By Don McCullen
Can you tell me when you developed a love for singing?
Well, I’ve always enjoyed singing my heart out, even since nursery and our annual nativity. I had the role of ‘Mary’ and was the loudest singer/shouter! However I never actually realized I could sing well until I got the lead role in a Christmas production where I played Snow Robbin in ‘Snow Robin.’ The teachers said that I was noticeably the best singer in my class and then a few years later when I was ten, I decided that I wanted to have singing lessons. So, I started lessons with my current singing teacher and have loved singing and performing ever since!
Who decided that you should take classical voice lessons?
I did. My parents were very supportive of it like everything else I do, but it was purely my decision. My singing teacher started training me classically as she thought that was the best genre for my voice.
What are your thoughts about classical music?
I really enjoy singing classical music. There are some really beautiful pieces! Also, classical singing is very difficult if you sing it properly. It takes a lot of skill and is also very rewarding when learning a new technique which is exciting because you are working your way to improving your talent.
Can you tell me about your teacher Angela Morris Parry?
Angela is an extremely talented singer and has a lot of experience in singing in choirs and touring. She attended the Welsh National College of Music and Drama. As well as teaching privately, Angela also is a singing teacher in local schools. Angela is not only really talented and qualified to teach, but she also is a really genuine and nice person. Now I no longer see her as a teacher but a friend. I am extremely lucky to find someone as good as she is!
You also play flute and piano, can you go into detail about that and why you took them up?
I took up the flute in primary school because all the other girls in my class did it! It was like the cool thing to do and I’m glad. I did it and stuck to it because a lot of my primary school friends no longer have lessons which is a shame. Recently, I have passed my grade 7 in flute with merit and again I have a very nice and skillful teacher who has helped me progress. I also play the flute in my school wind band and orchestra where we do concerts twice a year.
I took up piano two years ago because I found that to get into some music colleges they expect you to be grade 5 standard in piano. I have always wanted to play the piano but only recently found time to fit it in with all my other activities. I’m currently working towards my grade 3, which I hope to do next autumn!
Who are your biggest influences, professionally and personally?
My biggest influence would probably be my Auntie Linda who is also a very good singer. She is part of her local amateur dramatic society and also sings semi-professionally. I’ve watched her perform from an early age and wanted to do what she did – only professionally.
Can you tell me about your CD ‘Bel Canto’ and the recording process?
I recorded my CD in the Millennium Center. It took a full day and I was very tired as I was singing for most of the time. However, it was very enjoyable and really exciting! I had to stand in the middle of a room with a microphone and in front of me was a great piano where my pianist accompanied me. I listened back to the tracks just to confirm they were ok. It was strange listening to myself as I have never actually heard myself properly before. After we recorded all the tracks, I decided what order they would be in on the CD.
It says that you are featured on flute on the track ‘Carrickfergus.’ Was there a bit of recording trickery since you also sing on it as well?
No, not really. We used a process called overlay where basically I play the flute part as one section and then sang the part I was supposed to sing. Then the engineer joined them together.
You are using your CD to help further your education in music. Has there been some kind of trust fund set up for that? And what made you decide that recording an album was the best way in helping to further your musical education?
The main reason was just to do a demo for personal use as well as promotional. However, the money made by selling my CD will be a bonus and put to good use. I have not made any profit as yet to set up a trust fund.
Where do you see yourself in the future?
Definitely in a music career, however, I cannot predict my success as a singer yet. My ambition would be singing in ‘The Singer of the World’ competition based in Cardiff.
Featured in our Fall 2007 Issue.
You can follow Sarah’s career at: sarahgilford.com