One of our own…..Marin was born October 9, 1960 in Rockford Illinois and studied theater and music at Western Michigan University. Her first job was in a musical at a dinner theater here in her hometown of Rockford. She went on to have an illustrious Broadway career with her glorious soprano voice and the ability to breathe life into her roles. She was also a three time Tony nominated performer. She came back to sing with the Rockford symphony in 2005 and 2008. She bravely battled ovarian cancer and continued to perform throughout these last three years. She will be missed deeply but the legacy and hearts she touched will live on.

The links below include more information about Ms Mazzie and the roles she played on Broadway along with a beautiful and touching duet clip with her husband Jason.

She and her husband released “Opposite You” in 2005 and the live album “Marin Mazzie: Make your Own Kind of Music” in 2015.

http://www.rrstar.com/news/20180913/rockford-native-broadway-and-west-end-star-marin-mazzie-dies

http://www.latimes.com/local/obituaries/la-me-obit-marin-mazzie-20180913-story.html

http://www.playbill.com/article/marin-mazzie-star-of-ragtime-and-passion-dies-at-57 (Video clip of Marin and her husband Jason’s duet in this article)

https://www.facebook.com/RockfordSymphony/posts/10160130614593990

https://youtu.be/um2X1b1w_hI beautiful youtube video of her singing “Back to Before”

Give Yourself Permission to take a Breath when you need it.... in Singing and in Life...

(A longer phrase is not always a better phrase...)

"Chichester Psalms"  (sung in Hebrew) was composed by Leonard Bernstein and is a hauntingly beautiful work for chorus, symphony and boy soprano.   This will be performed  April 28th at 7:30 pm in the stunning historic Coronado theater along with other music of Leonard Bernstein.   

More details below

Mendelssohn-chorale-Chichester Psalms

Rush tickets available

Chichester Psalms text is taken from Ps. 108, Ps. 100, Ps. 23, Ps. 2, Ps. 131  and ends with the lovely words  "Behold how good, and how pleasant it is, for brethren to dwell together in unity" from Ps 133 :1

I discovered Tai Chi approximately one year ago and simply love it!   The slow fluid movements coupled with the gentle power of Tai Chi have been invigorating as well as refreshing.  The health benefits are many - from core muscle development, to greater flexibility and general well being.    

As a singer and voice teacher I could not help but notice the many similarities between basic singing principles and Tai Chi.   

• The posture is identical - comfortably tall yet with relaxed joints...including shoulders and knees ....   
• Relaxed diaphragmatic breathing is encouraged although this might not be recognized at the beginning levels.   
• The movement of Tai Chi is sometimes described as the gentle fluid flowing of a river which is quite comparable to the vocal line of singing.   Some might even call it "floating."  
• Core muscle development is a great benefit of Tai Chi which is wonderful for singers breath control and support.  With Tai Chi the body is constantly shifting from one leg to another which strengthens muscles, flexibility and reinforces  balance.   The slower the movements are the more challenging it becomes because of muscle strengthening and control.  The kicks we utilize, based upon our comfort level, are great for cardio exercise and core muscle development.    The movements can of course be done quickly as Tai Chi is considered one of the soft martial arts. 
• Tai Chi and singing both encourage being in the present moment along with general well being. 

I assumed we would learn the Yang Tai Chi form but we also do short Chen along with single and double fan routines.  When our teacher Sue Michelson mentioned we would have the opportunity to learn sword routines I was more than a  little leary - I was sure I wouldn't enjoy that.  I was quite surprised to discover I loved using the swords!   Who would have thought?  

For any local "Rockfordians" our teacher, Sue Michaelsen has and continues to be trained under Master Helen Wu and teaches her family lineage of Tai Chi.      

Here is a link to a short video of  Master Helen Wu on the TV series Highlander, The Raven, season 1, Episode 12 teaching the flying rainbow fan.

I love this quote from William Shakesphere.   I am reminded to be still... and listen... for the beauty which surrounds us on a daily basis - family, friends, God's wonderful creation and more.  The music is all around us!     

"Every Generous act of giving and every perfect gift is from above and comes down from the Father who made the heavenly lights, in who there is no inconsistency or shifting shadow."  James 1:17

This is a test of the blog system. Thank you.