Sunday, July 4, 2010

A CAPITOL FOURTH: FOUR REHEARSALS











I'm so impressed with the level of excellence I've experienced since being asked to participate in "A Capitol Fourth". I'm especially impressed with the very polite, well-mannered, and delightful David Archuleta. No arrogance or swelled head with this talented young man! I'm also happy I had a chance to meet his mom, Lupe. It's funny. All three of us background singers are old enough to be his mom! My own daughter is 10 years older than David. As old school as I am, it is SO refreshing that, in spite of his notoriety, he demonstrates such respect for his mom. That respect, then, carries over to everyone else he meets. He has been so gracious to all of us. God knows I can't stand, and don't have patience for bratty, smart-mouthed, disrespectful, kids who have been informed of their rights, but not the responsibilities that go along with them. David is a breath of fresh air, and I pray that he doesn't allow the trappings of fame to chip away at the standards that Lupe has clearly set. I can't say it enough. Good home training goes a long way.

There have been four rehearsals. The first was on Thursday afternoon with Jerry Grossman on piano, and Jack Everly, conductor of the NSO. Lori, Vickie, and I met David for the first time. We were given sheet music, and from the moment we all sang together, it was as if we were a musical family. We got suggestions from Mr. Everly concerning the end of the song, and he told David to take all the time he wanted. Of course, I was happy to be singing alto, and couldn't have been more delighted by the blend. It must have worked because David was pleased, too. To me, that's all that matters. 
If you're a background singer, your job is one of support. There's already a leader in place. Push him or her--not with random noise, uncontrolled adlibs or distracting onstage antics--but with the tight, harmonious vocals a song calls for. Being a background singer is a nice way to affirm the voice of someone else, and help make their job easier
I just kept remembering what someone told me a long time ago, "Be prepared, do your best. You are valuable. Don't go in without having done your homework". David's not some whining teeny bopper. He's not a singer one can easily dismiss because of his age, either. It is so apparent that he loves to sing. That's different than loving the sound of one's own voice. I like good singing. No. I ADORE good singing. God knows I'm happy when a singer not only performs a song, but communicates it. I think, by now, I know "heart" when I hear it. David's vocals seemed to get better with each rehearsal. Some people need background vocals to camouflage the fact that they can't really carry a tune. That's not the case with David.

The second rehearsal on Friday morning was at The Kennedy Center, where we were accompanied by the NSO. David's voice and the never disappointing symphony was breathtaking. For such a young man, he has an old soul, and it resonates.
At the same rehearsal, we had an opportunity to hear John Schneider rehearse his script and song. (We agreed it would have been nice to add some BGV's to his smooth rendition of "When The Saints Go Marching In". It's true. Singers like to sing every chance they can get...lol.)

The third rehearsal, yesterday morning (primarily for camera blocking) was at the venue on the Capitol grounds. As we sat in the tent, David came in and we all were goofing around with different vocal warm-ups. Catering provided my favorite Tazo and Bigelow teas, too. 
When the director called for us to come to the stage, again, David knocked his vocals out of the park. He clearly provided a treat for sightseers who happened to be passing by. Applause was coming from all directions. Before we even got home, a delighted, and obviously trembling fan had already posted the rehearsal on youtube. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6TdZ-ZtzhAk

Last night's dress rehearsal was a true dress rehearsal in the sense that this afternoon's performance can't possibly get any better. Old church folk would say that David "felt his help coming on" because he gave a little bit more. It meant something to fans that he was actually there and didn't send a representative. The crowd was especially engaging and responded positively, though --even when "A Capitol Fourth" staffers stood in for headliners who hadn't yet arrived. Again, video of the rehearsal made it to youtube before I could put my key in my front door.

It's been a wonderfully pleasant musical experience all around. I couldn't be more grateful. I've met some incredibly gifted people. Walter Miller, Lang Lang, Reba McIntire's guitarist, James Kimball and of course members of the Choral Society and NSO were friendly and kind. The atmosphere on the west lawn is so lovely. It's been a good day.

Now if I could just borrow Michelle Obama's arms for this evening, it would be perfect.

50 comments:

  1. You are an inspiration girl! And, I am so glad to see how you get David! He is an amazing young man and his voice simply makes you feel. He is truly a gift.

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  2. Thanks for sharing your rehearsal experiences with all of us. David certainly is an amazing person. I'm happy you were able to meet him and his Mom. It sounds like it was a special day for all of you.

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  3. I want to let you know just how much I loved your blog. Many of us admire David for the reasons you've noted, not just for his wonderful voice.
    I wish for you and the other bgv's to enjoy every minute of this surreal experience! (And don't we all wish we had Michelle Obama's arms?;)
    Thanks again!

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  4. Thank you for your nice comments about David Archuleta. I am a HUGE fan of his and have been following his career since AI. I have also had the opportunity to very briefly meet David at a couple VIPs at his concert (which are so much fun). He is truly an inspiring person and has been gifted with an amazing voice and spirit. He is such a nice person and I love his music. I am really looking forward to watching the Capital Fourth tonight on PBS!

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  5. From your eloquent blog, it's obvious you felt what David's fans feel when we listen to him. Thank you so much for sharing your experience.

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  6. Great post! Thanks for sharing all the background preps for this special event. It was interesting to read about.

    I also appreciate your humility in your explanation on what makes a great background singer. I have often listened to the BG singers and marvelled at how talented they are and how often they could very well be the ones up the front singing. Thanks for being humble enough to use your talents to enable others to shine! That's a rare trait nowadays.

    I also appreciate your comments about David Archuleta. I particularly liked how you said... "I can't stand...kids who have been informed of their rights but not the responsibilities that go along with them. David is a breath of fresh air. " That is SO true! Rights and responsibilities go hand in hand. (I am going to teach that one to my children!) David is such a wonderful example of this. It is incredible and rare that he has not used his prestige to exert power over others but continues to use every opportunity to serve and lift instead. He is an example that there is still good in the world and he encourages me to work harder to also be a force for good in my little sphere of influence. I also agree with you that his singing ain't half bad either! ;-)

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  7. David is a special young man/singer and thanks for sharing your rehearsal experiences with us..

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  8. David is a consummate professional and very talented. His fans are delighted that events such as Capitol Fourth are allowing him to get more exposure.

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  9. THANK YOU!!! You are not the first person to be bitten by the David Archuleta bug and will not be the last.

    David Archuleta is truly one of a kind. His voice is HEAVENLY, but increditable as it may seem his heart is even bigger.

    Not only do we LOVE his glorious voice, but his persona and his heart is what makes us LOVE him even more. All you need to do is ask his fans from all walks of life and throughout the World.

    Thank you again and hope that you will continue to listen to his music now that you know of him.

    HAPPY 4TH OF JULY!! Have a great show!!

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  10. Thank you so much for your lovely blog and thoughts of David Archuleta. I've followed this beautiful young man since Season 7/Idol and he has been an inspiration in my life since I first heard him sing "Heaven". How wonderful that you experienced his spirit as well as his "gift" of VOICE. He wrote in his Book, Chords of Strength", he prefers to describe his voice as a "gift" rather than "talent" and I respect that. He's truly a GEM and I'm blessed to be his fan!
    (Signed in as Anonymous - Marylee_DAangel on Twitter)

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  11. Loved reading your re-cap. I so appreciate hearing your point of view - that of a singer. I had never heard the expression, "Old church folk would say that David "felt his help coming on"", but I'm pretty sure I know what you mean.

    One of our die hard Archies posted those videos. The BGVs sound great. Thanks for your contribution to a Capitol Fourth!

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  12. Hi Vanessa!! What beautiful heartfelt thoughts!
    Thank you for taking the time to express them to us! David's fan's come in all ages, , sizes, sexes, and nationalities. David is a truely genuine person with such caring and respect for humanity...everyone. It says alot about you to be able to not only feel...what all of David;s fans have felt, but to take the time to acknowledge this wonderful person...David. He definitely has changed my life...by being such a wonderful example. He does this by just being himself.
    There is no need to preach to others. His actions speak volumes. I am one of his 60 something fans, and I learn something from him each and every day!! If you have not read his book, you are in for another wonderful experience.

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  13. Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts. David Archuleta is a true inspiration and very proud that so many get to hear him sing. Been learning about him for the past two years and he is the "real deal." We are very privileged to be his fans and we love new Archies!!

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  14. "Wake up, Pray, Listen and then..."

    I love this motto! What a great recap you wrote of your day meeting and working with David Archuleta. Thanks for taking the time to share it with us. And I loved the phrase, "felt his help coming on". There is no better way to express how he communicates to us listeners through music.

    I wish I could be a (non-annoying, silent but happy) fly on stage with all of you tonight! Have a wonderful time and a great Fourth of July!

    bluesky

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  15. I love your quote at the top of your post! I'll try to remember that every day.
    So happy you are getting to work with David Archuleta. I've been a fan since his first appearance on American Idol where his voice drew me in, but since then it has been his heart, soul, and personality that have endeared him to my heart. Enjoy today, I'll be looking for you!

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  16. Thank you so much for reaffirming what so many of David's fans already know. He is, without a doubt, the most respectful and honorable young artist on the scene today. I'm old enough to be his grandmother and although I felt a bit weird at first when I found myself a fan of someone so young, David's complete acceptance of his older fans has put me at ease with the phenomenon. He stole a piece of my heart when I first met him right after the Idol Tour and I've never turned back. He is, and always will be, my favorite artist... not only for his excellent vocals, but also for his beautiful persona.

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  17. Beautifully written blog! I hope you (and David) knock it out of the park tonight! Happy 4th! :)

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  18. Thank you so much for the blog. Your praise of David was music to his fans' ears! I had a feeling that you would be the type of artist that would connect with David! You said some truly wonderful things about the type of human being that he is...well, it takes one to know one! You're lovely! PEACE

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  19. Hi Vanessa,
    Thank you so much for this blog! Obviously you are a wonderful singer, but you also have a talent for writing. Thanks for sharing your thoughts on David.

    There seems to be a pattern whenever someone new meets/discovers him. No one can believe how sweet & genuine he is. It's inspiring that there are guys like him out there.

    Thanks again, Happy Fourth, and we can't wait to watch you tonight! Good luck!!

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  20. Vanessa, thank you so much for your wonderful blog. It is so nice to hear people speak about what a humble, kind and genuinely nice person David Archuleta is. It is also great to see that his musical talents are appreciated by people who are in the music business like yourself.

    I have been of fan of David since I first heard him sing on American Idol over two years ago. His voice touches my heart and soul. David is a great talent, but more importantly, he is a beautiful person with a heart of gold.

    Thanks again for sharing your thoughts about David and the rehearsals for the Capitol Fourth celebration. Have a great Fourth of July! I'll be watching tonight on PBS!

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  21. Dear Vanessa,

    Thank you for taking the time to write about your wonderful experience at Capitol 4th, esp your heart-warming account re David Archuleta.

    It is such a joy to read/hear/watch people "get" David. Indeed he is a refreshing find. Doesn't hurt that he could sing -- with only one vocal cord at that! Which makes it more amazing, right?

    Again thank you for sharing. It means a lot to us David fans.

    jackryan4DA aka as D
    an archie from Manila

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  22. Vanessa!!

    Your write up of your experience with David Archuleta is fantastic.

    So many fans are just a big a fan of who David is as a person as much as we are of his amazing vocals!

    It is great to see so many people who meet David for the first time getting wh he is and the joy he has singing as well as his ability to bring life, emotion and a story to every song he sings.

    Watching tonights performance will be exciting but your write up of it will make it that much more special!

    Have an amazing time performing tonight!

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  23. What a great blog. Love hearing how people just "get" David immediately upon meeting him.

    Hope you all have a wonderful time tonight.

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  24. Hi Vanessa! Your post brought tears to my eyes. And your line about Michelle Obama, made me LOL!!

    Thanks for your wonderfully kind words about David! He reeled many of us in on American Idol with his glorious voice. It's the person that he is, though, that has made us even more devoted to him 2 years later!

    Have a great show tonight! I will definitely be watching!

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  25. Vanessa,
    The fans who left messages here are fans of all ages, quite a few adult fans who love David. The way he treats others regardless of any social differences, age, race, ethnicity etc. is well known in his fan community. He is so unrealistically real. He just wrote a New York Times best seller, "Cords of Strength", and those who read his book knew he wrote that book from his heart.

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  26. You all sounded so good in the rehersal. Thank you for the write up. You are also a talented writer.

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  27. Thank You Vanessa for sharing your experiences with us - look forward to hearing the performances tonight!

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  28. Another devoted fan of David's here and I love your blog of this event soooo much! You captured who David is as a person and as a singer beautifully. I always love hearing what musically gifted and knowledgeable folks have to say about David and his voice and you really delivered here!! Thank you for helping him sound his very best at the Capitol 4th and for sharing with everyone.

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  29. Vanessa, I enjoyed reading your blog. If you have a minute give this a listen and a read...The blog owner is LDS but many of the comments and quotes are posted by fans who are not. I'm sending this to you first of all so that you can hear David's "Be Still my Soul" which I know you'll appreciate and too, to share a little of what he means to some of his most devoted fans, enjoy!

    http://mormonarchuletafan.wordpress.com/2010/06/30/davids-gift-be-still-my-soul/

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  30. Oh wow Vanessa, what an amazing review on your entire experience with David. Us fans who have met him and his mom know the special relationship he has with his mom. He is definitely been blessed by God with his talent and has openly said so, and that he sings because of Him and for Him. He is a genuinely nice person. It isn't an act he puts on for the cameras. He has devoted fans who love him and care for him. I'm old enough to be his mom too! Your critique of David's voice is so spot on. Hearing him sing a capella is an extra rare treat. I know how beautifully you sing Vanessa and to hear you praise David and his voice, it's an honor, I'm sure for him and for us fans. Thank you so much!

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  31. One other thing, I like that photo you took of David. Looks like he's giggling at something. LOL

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  32. One other thing Vanessa, is David giggling in that photo you took? Looks like something made him laugh! Ha! Thanks again for your amazing words about David!

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  33. Thanks so much for saying such nice things about David. He really does touch and inspire everyone he meets. I'm so glad you were able to experience what his fans have for the past two years. Welcome to the family!

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  34. Thank you for sharing the background rehearsals with David's fans. He truly is the real deal and I'm a fan for life.

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  35. I love your blog! Thanks so much for giving us a glimpse from your side of the stage! I love your description of old church folk saying "he felt his help coming on" because I believe that completely describes how David sings...he does feel that his voice is a gift from the Lord and he wants to use it wisely with every ounce he can muster. I am old enough to be his mom, too, and he has amazed me with his respect and love for others and his willingness and desire to help others. You are a very talented lady, you were great on the stage. I hope you had a wonderful time!

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  36. Just want to say thank you for your wonderful comments and for taking us along for the 4th of July experience you all had. You might already know this but David gave props to the amazing background singers with him, during an interview he had on TV. He is so kind and gracious just another reason he has so many fans besides that golden voice. He is indeed an old soul I felt that from the moment I saw him on TV and even more when I met him. You are a great writer as well as singer. So glad you were supporting him tonight by singing with him. God Bless!

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  37. God Bless you all! Let's keep David, and all young people in our prayers as they pursue their dreams and make their way in the world. He has made a positive impact on so many people already. It was evident once again, tonight... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xOm-orJdQZA

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  38. Awww, he is always in our prayers. Those of us old enough to be his mom worry about him like a bunch of moms. He is so grounded in his faith and family values. He has so many fans, of all ages, because he makes us want to be better people. He has experienced so much already in his short 19 years of life. You should read his book Chords of Strength. To read the last two chapters will leave you crying! His music gladdens the heart and makes the soul alive! God bless you Vanessa!

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  39. Yes Vanessa, we were pretty much THRILLED with tonight's performance!!

    <333

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  40. Ms. Williams, thank you so much for "getting David". It's so inspiring for us his fans when we do come across intelligent, assertive individuals like yourself who are not afraid to say or give credit to David's beautiful personality and talent. I'm a fan who traveled from Germany to see David in San Antonio on July 11. We so love him!

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  41. I love your article. Thank you for the sweet words you said about David. I have meet him a few times and he never changes. What you see is what you get, an amazing young man with an amazing voice. I have read his book twice (COS) and it is no wonder that it is on the best selling list. He is so inspiring and just a beautiful person. I'm going to his book signing in Las Vegas and I'm so excited. His fans love him so much and so happy for him.

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  42. I can't add to what the commenters above have said about David and your insights and your thoughts about life. But let me say that I LOVED Stand By Me on both the Capitol 3rd and 4th!

    I watched last night's video numerous times already, and one of the highlights to me from the first view was seeing the three of you wonderful ladies beam as David was launching into his glory notes and epic runs at the end of the song. It was like you were his mom or his favorite aunt who was as proud of him as we, his fans, always are.

    Thank you for making our July 4th celebration all the more sweet! God bless you in all the roles you play and in all the peoples whose lives you touch through your gift!

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  43. Vanessa, thanks for bringing us all behind-the-scenes with you!

    What an amazing event & performance. You, Lori & Vickie were a joy to listen to (and David too, lol).

    Thanks again, loved every word (and the great links)!

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  44. Wow! That was a beautiful day! You three women look gorgeous! And the picture of the capitol (white house in background or forefront, whichever) is breathtaking. You sounded astounding! Loved all your tidbits about David. He's a gem!

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  45. Thanks for taking the time to indulge us on your Capitol 4th experience! As a dedicated fan of David, I especially appreciated your insights on how it was to not only perform with him, but how you felt about his relationship with his mom. He truly is an "old soul" and I believe therein lies his appeal to people of all ages/nationalities. If I am correct, I believe that you were really pulling for David to nail the ending of SBM. I often focus on the BGV's during his performances to gauge their responses and I could see your acknowledgement that our guy had done a great job of interpreting and executing the material. Hope to see you at one of David's upcoming shows:))

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  46. WOOO hooo background singers for the win, you all sounded wonderful. thanks for your kind words about David, his new single is fabulous and i can't wait for his next album.

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  47. Thanks for sharing your experience meeting David! You "get" him - welcome to the Archufanclub! You all did a great job supporting David and in true David style he made sure to acknowledge all of you and the band - he's one in a million!

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  48. Thank you so much for the beautiful right-on blog on David Archuleta. You and so many others who watched the Capitol 4th have been Archulized! He's a GEM in today's world!

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  49. Hi Vanessa! Thank you so much for sharing your ideas and for this blog! I enjoy reading your posts and all of the nice and wonderful things that you have to say about David Archuleta. He really is so kind and humble and an incredible person! And I'm happy for you that you had this opportunity to be a background vocalist for him! Thanks again for sharing your thoughts! :)

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  50. I've read and re-read your blog about David because you expressed so wonderfully what a truly remarkable young person he is. I think that anyone who has the pleasure of meeting him and hearing him sing is experiencing something special. The fact that got sing back-up for him is a dream to me! Thank you so much for sharing. It is not often enough that an artist, such as him, gets the proper recognition for being a genuinely good person, not to mention the brilliant vocal skills he owns; all pure and natural!

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