Notes From Dominique | Burstin' with Broadway

Archive for Notes from Dominique

Changing the definition of “talent”

Sometimes I wonder how musical education would change, and how we as a society would change if we stopped accepting the label of “talent” in performing arts, for children and for adults. If we allowed people to grow musically without a concept of where they fit on a scale of talent, and instead teaching them [...]

“I can’t make it to rehearsal tonight, but it’s ok, I know all the notes”

BEING MORE THAN THE SUM OF YOUR PARTS: “I can’t make it to rehearsal tonight, but it’s ok, I know all the notes, it won’t make a difference if I’m not there” Over the years I cannot tell you how many times I have heard this comment from choir members in various choirs, mine and others. [...]

Which came first music or technique?

Burstin’ with Broadway is now in its 7th full season, and when I started the choir I made it non-auditioned because I had the belief that there were a lot of great singers out there who either 1. could not read music, and 2. were too scared to audition. At first some people thought I [...]

He sings O Canada in 5 different keys

I heard this comment recently as part of a conversation which had to do with “I know you believe everyone can sing, but really… my boyfriend sings O’ Canada in 5 different keys”. Have you ever been at a Birthday party, and it begins… “happy birthday to you…” ok that part is fine…. then [...]

I am TONE DEAF

“I am tone deaf. You are non-auditioned, but you don’t understand… I am TONE DEAF! DID YOU HEAR ME? are YOU deaf? I am TONE DEAF!!!!!!” Tone deafness: Definition (from Wikipedia): “Tone deafness is the lack of relative pitch, or the inability to distinguish between musical notes. Being tone deaf is the difficulty of being unable to correctly [...]

The Case for Sondheim as an existentialist – By Alfie Kohn

This article is a good read. Dominique http://www.alfiekohn.org/miscellaneous/sondheim.htm

I am Man hear me roar

Singing is: Invigorating Athletic Fun Interesting Creative So… why is it that more men don’t get out and sing? I see you singing in the car as I drive by, ”I’m Freee….. Freeee falling”…. so maybe you just never had time for music lessons, or maybe your music teacher was boring, (I had a few [...]

I CAN’T sing…. I really CAN’T

I continue to be amazed at the answer I get to this question: ”do you like to sing?”… to which many people reply sheepishly, avoiding eye contact “I CAN’T sing”. Particularly from men. It is rare that someone can answer the question point blank. So in the stifling silence, I then reply ”that was not the [...]

OOoooh la la, you have Perfect Pitch???

We have all heard the words, “Perfect Pitch”, usually this is followed by a reverance of the person we are discussing as having it. “ooh, he has perfect pitch”, “oh really? Wow, he must be a great musician”. As someone with what is called “absolute” or “perfect” pitch, in university I became fascinated with the [...]

What they’re saying…

Regarding the Whistler Retreat-
I just wanted to thank you again for what was a tremendously joyful weekend for me. Making meals together, sharing favorite songs from the past, frantically rehearsing our barbershop number, performing in front of bright lights, gathering inspiration from Mr Emerson, and learning about the origins of BWB - retreat was a collection of noteworthy moments of joy I won't soon forget.

Time, love, talent and sacrifice from so many have built a lovely community of people that I am beyond thrilled to have found. - Steve Gillis-Moore - Bass

Wow! Can’t begin to thank you enough for the wonderful concert at Kay Meek this afternoon. Unlike most folks there, my husband and I had never been to one of your concerts before. And, before we came, I asked my husband if he wanted to invite his brother and wife to come along with us. He said, “Oh, no. This is an amateur group and I’m not sure my brother would enjoy that kind of thing”. Looking back, of course, we SHOULD have invited them – and next time we’ll know. As we watched and listened, the “amateur” in your group transcended into “professional” very quickly.

Congratulations to all involved. We loved the show!
- L. Walker (Audience member)

On Tuesdays evenings, for two hours in North Vancouver, magic happens. 120 people of various ages and diverse backgrounds straggle into a rehearsal space. You can feel the energy begin to build. We leave our cares and worldly baggage at the door and, as we step through, we are transformed. We are now singers - nothing else matters. With Dominique and Caitlin to guide us we will craft, on occasion, a perfect tone, a luscious chord or an elegant phrase. Time stands still. We look at each other in awe at what we have created out of silence, for we have sensed the sublime. We sing, we laugh and we support and care for one another as a family, Who could ask for more from this life? On Tuesday evenings, for two hours in North Vancouver, MAGIC HAPPENS.

-Robin Blues (2nd year Bass)

“I didn’t realize how much I missed having music in my life until I joined Burstin’ with Broadway” Brett – Tenor

"We always have so much fun at rehearsals! Singing and laughter; two of the best things in life!"

- Kathy (choir member)

"Dominique has a particular talent of creating a space for all to feel safe, but most importantly for each of us to find the courage to stretch beyond what we feel may feel to be possible."

- R. Andermatt (choir member)