Rehearsal and voice lesson quotes compiled by Debra’s students – also quotes found penciled in the margins of choir music returned at the end of the semester.

  • Rational thinking? Not so much. Creative thinking? We’ve got this!
  • Perspective changes everything.
  • Blunder boldly!
  • Why choose to sound like a dying moose if you don’t have to?
  • Listen like an archeologist searching for artifacts. What can you find beneath the surface?
  • The problem is rarely the high note. It’s the approach that needs fixing.
  • Tenors are the Evel Knievels of the singer world.
  • Let go of the reins. Trust the horses. They know the way home.
  • What note is that?  Q Double-sharp???
  • Nobody cares about the bottom of the staff.
  • Trajectory! Trajectory! Trajectory!
  • That’s not even good enough for jazz!
  • Always shop from the top shelf. Squatting in the grocery aisle is messy and dangerous.
  • Never hit the brakes on an entrance ramp, baby!
  • Put it. Don’t force it.
  • Release the air faster. Blow the letters off the library!
  • Yay! You remembered to take off the emergency brake!
  • There’s a profound sense of rhythmic constipation going on here.
  • Opera beaming makes me grumpy!
  • Bite the apple, sopranos!
  • Fphv-fphv-fphv-fphv-fphv — (describing the acoustics at Basilica di San Marco in Venice, Italy)
  • Your mama don’t wear no socks!
  • Imagine you’re a paint brush.
  • Where’s my camera phone?
  • Stretch the taffy, but don’t break it.
  • Bind a shepherd to the altar! — (misquoting Britten’s Rejoice in the Lamb)
  • Give me Cheezits!
  • SCHICCHI!!!!