A Song for Everything

And another show is finished. Saturday night saw the closing show of 35mm: A Musical Exhibition, the Fringe show that I have been working on and performing last week. This really was an interesting show and something quite different to what I've done before. The music was an eclectic bunch of styles but also a challenging array of harmonies and tempos, of which I enjoyed pushing myself to get correct. For me personally, I was singing and bouncing all over my range from very low to high so it was a good workout. My role itself was as the Photographer and I got to stroll around the room, picking out cast from their frames so that they could sing/act out the next story. I really enjoyed it actually and the fact that I got to step back and listen occasionally was a nice bonus. My fellow cast mates where a great bunch of people. Yes we were all very different, but together it just worked and I was so proud of all of us. There were funny songs, crazy songs, beautiful and sad songs ...

Teaching singing lessons and vocal coaching was something I only really got into last year. Of course I have dabbled with it over the years, through taking groups, musicals, people asking etc and you can not be around music as much as I am and not share with people. But last year I took a step and took on some students. What had been holding me back was that i don't really play the piano, I can play for myself but for others .....no! 😅 But I realised that I was holding back things I had learnt and could share with people and that was selfish really. The funny thing was when I did step out I really enjoyed it. I like to think of my style of teaching as pretty simple. I want to know that I can do what I am teaching and I can then explain what it is like for me. Which I find does help people understand it and or not feel silly when I suggest something just as silly or do it along with you. Growing up in a performing family I feel there is a lot that I learnt naturally and if not i...

So, my dad turned 60 on the weekend and we put together a party for him. Now originally He didn't want a party and us ladies (his daughters & wife) said it doesn't matter you are getting one so he accepted that. Dad then got to thinking, and realising 1. his family are all performers 2. he knows a lot of performers and 3. it was his birthday so he could do what he wanted He decided he wanted people to sing and perform on the day effectively turning his party into a birthday cabaret.So after writing an extensive list of songs and performers we set out to all make this happen (as he never really says what he wants so this was a real plus 😁 ) What took place was a fabulous afternoon of performing, laughter, good coffee, food and friendship!! Mum sang, the Raymond Sister's sang, Olivia, Lauren and Aaron, Bella (my 4yo niece), Andrew Crispe and I did a few pieces from Big Fish (Dad loves it and helps we do too 😉 and I don't know if there was a dry eye in the p...

If only time would stop!! February already, what happened to January?? So maybe you aren't shocked at how fast this year is going and maybe I shouldn't be either as it seems I have been saying how fast time flies by for years! But anyway I said it again haha!  I gather it is because of the amount of things happening and for that I am grateful. This time of year is usually choc-a-block full especially in Adelaide. IF you are not from here well, here's a couple of things that our city has on in the next month or so Fringe Festival Adelaide Festival Clipsal 500 Womadelaide Masters Games Just to name a few! It is a crazy time of nights out, food & drink, traffic restrictions and people everywhere and for us performers its a great time to perform and attend some fabulous shows. This year I am performing in a different piece of work, 35mm: A Musical Exhibition . Which is part photographic exhibition, part concert that is immersive allowing the audience to explo...

I can't believe I am sitting here already a week after the opening of Emma Knights Productions Oklahoma! on a Farm and we have finished another fabulous season and I've already jumped into rehearsals for the next couple of things. But I wanted to take a moment to again talk about this show and to say how grateful I am to be able to perform like this. This season of Oklahoma was HOT!! in many ways but also "literally" haha!! The temperatures of the weekend were in the high 30's and Saturday was so humid, but the amazing cast, crew and orchestra pushed through it and the performances was fabulous. And thats not just me saying that but the audiences who came were again raving at how good it was and what I find wonderful is they all sat through it, in the heat themselves but did not complain. There is something about being on the farm, if you have never been to Four Oaks Farm in Littlehampton I encourage you to (even better if it's for a show I'm doing...

Its hard to believe I am sitting here on the first of a new year! 2016 has just flown by and now I sit here contemplating a new year and thanking God for the past one. In the last few days, social media has been covered with people saying how bad 2016 was and how it was the worst year for them etc and I understand for some people it has been a tough year for all various reasons and the world has definitely lost its far share of celebrities and influential people but I have to say for me, 2016 has been an amazing year and although there have been challenges and unexpected things happen I have grown and am thankful for them.  I am not the person I was at the beginning of the year! 2016 for me has been filled with opportunities and ways to use my talents. I moved out on my own, i performed 5 musicals, numerous new gigs and performances, I worked on a film, did an advert, continued to build my Mary Kay business, gained a niece and a nephew, juggled the busiest professional...

This is a little late this year as I have been super busy getting ready, singing so much and then popping over to Melbourne to actually have Christmas!  It has been lovely this year to be at Lauren's house. Us Raymond Sisters got to sing together again this year and we were all able to have a family Christmas dinner (prior to the day so Jake & Liv could be back in Adelaide for Christmas). But there is something special when there's little kids involved and remembering tradition, sharing the preparation and finishing a year together.  I hope and pray you have had a special Christmas season. I understand for many that loved ones are missed, memories arise and family feuds are still not resolved but there is always hope in Jesus. And you might think otherwise or not know him but He is the reason for the season and will bring hope, joy, peace & comfort into your life if you ask him :)  Wishing you all a Merry Christmas! Enjoy you day! I want to ...