Date sent: Thu, 6 Jan 2000 10:21:03 EST
Subject: Re: Switching fach... any survivors?
To: vocalist
Send reply to: VOCALIST <vocalist>

In a message dated 1/6/00 8:37:13 AM Central Standard Time,
spradling-at-a-znet.com writes:

<< I'm wondering if there are any fach-switch survivors out there who would
care to talk about their experiences...
>>

I'm still in-process with my fach switch (mezzo to soprano). I have not
worked professionally as a classical singer, so that has not been a problem.
The musical theater people I work for don't really discuss fach beyond the
obvious range factor-- and with training, I'm known for having a little bit
more range than average (for musical theater)--so I've done alto roles as
well as soprano roles.

The thing I'm having trouble with is thinking of myself as a soprano, and
calling myself a soprano.

I even sabotaged an audition for myself-----I sent in a resume for
consideration, but I couldn't bring myself to change the blurb from mezzo to
soprano. Of course, the company had an abundance of mezzos, and needed
sopranos (worse, I knew this). I didn't get an audition. *sigh* I got a
big 'I told you so' from my teacher. I have since changed my resume.

I was talking to a new friend about fach changes (he is a teacher). He went
from baritone to tenor, and said he was thrilled to do so, he had no
problems. I told him I was feeling funny about it--'going from mezzo to
soprano' I said. "Ah, but you're becoming a dramatic soprano-- I've heard
you!" he responded. Well, that made me feel better--to have someone else
come to the same conclusion as my teacher.

I have another friend who, after YEARS of study, went from tenor to baritone
(he was about 35 at the time). He has since gotten more work, and didn't
have to 're-market.'
I think he just changed his resume & started auditioning with arias from his
new fach.

I'll be interested in what others have to say about this too.

Tami
Milwaukee