Blood Brothers day two vocal.

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Hey it’s Kiley giving you an update.

So today I couldn’t hit a C, but I could hit a high F.I haven’t truly sang in awhile, so the break in my voice is ridiculous. Confused? Ok, I will break it down for you. A singer has a chest voice (low singing range) and a head voice (high notes from C to F usually), but in-between a singers range is their break. This is a weak part of their voice they must smooth out.

So this is my vocal obstacle at present. Hopefully since I am taking a music class that offers vocal coaching I will fix that issue. Another constant battle with a singer is breathing . If you don’t sing you are thinking um..isn’t that automatic? No, a lot of singers tend to sing from their throat and you can hear a significant sound of tension in their voice. This is why it’s important to sing by using your diaphragm. So I am trying to make personal voice goals, so I can truly be the best that I’m capable of.

 

 

 

“It takes courage to grow up and become who you really are.”

— e.e. cummings

Day one: The read through

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So last night was a mark to the start of our show: Blood Brothers. The rehearsal started like any typical new club or group coming together on a common objective and interest by going around and introducing oneself. Its important to know every person in the cast and their role in the show.  Every actor must break the ice with one another and form bonds throughout the process of getting a show together. I know the majority of the cast, so I felt pretty comfortable.I kept a positive attitude and tried to not get discouraged due to rough notes or lines.

The read through was rather interesting. Some small parts were not casted: therefore we went with the flow and substituted parts as we went along. At times I read Mrs. Lyon’s while Emily (double casted as Mrs. Johnstone) read Mrs. Johnstone’s  lines. I felt by reading these lines I got a better understanding of my characters relationship with Mrs. Lyons. In general full read throughs-including music are important to every cast member. This is where the overall theme is projected: think would you read only parts of a book?  If so you would miss the underlining themes, this is why a read through is necessary.

Our director, MaryAnne Arena, said it was important to research some of the themes. How genetics and environment plays a role in how a child is brought up shown in twin studies and how economic status and mental illness (in the family) plays a role  in someones life. I have taken a psychology and sociology class, so I have a relative understanding of these topics and the controversial arguments on both sides.  We as a cast has a lot to do, but it’s part of the process. I am excited to start acting, dancing, and singing on stage. We made made up a schedule from now until February. Due to In The Blood opening in February we do not have as much time as we normally do, so we must work extra hard and overcome this obstacle.  Overall this first day was the start of something and with hard work this will be the start of something great.

On a separate subject: transferring. I just found out I got into Canisius College and Medaille. I am realy excited to find out from the other three colleges I applied to. It seems that every thing is coming up roses and I hope it’s here to stay.

 

-Kiley-

 

“Tell everyone what you want to do and someone will want to
help you do it.”

— W. Clement Stone

 

 

 

At a glance.

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Hey, it’s Kiley!

It’s a brand new start with the new year and many students carry an air of energy and excitement. This is my last semester here at GCC and I plan to end with a bang. This semester I am taking six classes, but my most difficult class will be statistics. I had my first acting class (acting 101)  today and I have to say the days are looking brighter. I hope to improve and “tune up” my acting skills in time for Blood Brothers in the spring! (April 7,8,9, and 10th)

Let me tell you, songs are 100% easier to memorize then lines. Rehearsing and motivating myself to rehearse over break without a cast has been an ongoing struggle at times. I have learned my lines several different ways. I have done the typical repeat,repeat, repeat and have wrote my lines down. Everyone has a different learning style, but that has worked for me.Today is the first read-through and I am excited and a bit nervous.

 

 

 

 

 

 

“Good judgment comes from experience, and experience comes from bad judgment.”  —Barry LePartner

The Big Guns

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Hey it’s Kiley!

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My brothers girlfriend, Miranda, came to visit my family after Christmas.The last time I saw her was during the summer in Milwaukee, so her visit was a pleasant surprise. We went to dinner at a new rival restaurant in good ole’ Geneva. I just had to take a picture of the adorable heart-shaped dinners we received. Before I headed back to Batavia we had tea at the new local coffee  joint. I saw some friends before my trip back. Scooter, who goes to school at SUNY Fredonia for a B.F.A in Musical Theatre was a person I really needed to see. He thoughtfully gave me a book about eye make-up looks and we talked about the musicals we must prepare for in the spring. He gave me some great tips for dialect and memorizing all my lines: which is an intimidating amount. He is currently in London for his J-term. This brings me to another subject: travel. I can’t wait to go to Purto Rico and indulge in it’s culture. I love to wrap myself in something unfamiliar. I first must tackle my last semester of GCC and Blood Brothers. I will keep you updated on my struggles and progress in later posts.

“Then give to the world the best you have, and the best will
come back to you.”

— Madeline Bridges

Family Holiday Escapades!

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Hey it’s Kiley sharing fond memories of her holiday. On Christmas Eve, my father allowed me to open one present and I was happy to receive a book by my favorite author,  Augusten Burroughs. (You Better Not Cry: Stories for Christmas) A true mix of inspirational, confessional, and wacky Christmas stories. I finished it by Christmas day, a short read. The Conklin family met at my grams at 2, where she would make her famous lasagna. There is something comforting about traditional holiday food. It’s something that warms the heart. My brother came all the way from Wisconsin for the holidays. Maria made a succulent coconut flan and sweet rice, which I indulged most of my time home. We ate-discussed the world and then went to my sister, Vanessa’s at six. This is where we would visit, open presents, and eat once again. Holidays can sure bring out the “id” or gluttony in people. The true spirit of Christmas is simply being with the people you love and appreciating the good times the year has bestowed upon you.  Christmas is that one time of the year everyone slows down and enjoys life.In memory of my grandfather I gave my grams and father lottery tickets. Every year my gramps would get us all lottery tickets because back in the day he won the lottery.I feel  that tradition is important and it’s a memory I would like to keep alive. My Christmas ended with a bang with a friendly game of Janga.I hope all who are reading this enjoyed their holidays.

“The self is not something ready-made, but something in
continuous formation through choice of action.”

— John Dewey

Peace and Love

Kiley

The visit.

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Today I saw my cousin, her husband, and her two mouth old. I love holiday visits. There’s a special magic in the air during the Christmas season. This special baby is named Mark and he is a little cutie. I love the excitement children bring to Christmas. It makes the hustle and bustle worth it in the end.In modern society it feels like the meaning of Christmas is lost due to materialistic ideals. People feel gifts can buy affection or show love. Christmas is about celebrating,being with the people you care about, worshiping, and eating scrumptious food. Do you have any holiday traditions? Please feel free to share. People have the power to choose who they celebrate with and this is a beautiful thing. Don’t waste time with people who don’t appreciate you or give negative energy to the Holiday Season. I’m currently reading a great book my father let me open for Christmas early called: You Better Not Cry by Augusten Burroughs. It’s a memoir and a collection of personal Christmas stories, good and bad. I feel that everyone can relate to this book during the holiday season.

 

 

 

 

Peace and love to all who are reading this-

 

 

 

 

 

 

Kind words of wisdom: Don’t take pride in taking. Give and you will be given virtues.

Girls just want to have fun.

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Hey it’s Kiley giving you the scoop on my latest adventure.

So last week I had a two day lavish vacation at The Giacomo! It was great to kick back and relax after a stressful semester. The single cup coffee maker in the room was wonderful. If you need a new coffee maker I suggest it! I had dinner at the Chu’s Dinning Lounge in Niagara, which was absolutely delicious. Between us we shared a crispy delectable spring roll, mushrooms and fried rice,spicy pork shanghai noodles, and Mongolian beef. Usually when going to a new restaurant and ordering new dishes there’s dishes that don’t fit your fancy:Not at this restaurant. There was no hit or miss all delicious. If your in the Niagara Fall’s area stop by.A special surprise each night of freshly baked m@m cookies anyone with a sweet tooth would be satisfied.

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CHU\’S DINING LOUNGE

Don’t forget: Goodness should become human nature, because it is real in nature.-Kiley

Transformation.

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Hey it’s Kiley giving advice and suggesting  leisure activities!

The semester is finally over and the grades are in!

I took six classes this semester and my goal for next semester is to procrastinate less.  Sometimes I felt a mix of being overwhelmed and this fueled anxiety due to my structured procrastination. I would mix my priorities up and do everything, but my important tasks. Large tasks should be broken down, instead of being taken on all at once. I received three A’s a B and two C’s. This was a tough semester and I feel that the shift in my grades were due to a mix of burn-out due to four summer classes and procrastination. My overall average went from a 3.57 to a 3.44. This effects my ability be in the Honors Program another semester and PTK. This may also effect certain competitive scholarships for  next fall. I am disappointed in myself, but I will learn from my mistakes.These  obstacles do not make me any weaker of a person. I will rise above and achieve success for next semester.  Life does not always go as planed and sometimes people have to roll with the punches of life. I am my biggest critic at times, but am proud of the accomplishments I have made this semester.  Though perfection is ideal it is almost impossible to execute.

 

Must see movies and TV Shows:

Black Swan- disturbingly beautiful

Snatch

Iron Man 2

ROME-HBO show

Bored to Death-HBO show

 

Local Restaurants-

Red Coach Inn-A bit pricey, but overall delish. The bread was stale, but it came with 3 different dipping (butter, strawberry butter, and vinaigrette oil) I had a succulent scallop bisque and pecan sauced salmon. The veggies on the side were frozen, this was a turn off.The potatoes were crisped with a satisfying crunch.  I enjoyed red velvet cake, the presentation was beautiful.

Froghair-A very interesting concept for a restaurant. The atmosphere was a modern mix of virtual golf, sports TVs, and a antique romantic feel. Instead of bread this place offered pretzel sticks with mustard. This sets this restaurant apart from the majority of restaurants serving bread.I had the signature lobster bisque, truly divine. I do not normally eat burgers, but I had to try the Kobe beef burger with truffle french fries and dill mashed potatoes. Kobe beef cows are meat from  pampered cows in Japan. I prefer to eat that rather then the cheaper burger-full of hormones. I had a well done burger and it was  by far was the best burger I have ever had. I recommend this restaurant!!!!

 

The Froghair

 

Happy Holiday’s!

Encore2010!

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December 15 2010

This elegant evening was held  here at GCC! This event was hosted by the Genesee Community College scholarship foundation. I had the opportunity to represent Student Government as a senator.If interested in joining please feel free to stop by the SGA office located in the Student Union.The start of the next semester of SGA will begin  a recycling effort around the campus. If you are a supporter of being green please feel free to join our cause and share your ideas!  I was happy to see that GCC  theatre students volunteering for this exquisite event, full of enthusiasm and sophistication. The night began with a cheese and wine tasting. Guests were welcomed by the GCC family with open arms. AVI food service served a scrumptious meal. It was a serve yourself style with a variety of food that any food pallet would enjoy. The employees were very prompt and professional. The Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra performed a mix of holiday selections. The audience members were filled with the holiday spirit by this beautiful music. Emily Hellenbrook ,a 16 year old “vocal prodigy” , gave a great performance on several songs. Viewing performances always inspires me to dream big and create my own versions of artistic expression. Holiday performances keep the magic and spirit of the season alive! Art promotes critical thinking skills and  creates change in our society.

Encore Photos

 

“What I am looking for is not out there, it is in me.”

— Helen Keller

Blood Brothers!

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Mrs. Johnstone

Mrs. Johnstone

Hey its Kiley here to share some great news!

I decided to try out for this years musical and I got  double casted as Mrs. Johnstone with Emily Jones. In my hometown, every summer we would have summer musicals and Emily did four shows with me.  I was not only surprised I got this lead role, but full of excitement. I can’t believe I considered not trying out!  I would like to do a series about the process and development of a typical musical. This will educate some curious folks about why people choose to experience trials and tribulations for  three days of performances. People that don’t perform do not understand the memories and personal growth that takes part during a show. From start to finish I will share my personal experience.

Auditioning can show a beautiful vulnerability in people. This is due to taking a risk and not knowing the outcome. In the audition I noticed a passion in myself that I had not seen in myself in a great while. I think everyone needs an outlet of self expression to channel energy and create something that is bigger then yourself. Theartre expresses a bigger message about society. It questions and lets actors and viewers to do the same.

I encourage all of you to follow your dreams and take a risk. Don’t waste time, doing something that makes you miserable. Spend your time in something that matters to you.