Catherine K. Brown’s Voice Studio

Newsletter, Vol. 1, April 2011

Dear voice students, families, and friends,

Welcome to my first Voice Studio newsletter! As my studio grows and my students grow more accomplished, I have decided to create a newsletter to share happenings with all of you. Enjoy!

Obadiah Ouzts wins second round of Rising Star Talent Search

On March 30, Obadiah Ouzts advanced to the semi-finals of the West Oak Lane Jazz Festival’s Rising Star Talent Search. He performed a high-energy 15-minute set that included Bruno Mars’ “Grenade” and Kelly Clarkson’s “Never Again.”

Obadiah will perform in the semi-finals on June 8 at Relish Restaurant in Philadelphia.

The Talent Search grand prize winner will perform at the 2011 West Oak Lane Jazz and Arts Festival and will receive $5,000. The second and third place finalists will each receive $1,000.

Sound of Music at Forge Theatre features Lexi Gwynn as Marta

Congratulations to Lexi Gwynn, who was recently cast as Marta in Forge Theatre’s upcoming production of The Sound of Music. Over 100 children and teens auditioned for a chance to play the von Trapp children, so the competition was steep!

I attended the adult auditions and have been cast as the warm-hearted nun, Sister Margaretta. I am excited to be making my Forge Theatre debut and sharing the stage with one of my students!

Tickets go on sale on May 3 and are expected to go quickly! To buy, visit forgetheatre.org/tickets.

Barley Sheaf Theatre’s Into the Woods closes after 11 sold-out performances

I was thrilled to be part of a wonderful cast in Barley Sheaf’s recent production of Into the Woods (March-April). The show was well received with 11 of the 12 performances sold out. We even garnered a review in STAGE Magazine, which praised the finale ensembles, describing them as “intricate both rhythmically and melodically, yet the singers pull them both off with panache.”

Although my role as Snow White was quite small, I appreciated the opportunity to sing and dance in one of my favorite musicals. Thanks to my many students who came to see the show!

I am also excited to take on a new role at BSP - as Board Member and Publicity Chair - beginning in September.

New “Basics of Singing” course sells out at Chester County Night School

Over the past few semesters, I have enjoyed t eaching a class at Chester County Night School called “Improving the Speaking Voice for Business Success.” However, this month I’m happy to be returning to my favorite subject: the singing voice. The course, titled “Basics of Singing,” is sold out, and I hope to offer it again in the future.

For information on other CCNS offerings, visit www.chestercountynightschool.org.

Voice Studio Recital scheduled for May 20

Mark your calendars and be sure to practice for the upcoming Voice Studio Recital. As usual, the event will be held at Barley Sheaf Players on a Friday evening: May 20 at 7:00 PM. Friends and family members are welcome to attend!

Download the recital flyer here.