I have a student, a senior who's earned I-ratings for the last two years at contest, who is asking me if she could take the song "Think of Me" from the musical "Phantom of the Opera." My first reaction is to say "no," but then I think of the songs I've done at contest and other students have done, and I wonder if that would be so bad? So, fellow teachers, if you were in my shoes, what would you say? Thanks for the help!

Noah,

I would refer you to give Alan Greiner a call. I couldn't find anything in last years Spring Bulletin regarding repertoire type, but I didn't spend oodles of time looking. My gut reaction is the same as yours...I wouldn't. We do a "Pop's" show to give the kids this kind of outlet and keep the IHSMA festival strictly to art songs, arias, etc.

Best of luck.

Not appropriate for State Contest. As a judge, I would certainly lower the "Appropriate" category, as well as send you a confidential remark. Don't let them talk you into doing anything less than an Art Song, Lieder, or Air...they'll thank you later.

Is there another venue this senior could perform the song? Perhaps a variety show, community event, or other? That would be a compromise to help keep the peace.

Noah,
I would concur with the two previous responses. I believe quite firmly that we need to reserve contest performances to art song literature (folk songs, arias, lieder etc.). I think Aaron made a good suggestion also in contacting Alan Greiner with you question and get his response. There is nothing in the IHSMA that is helpful in dealing with this issue. Maybe there should be.

This question is indeed a difficult one, and I would tend concur with the previous responses, but perhaps for different reasons. There is nothing inherently wrong with the musical theater genre; at one time, Mozart's "Magic Flute" and other singspiels were considered music for "non-singers." Today's opera companies (and all state choruses, if my memory serves correctly) perform Gilbert and Sullivan, Westside Story, and Merry Widow. Most choral directors embrace music by living composers, so that cannot be the issue either. Perhaps the best distinction comes from Leonard Bernstein's lectures, in which he delineates "exact" and "inexact" music. "Exact" music is performed as it is on the page; "inexact" music offers greater performer freedom.

As a judge listens to high school singers at solo and ensemble festivals, there is a mandate to ascertain if the performed notes, rhythms, phrasing, and dymanics match those printed on the page. Anything less that an exact match leaves students vulnerable to criticism. Most Webber performances stray noticeably from the printed score. Consequently, the student is torn between singing "Think of Me" as it is printed on the page or as it would be sung on the stage. Additionally, the tone quality that amplifies well in the theater is not necessarily what most adjucators are seeking.

As a teacher, I try to give students the maximum opportunity for success. Granted, success at contest is not exclusively determined by a rating, but many students have difficulty with that concept. To allow her to sing the Phantom "aria" would open her to the possibilities of criticism that may not be ideal. Find other venues for the Phantom.