By: Anne Wilkinson
The soundtracks for musicals such as Xanadu and Grease are so fun and iconic, and they need a good vocal director to teach them. For the past few Nechita productions, that director has been professional musician and vocal teacher Nancy Andeel. She took over as vocal director for the musicals after the tragic passing of our beloved Mr. Vu. While nobody could replace Mr. Vu’s musicianship, Andeel continues his legacy of outstanding musical instruction as she is a highly accomplished musician herself. She has toured around the world with too many different artists to count, and her voice is on numerous recordings. Whether through unique warm ups, breath support competitions, or just taking a break and sharing what we’re grateful for, Andeel has made vocal rehearsals fun and has strengthened our singing for our productions. Since she joined the OLu theatre department only a year ago, an interview with her is a great way to learn more about her as a vocal director. Here are her thoughts on teaching the music to the performers at OLu:
Question: What is your musical background?
Andeel: I am classically trained, but God has allowed me to live in the Contemporary music world (Worship, theater, concert venues, consulting, workshops, teaching) since graduating college.
Q: How does a vocal rehearsal usually go?
A: Rehearsals can be run various ways, depending on what is needed… large group, small group, working through harmonies, soloists, creating specific sounds/tones/character choices, etc. I usually run a rehearsal with group needs first, then focus on individual vocalists.
Q: How do you approach teaching music to a large cast with different experience levels?
A: I find that “jumping with both feet” and just going for it works best. Most of the cast at OLu are musically strong. I find that when we sing next to people who are more experienced or skilled than us, it helps us grow faster. Repetition is key as well.
Q: What is it like teaching music to a bunch of high schoolers?
A: I love working with HS students, particularly at OLu. They are just developing their skills, have great energy, and are willing to put the work in to sound the best they can.
Q: What is the most rewarding part of teaching music to the cast?
A: Watching each cast member gain confidence and believe in themselves. That makes their character come to life and confidence is a life skill that we need for everything.
Q: What would you say to a student who has never been in a musical?
A: Try it! You will connect with people you didn’t realize you had so much in common with, grow in ways you never imagined, and love every second of your experience.
Photo credit: biola.edu
