their directors. I received a heartfelt thank you from a parent that I did not know for making this experience possible for his daughter. What a gift! OPUS 2007-What a wonderful memory!!

We did it!

I'm always surprised and I shouldn't be. You would think that, after 15 years of doing this in one form or another, I would never be surprised by the fact that the show comes together even if I think it will be a flop. As I mentioned in the previous entry, these variety shows are a different animal. It must be the control factor. I thrive on it, love it, and need it. So when I have to give some of it up to a group of 32 teenagers, I have to do a lot of deep-breath-taking and gulping before I say confidently "ok, we'll try it." When DJ patiently explains FOUR DAYS BEFORE THE SHOW that the Wild Boyz would like to find a new song. Gulp. When the beef jerky commercial needs what kind of costume?? Swallow. When Cassidy is sure that the blue wig will be "poifect" for her judge character. Sigh. When Brett is positive that he can dance the Cuban Pete number "just like Jim Carrey". OK. When Riley needs his Ray Charles karaoke transposed how far up?? No Problem.

I'm so proud of this group of kids. They were all there- 100 %- doing what they had created with no apologies or regrets. WAY TO GO! And THANKS to all who helped in any way- especially those not in band or vocal who helped us just because we asked. Bailey and Erin- nice job.

And thanks to two of the best co-directors I could have!

Mrs. Nichols

CAM does indeed have talent!

Some random musings about variety show production.....
1. I always wonder if we will really have a show. I know we have talented students.
But will the show flow? will people laugh? will the voices be heard? will they be understood? Will the costumes enhance the performance or detract from it? Will the technology work? Will they remember their entrances and their props? Will our support crew think it's important enough to volunteer their time? Will the inevitable short tempers and personality conflicts divide the cast?

2. Sometime in the last week before the show we always turn a corner and I know without a doubt that we will have an entertaining show. This year it was Tuesday. Anyone who saw
us last week would have wondered what we were selling tickets for! Ask Chad, the janitor.
He has suffered through the whole process with us and never said a discouraging word.

3. Musicals are easier. There is a script, written out songs, a plot and set suggestions.
At first, I created the variety show idea as a break from the tried and true Broadway productions of the past because I thought it would be easier. I was wrong. Giving up control of
the production to a group of high school students is scary. But it is also incredibly rewarding.
CAM'S GOT TALENT was created by the students that are performing it, start to finish. The songs are not original, but the ideas are.

4. You will enjoy it even if you don't know anyone in it! Come and watch some of the best
high school talent you'll see anywhere. You won't be sorry.

5. And thank you for giving me such great kids to work with!

Mrs. Nichols

Defining All-State Success

On October 21, seven hard working potential All-State singers traveled to Atlantic to audition for the All-State Chorus. Two were chosen, along with one alternate. Congratulations to Kelsey, Colton, and Riley, our alternate.
Some may ask why I put so much time and energy into preparing students for these brutal auditions when there is so much competition. These are my thoughts. My goal for each student that enters my program is that I can help them to reach their musical potential, whatever that is.
Maybe they simply need to learn to sing on pitch. Maybe they want to learn to excel at singing on a stage. Maybe they want to sing in a college choir someday. My job is to identify their strengths, assess their potential, and push them to excel! Preparing for All-State is all part of that process. For some, it will be remembered as a huge success of their high school years. For others, they will fondly remember the preparation process: learning college-level pieces with like-minded musicians. They will know the feeling of accomplishment that comes with working hard and being well-prepared. But they may never know what it is like to sing in the All-State choir. This does NOT make them a bad singer! This just makes them a student who is striving for excellence in music, going down the road to reaching his/her potential as a high school musician. I am so proud of ALL the students that auditioned for All-State last Saturday. Their time, their commitment, their love of music, their hard work has paid off because they have grown. My hats go off to: Makaye, Lucas, Jenna, and Cassidy in addition to the ones that were chosen. Well done.

CAM'S GOT TALENT!

Yes, CAM'S GOT TALENT! The Soup Supper Coronation performance proved that and now we are rolling into Variety Show preparation.
I have to admit, it's great to have Homecoming behind us for several reasons. GO COUGARS!
What a great game.
Ok, back to the variety show. Does anyone out there have a video recording of any episode of America's Got Talent from last summer? or even part of one?? This would be very helpful to us if you do. Please contact me at the school if you can help out with this.
I can't let out all of the secrets, but you'll be excited to know that one of the favorite acts from past variety shows will be making a return appearance this year! AND......let's just say I'm looking for a lion costume, a sasquatch costume, and a Samba shirt! We also have three judges and a buzzer, a wild and crazy host, and a line up of acts that will keep you entertained and laughing.
Tickets will be available soon at the four school buildings. Don't miss it!

Mrs. Nichols

Variety Show Beginnings

Here is an idea of where we will be starting when we begin to create the Variety Show.
It would help if you want to do some research at the AGT website: http://www.nbc.com/Americas_Got_Talent/
Come with ideas on the first day of class!!
If you want to see this graphic organizer a little larger, hold down the control button and use 2 fingers on the mouse to zoom in.
Mrs. Nichols

Men's Ensemble to Ames

The CAM High School Men's Ensemble traveled to ISU at Ames on May 8 to perform at the Iowa Choral Director's Outstanding Performance Recital. The day was beautiful and the singing was great! Other than the fact that Mrs. Nichols had a slight handicap caused by a hot mower radiator, the performances were top notch. Thatcher (who also received an Outstanding Performance Award) performed his solos to a very appreciative crowd in the Choir Room, while the Men's Ensemble sang in the Music Hall Auditorium. We enjoyed hearing other top performers from all over the state. We also enjoyed dining at Hickory Park, where the young men ordered dessert first! A big thank you goes to the parents who came to support us, and the ones who couldn't come but sent their good wishes! I also really appreciate Dave and Annette Kruse, who answered my frantic plea for drivers Monday night after the mower incident. You guys are great!

I was very proud of our group on Tuesday. They represented our school very well and should be congratulated when you see them! I hope to see you at the Awards Concert on May 17!

Mrs. Nichols

Successful Day at Contest

CAM Vocal Music students had a great day in Manning last Saturday at State Solo and Ensemble Contest. After three months of dedicated work, the students were rewarded for their efforts by receiving eleven Division One ratings, seven Division Two ratings, and one Division Three rating. Pictured above is the Chamber Choir, which received a Division One rating. (not present for picture- Haley McMartin).
Some information about the guidelines given to the judges might be helpful for you to understand these ratings. Judges are instructed to give 25-40% Division One ratings, which are outstanding in every detail. They are expected to give 40-55% Division Two ratings, which are defined as excellent performances with minor defects. Division Three (10-25%) ratings are good performances which lack finesse, interpretation, or other essential qualities necessary for a higher rating. It is also interesting to consider the fact that all of my students are required to participate in contest. They can choose how many events to enter, but everyone participates. I don't just choose my best students to go to contest, as most schools do. We have very talented students and we work very hard!
That being said, I want to make sure that you understand that I would have been happy with our day on Saturday even if the judges had not been as appreciative. The students have worked very hard, grown musically, learned about singing as an ensemble and about striving for excellence in their musical performances. My goals for contest for them are that they are as prepared as they can be, that they grow, and that they do their best. I was proud of them in all of these areas.
Since I began teaching in 1993, I have received only two "Best of Center" awards.....until this year! Each judge is allowed to choose the best performance they heard all day in their center. We were honored to receive two of these awards: Thatcher Hilyard for his solo; and the Men's Ensemble. These men will be invited to go to ISU in Ames on May 8 for the Outstanding Performance Recital. It will be a fun day of traveling, performing, and eating at Hickory Park! The recital is an informal, come and go affair where all of the "Best of Center" award winners will be performing. We can listen to several events, but no one is expected to listen to everyone, as the program will last all day. More information will be coming about the schedule, and parents are invited to attend if they want to.
I also want to mention another honor that has been less publicized. Receiving a perfect score at contest happens rarely. It is also rare that someone receives a perfect score and is NOT selected as the "Best of Center." Haley McMartin was awarded a perfect score for her performance of "American Lullaby" and "Habanera" from Carmen. Good work, Haley!!
Thank you so much to the parents and friends who followed us around at contest! It was great to have a fan club and to see familiar faces when we performed. It was also good to have extra people to point the way when I got disoriented, hold music when I was overloaded, and pick up ballots for me when I needed to be on the road to see my son perform in West Omaha!!
(I made it, by the way. Thanks, Dianna!!) Thanks also to Annette Kruse, who does such a wonderful job of accompanying the Chamber choir for us. We are going to miss her next year!
We switched gears quickly yesterday and started learning choreography for our Awards Concert on May 17. Thanks to all the kids who worked hard dancing last night until 9:00! And many thanks to Paige Dinkla for designing the choreography and teaching it to us!
The Awards concert will feature selections from the following musicals: "Wicked", "Phantom of the Opera", and "High School Musical". See you there!

Welcome to the CAM Vocal blog!

Hello music fans, parents, students, and whoever else finds us here. This will blog will hopefully evolve into an interactive place where information can be dispersed and questions can be answered. In the future, I hope to post pictures, video clips, calendar items, etc. For right now, I am simply providing a forum for communication. So let me know you are out there and let's talk!
Mrs. Nichols