The Dog Days are Over (Almost)

The final group of kids are gone and summer is slowly drawing to an end. In a few short days I will be heading home to San Diego to soak up some sun at the beach and eat as many burritos as I can. Then its back to the Big Apple. This summer has been extraordinary even though I was a bit skeptical at first. Being dropped off in the middle of no where with no cell service did scare me; I have never been so cut off from the rest of the world for such a long period of time. But after spending two months up in the mountains of Idyllwild I know that this was exactly what I needed. As much as I love Manhattan it can become overwhelming at times. It's stifling being surrounded by concrete 24/7. This past spring I got in such a rut and could not find my creative drive. I spent a lot of time feeling down and doubting myself. When you live in a city where you are just another person trying to "make it" its hard not to get discouraged and lose sight of who you are. Being home and at camp helped me rediscover myself and remember why I love performing.


First of all I have to thank Steve Grey Romande, my vocal coach, mentor, and friend. Without him it would not be possible for me to go out and pursue my dreams. There is nothing I love more than going to his studio and having a lesson. I have learned so many vital things from him not just about singing but about life as well. Every person and voice is unique and you have to believe in and trust yourself. Only you can make it happen. If you are looking for a kick ass vocal coach in San Diego I urge you to check him out.


Secondly I want to thank all of the campers that I got the privilege to work with this summer. How could someone not be inspired by children who can take trash bags and create such masterpieces.

Many of these children are exactly how I was when I was their age. This past session I was talking to one of my girls about recess. She believed that recess was a complete waste of time and would always spend it reading a book. Yep, I definitely did that in elementary school. The talent and passion that these kids have for art will never cease to amaze me. They never once complained when they had to rehearse and could not have free time. In fact during second session many of them said that there was too much free time! My favorite days up here are without a doubt the culmination days when I get to see all of the kids perform. Two performances in particular stick out in my mind. The first one was during the dance performance during first session. For one of the dances the children used the trees as inspiration for their movements. It would be almost impossible to do something like that in a dance class in Manhattan but here the classrooms are outside and surrounded by nature. People travel far and wide and sometimes do crazy things in order to get inspired but none of this is necessary. If we open our eyes and look outside there is enough inspiration to last a lifetime. I love this Roger Rees' quote that I stumbled across a few years ago:

"Now I believe that you can do the best work in the world on a street corner. People always tell you 'you need this and that...' All you need is you. The process is you."

-Roger Rees

The other memorable performance for me was the "Behind the Mask" performance during the second session. I have seen quite a few professional musicals and plays where after two and a half hours I had absolutely no idea what had just happened on the stage. And the actors were speaking and singing!! So of course when I sat down to watch "Behind the Mask" I immediately thought that I would have no idea what would be happening on stage since there would be no dialogue. Instead I was blown away as I watched three girls in masks tell a variety of stories using only their bodies and for one scene their voices. And I completely understood everything that went on in each scene. Watch out New York you have some crazily talented actresses coming your way in 10 years.

Its been a fun summer but I am ready to go home and see my family and friends. But more than anything I am ready to get back to New York and work my butt off (and see Deane of course!) Idyllwild, its been fun. You have given me new friends, memories that I will cherish forever, and a new love of tofu. I will miss you but who knows one day I just may be back.