Dear Editor: Audition info—great. Articles such as [the] effects of intubation during surgery and alternative measures—very, very helpful. Most articles very helpful.
—Rosalind Rankus, Cinnaminson, NJ
Dear Editor: Would have entered a potential winner in your teenage auditions at conference if she had only been expected to pay for application fee of $25 and NOT $300 plus for conference! Ridiculous! Decided not to attend myself.
—Name Withheld, Pawtucket, RI
Editor’s note: The convention was $195 (for subscribers) plus $25 for the competition. But it sounds as if you are looking for the type of competition that stands alone. CS lists those every month. Take a look! You are comparing apples and oranges. Nearly 100 percent of the singers who attended felt they got their money’s worth by going to the convention, thanks to the auditions, competitions, wonderful presenters and master class teachers. The CS competition was meant to be just one part of a total weekend experience where singers learned about everything connected to the business. You’re right that $220 to sing in a competition would be ridiculous. $195 for three days of workshops and auditions, plus $25 for a competition, is very reasonable. The teenagers who attended had their eyes really opened to the business of singing. That was the point of the $195, or $220.
Dear Editor: Great magazine! You help me stay afloat and feel like I’m part of a dynamic worldwide community, instead of an isolated nut case. Thank you so very, very much!
—Imelda Franklin, Seattle WA
Dear Editor: There should be more articles concerning the older singer. How about starting a group of older “un-marketable” singers in great vocal and physical shape, who will fight against age discrimination or [fight for] eliminating age limits from competitions and auditions? Please spread the word.
—Name withheld, Cherry Hill, NJ
Editor’s note: The recent Classical Singer Competition in Hartford, Conn. imposed no age limits. Take a look at our winners! I wish you could have heard their beautiful voices. We’re spreading the word. How about starting an opera company right there in Cherry Hill and making a point to hire singers of all age groups? We’ll publicize your auditions for you, free of charge! The singers could split the cost of the pianist, the hall, and publicity—and then split proceeds from ticket sales. Do it and then write us and tell us about it! The best way to fix something that is bothering you is to take action. That’s how this magazine got started. Someone took action because there was a need. You’ve identified a need—now you just need to take action!
Dear Editor: Great publication: always something new, always something for everyone. I am always using it to reference something, either for myself or a student. Even the advertisements are helpful and worth reading. It’s my pleasure to renew!
—Name Withheld, Baltimore, MD
Dear Editor: I love this magazine! Thanks for all your hard work. How about a study on the regional orchestra union? I’m so tired of working with them! We never get through a show! And poor Mozart—it’s cut, cut, cut… Can’t anything be done?
—Name Withheld, Voluntown, CT
Editor’s note: You’ve heard the joke about paying the orchestra by the note? (Rossini mezzos tell that joke while just wishing they got paid by the note!) Maybe we should find a way to do it so that orchestra players will be anxious to play more notes, instead of less.
Dear Editor: Thank you Classical Singer. I appreciate all your articles—would love to receive the magazine online one day instead of a hard copy. Could this be in the future?
—Name Withheld, Spencerville, MD
Editor’s note: The magazine and archives for the last five years are online at www.classicalsinger.com but we don’t have a subscription for online access only. We don’t have any plans for that. Sorry.
Dear Editor: I am so delighted to receive CS in the mail each month. Living in Idaho can sometimes be musically isolating, but I feel more connected to the singing community now. Keep up the intriguing articles and audition announcements. Thank you!
—Elizabeth Ashantiva, Boise, ID
Dear Editor: As a teacher and performer, I find Dr. [Anthony] Jahn’s comments and advice invaluable. I have often found myself referring to his articles when performing in less than describable circumstances. My students have benefited greatly from his knowledge of how allergies, weather and travel can affect the voice. Thank you, Dr. Jahn.
—Mary LeGere, Hoffman Estates, IL
Dear Editor: I find Classical Singer very informative and helpful. I also find inspiration in the stories of others. I am very interested in vocal health and find the information in the magazine very helpful.
—S. Corinne Larsen, Cypress, CA
