Modern Singer Book Club: September
Our book club is called to order once again! With a newfound amount of free time, 2020 is the year to read more books. We've cultivated a list of books in three categories: For Thought— books that have been turned into operas, For Growth— books about music and the industry, and For Learning— books to learn something outside of the music industry. We have also added a new category to book club: For the Betterment of Humanity— books that are relevant to growing our knowledge of the people around us. This month we're focusing on preparing for when auditions pick up again, even if they are online. Whether you're a student getting back to class or a teacher excited to spark new ideas with your students, dive in and learn something new. If you're looking to shop these books and support BIPOC-owned small businesses, click here. Looking to support local bookstores online? Click here.
For the Betterment of Humanity
Teaching, Affirming, and Recognizing Trans and Gender Creative Youth by S. J. Miller
For teachers and students alike, there are not many literary resources when it comes to the LGBTQIA+ community in the classroom. This book draws upon a queer literacy framework to map out examples for teaching literacy across pre-K-12 schooling. To date, there are no comprehensive Pre-K-12 texts for literacy teacher educators and theorists to use to show successful models of how practicing classroom teachers affirm differential (a)gender bodied realities across curriculum and schooling practices. This book aims to highlight how these simple acts of awareness can be made readily conscious to teachers as a reminder that gender normativity has established violent and unstable social and educational climates for the millennial generation of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, (a)gender/(a)sexual, gender creative, and questioning youth.
For Thought
The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett
Whether you're doing character study for Nolan Gasser's operatic interpretation or delving into musical theatre with Marsha Norman, this classic is a must-read for performers of all ages. Initially published in serial format starting in the autumn of 1910, The Secret Garden was first published in its entirety in 1911. It is now considered a classic of English children's literature. Dive into this rich story about a young girl who moves to England after surviving an epidemic in India only to find happiness where she ends up, heal her soul from the tremendous strain, and find the magic in everyday life.
For Growth
Monologues They’ll Remember You By by Andrew Biss
Many auditions nowadays require a monologue. Although this book does not include the context for each monologue, it is a great first step towards finding your next audition piece. If you're still struggling to pin something down that represents who you are as an actor, start by reading more plays. Looking for a monologue isn't the same as looking to fill your aria package. While our binders might be filled with music based off of what others view us as, a monologue can really show the audition panel who we see ourselves as. Reading more plays gives you a wider knowledge of what you're looking for in a show, character, and more. For multiple lists of plays, from classics to contemporary to those written by authors of color and more, check out Actor Aesthetic by Maggie Bera and Backstage.
For Learning
Make Your Place: Affordable, Sustainable Nesting Skills by Raleigh Briggs
As singers, moving from one place to another on a regular basis is inevitable. Make any space feel like home with these easy and eco-friendly tips. Raleigh Briggs collects her articles, illustrations, and thoughts about organic cleaning solvents as well as garden setups, what exactly makes a great DIY household, and so much more. It's full of simple skills that anyone can and should learn. From concocting all-natural cleaners and body products to gardening basics, this book is great for anyone looking to live more simply, create a comfortable nest, and truly do it yourself.
