Almost Seasoned Member Wishes to Disclose More Information About Herself-Apply Within

[dragonshimmer]

Hi there! I've been a member of this site for about four months or so. I enjoy reading other people's "Who's Who" threads, and since it looks like fun, I thought I'd start one myself.

My first post in the Welcome Area was somewhat thorough in introduction, so I don't really have anything to add.

You can find that thread here: Info Thread

Nothing has really changed-I still love God and anime. I'm done with my junior recital, and this summer....TWO WEEKS IN ITALY! *calms down* Ahem...

Anyway, feel free to ask pretty much anything, and I'll give you a (hopefully) interesting answer.

[Nate]

<.< >.>

XD

*Posts*

I'm the first! W00t!

As if I don't already know a bunch about you through our countless AIM conversations and our LJ entries, but here are some questions for you. :3

When did you become saved? Have you been baptized? If so, when?

Do you hate McDonald's as much as I do?

How do you like your steak?

What's your favorite dessert?

What do you like on your pizza?

If you were on a desert island, and you had ample food, water, and shelter, what three other things would you want with you?

If God Himself decreed that you could only own ONE anime series, ONE video game, and THREE music CDs for the rest of your days, what ones of each would you pick?

That's all...FOR NOW...

:3

[Kokhiri Sojourn]

Wow - awesome that you're into anime and music. I dabble in both, you could say, though not opera - I play piano, am an Organ minor, and mess around with other instruments. I love opera though, and have been introduced to a lot more since being in college. Keep working - you'll get there!

What are your plans for Italy? What are you going to be doing while there?

Great reading up on you - I'm gonna go to sleep now...

[ZiP]

So what video games do you like in particular?

[Omega Amen]

Well, this first question ought to get a reaction from her....

Why are you fascinated with Elijah Wood?

You mentioned you like to read Fantasy novels. What are your recommendations?

Frankly, I am somewhat ignorant of Opera terminology. Could you please explain the "voice type" terminology and also mention what is your voice type?

Finally, explain your fascination with Far East cultures (you tend to mention specifically Chinese and Japanese).

[Stephen]

Can you enjoy a good horror movie? Nah, I know the answer on that. How bout what is your fav band, or if you like too many to pick...which single style of music.

[dragonshimmer]

*looks at thread* Wow. You guys actually picked this up. I feel special I'm sorry it has taken me so long, but I WILL answer all of the questions that people type up. If you can be kind enough to take enough interest in reading this thread and typing out answers, then YOU, dear readers, will get your answers

kaemmerite:
When did you become saved? Have you been baptized? If so, when?

As posted in my welcome thread:
God found me when I was about 15 years old. I had been baptized when I was 12, but I didn't make the decision from the heart because I was forced into the situation. One New Year's Eve, around midnight, I realized what it was all about, and I've been trying to be the best Christian I can ever since.

kaemmerite:
Do you hate McDonald's as much as I do?

^^;; To be honest, McDonald's doesn't really bother me that much. However, I don't generally make a habit of eating there, simply because I am trying to eat more healthily. Sometimes their cheap prices convince me to do otherwise, though.

kaemmerite:
How do you like your steak?

I like my steak "medium". A little bit of pink is okay, and I like for my steak to be juicy, not crispy. A crispy steak defeats the whole purpose of eating steak.

kaemmerite:
What's your favorite dessert?

O_O I have to pick one? ONE? *panics* Anything with chocolate in it. I think that's a perfectly valid answer.

kaemmerite:
What do you like on your pizza?

I prefer my pizza to only have either chicken or pepperoni on it. If I can't have either of those, then I would rather just have a cheese pizza.

kaemmerite:
If you were on a desert island, and you had ample food, water, and shelter, what three other things would you want with you?

My Bible, because not only would it provide months of reading, but it would provide a lifetime of contemplation AND comfort. I would also bring a cd player as well as a super-duper cd that could hold every single song I've ever like on it. You didn't say my answer had to be realistic

kaemmerite:
If God Himself decreed that you could only own ONE anime series, ONE video game, and THREE music CDs for the rest of your days, what ones of each would you pick?

I don't even really have to think about the ONE anime series I would choose to own. Fruits Basket never gets old, and I never tire of looking at Kyou, Hatsuharu, Hotohori or Shigure. We can always learn from Tohru Honda as well. If I could choose ONE video game, I would choose Morrowind for XBox, simply because I have played that game for over a year, and have yet to see any signs of an ending. I truly am beginning to think it never ends. As for what CDs I would take...well, I would just make 3 super duper capacity CD's with my favorite music on them

Kokhiri Sojourn:
Wow - awesome that you're into anime and music. I dabble in both, you could say, though not opera - I play piano, am an Organ minor, and mess around with other instruments. I love opera though, and have been introduced to a lot more since being in college. Keep working - you'll get there!

Well, thank you. I would hardly term my interests awesome. However...your musical experience is impressive to me. An Organ Minor, eh? I find that amusing, simply because there are no institutions here that offer that degree, although I am aware that many other places do. I'm happy to hear that there is a fellow opera fan out there. Thank you SO much for the encouragement. I will take it to heart.

Kokhiri Sojourn:
What are your plans for Italy? What are you going to be doing while there?

I am in the touring choir at the university I attend. This summer, the institution is offering a studies abroad program in Italy. Since the choir will be singing in the Vatican, and since opera has a very large history in Italy, I decided that it would be worth being miserably broke to go and experience the loveliness of it all. We're visiting Florence, Rome, Naples, and Monterubbiano. Aside from sightsinging, we will be doing various performances. I am VERY excited about this opportunity, and I feel truly blessed that (although barely) I have the means to go. We will be in Italy for two weeks.

Kokhiri Sojourn:
Great reading up on you - I'm gonna go to sleep now...

Thank YOU for the interest. I hope you slept well. ^___^

Zip:
So what video games do you like in particular?

Well, to be honest...I take a VERY strong interest in horror video games. The scarier the game, the higher the chances are that I will be glued to the screen until the mystery is solved. I really like the Silent Hill series, and I'm working on Fatal Frame. Before this summer, there are about four other games that I am GOING to play, even if I have to sacrafice my blessed sleep. I also liked Kingdom Hearts, and I am anxiously awaiting the sequel. I am currently working on RPG games to see if I can take interest in those as well. I also have MUCH love for the old school games

Omega Amen...should you happen to read this, I would like to tell you that I will save your questions for tomorrow, when I can think properly. Your questions deserve a touch more thought than some of the others. Although I could answer the Elijah Wood question off the top of my head, I will save it and place it with the other answers

Shatterheart:
Can you enjoy a good horror movie? Nah, I know the answer on that. How bout what is your fav band, or if you like too many to pick...which single style of music.

O_O A mod asked me a question? Me? Heh. I is speshul.

Of COURSE I can enjoy a good horror movie! That is actually my first choice when trying to decide what to go see in the theaters or what to rent at the store. I love a good scare.

Favorite band, eh? Or favorite style of music? Unfortunately, I can't really specifically answer that question. I like ALL kinds of music, really. I'll choose my top five genres, though. In no specific order:
1. Jpop
2. Rock
3. Classical
4. R&B
5. Almost any Christian...rap, punk, rock, contemporary, etc.


Again, thanks for the interest guys. This thread has already had more responses than I originally thought it would.

Nighty, all!

[Stephen]

Whoa, you rock. Very rarely do I meet a chick who likes horror movies. I can count the ones I know on one hand.

I like ALL kinds of music, really.

Good answer. Too many people limit themselves to one small style of music. There are so many awesome styles that people just kinda shrug off...Anyway, cool your letting everyone get to know you a bit more. Also cool you eat your steak correctly...I got teased the other day for asking a mother of a friend of mine to cook mine "slightly bloody" Just a little red...pink meat with the center a dark shade of pink. Juicy steak beats dry burnt steak any day of the week. You get Shatterhearts cool member of the week award. Its really not worth anything...but bragging rights I suppose.

[Jasdero]

*o*/ *revives teh thread of wondefulness*

I want to ask you... ask you... =_= what do I want to ask you....

What's your favorite ice cre--- ... I should already know that.. It's chocolate.. isn't it? You love chocolate.. XD;

How about.... *o*/ What's your favorite magazine? >: ) Hahaha!!! A question nobody else has asked!! I'm so original!!!... haha..ha... ._. Yes, I'm hyper.. >.> <.<

Whoa, you rock.

^^ She really does.

[dragonshimmer]

*o*/ *revives teh thread of wondefulness*

^^]*What's your favorite ice cre--- ... I should already know that.. It's chocolate.. isn't it? You love chocolate.. XD;[/QUOTE]
HA! ^_^ It's actually vanilla. I do enjoy my chocolate very much, but vanilla is almost the only way I take my ice cream. I like everything else to be chocolate flavored ^^

*How about.... *o*/ What's your favorite magazine? >: ) Hahaha!!! A question nobody else has asked!! I'm so original!!!... haha..ha... ._. Yes, I'm hyper.. >.> <.<

O_o You are hyper, aren't you? I don't typically read many magazines. Most of the content of popular magazines ah.. ^^]*^^ She really does.[/QUOTE]

*is embarrassed* You guys are too nice, seriously. I'm glad to have such good friends and aquaintances.

Well, this first question ought to get a reaction from her....

Why are you fascinated with Elijah Wood?

Yes, this question most certainly did catch my attention. I would imagine the question stems from the fact that I constantly mention my affection for him in my Live Journal.

I will admit that most of my interest has to do with the fact that he is incredibly beautiful. I have always thought so.

There is a a better reason for my interest, though. I grew up watching the movies he has performed in. As I have grown, I have watched his talent grow as well. I am highly impressed with his talent, and I think he is an amazing actor. He has played a number of parts, and I have seen most of his work. Very rarely have I been dissatisfied with his performances. I actually started taking interest in him after seeing his performance in Avalon in 1990. I've read many of his interviews as well as many articles about him. I genuinely feel that he is a good guy who is, for the most part, pretty wholesome. I have no shame in admitting that I have been a fan since I was nine years old. I just think he is an amazing and interesting person.

*looks around* Psst...we're actually engaged. Just make sure that the press doesn't find out. ]You mentioned you like to read Fantasy novels. What are your recommendations?[/QUOTE]

I reccommend almost anything written by Margaret Weiss AND Tracy Hickman. I heartily suggest reading the Dragonlance series to anyone who is interested in being completely sucked into the book and laughing, crying, living, and dying with the characteres. The series has it all-love, heartbreak, trust, betrayal, joy, sadness, victory, defeat, spirituality, dragons, swords, knights, maids, good, evil...all of the ingredients to the recipe for a great fantasy novel.

Frankly, I am somewhat ignorant of Opera terminology. Could you please explain the "voice type" terminology and also mention what is your voice type?

If this question had been posted by anyone but you, I would have just described the four general voice types that most people are familiar with and told you that I am considered an alto. However, I think that you are one who is only satisfied with details, so I did a little more homework to quench your knowledge on this issue. That is why I took a day or two to answer...for this exact question ^^

In German, voice types are known as "fachs". The ones I describe below are Italian in origin, but are used religiously in most Western Opera houses.

Coloratura Soprano
The highest female voice. Usually weak at the bottom.
Range: Middle C to F or G above high C.

Lyric Soprano
A full, warm sound with a solid middle. Blossoms in the upper middle.
Range: B-flat below middle C to high C or D.


Spinto Soprano
Spinto means "pushed" or "pressed" in Italian. It is usually a thicker voice than the lyric, with a bit more edge and volume.
Range: same as lyric.

Dramatic Soprano
The loudest, and lowest of the sopranos. Usually with tremendous cutting power.
Range: low B-flat or A, to a pushed high C.

Mezzo Soprano
Literally "medium soprano". Even darker in quality than the dramatic soprano, with tessitura about a minor third lower than the lyric.
Range: Low A or G, to about high A or B-flat


Contralto
The lowest female voice. Almost tenor-like in sound. Very comfortable on the bottom, pushed on the top.
Range: low G or below, to high G or A.


Tenor
The highest male voice. The are a number of different kinds of tenors.
Range: D, or E below middle C, to high C or D above Middle C.

Leggiero: Sometimes called a "tenore corto", a light sound but without the high extension
Lyric:
Spinto, or Heroic:
Dramatic or Helden tenor: A loud, thick voiced tenor with tremendous stamina, and a lower tessitura than the other tenors.


Baritone
The medium Male voice. Brought into prominence by Verdi. Reflects qualities of both bass and tenor.
Range: low A, or B-flat to G or A above middle C

Lyric: very close to a Helden Tenor in vocal timbre, but with a lower tessitura
Cavalier: Roles of medium weight, but with great flamboyance.
Dramatic or Character:
Wagnerian: Specializes in Wagner roles



Bass
The lowest of the male voices.
Range: E or F an octave and a fifth below middle C, to E or F above middle C.
Profundo Range: Middle C or D to low C or B-flat.

Bass-Baritone: Right between Baritone and Bass. Often can sing Wagner Baritone roles, but with a slightly darker vocal timbre.
Basso Buffo: The word "buffo" means fool, or clown. The comic relief of the opera world. Usually a voice of indeterminate range but with enormous personality and range of colors.
Basso Cantante: A real bass but with the fluidity and suppleness of the bass-baritone.
Basso Profundo: A dark, low voice with an unusual extension the bottom.

I know, it's a lot of information. I would like to point out that one's "fach" is not determined just by vocal range. Other key factors include timbre and tessitura, as well as the chiaro/schuro (light/dark) qualities of one's voice.

At this particular point in time, I technically considered a lyric soprano. If you want to be HONEST, though, I have been voice typed as a young dramatic soprano. Heavier voice types do not develop as early as lighter voice types. Light voice types mature in one's early 20's, while heavy/dark voice types mature later, more towards the late 20's. Dramatic sopranos sing the HEAVIEST of Italian opera, and they also do Wagnerian opera. These types of operas are very hard and tough on the voice, and if one is not careful, you can destroy the voice by pushing too hard in these types of operas. For that reason, even at 23, I am still "too young" to be considered a dramatic soprano. If I were to really start on that particular kind of repertoire now, I would ruin my voice. It's like someone trying to lift 250 lb weights when they have never lifted before. It doesn't work. Dramatic sopranos are considered to be the "powerhouses" of Wagnerian opera ^_^ When I grow up *snicker* , I will be a dramatic soprano.

At this point, I am quite sure that is more information than you desired, so I will move on.

Finally, explain your fascination with Far East cultures (you tend to mention specifically Chinese and Japanese).

I know it's silly...but to be truthful, I think that individuals of Asian heritage are....just beautiful. My fascination with the culture probably has to do with the fact that it is very different from my own. It's colorful and exotic, and something that I am not too familiar with. That probably more accurately describes why I am fascinated with the cultures...because I am unfamiliar with it, and would like to learn more. That and probably the fact that I just think Asian cultures in general are so fascinating.

Shatterheart, thanks for the award and vote of approval. I did take advantage of my bragging rights ^_^


I would like to once again thank all of you for your interest ^__^

[Nate]

HA! ^_^ It's actually vanilla. I do enjoy my chocolate very much, but vanilla is almost the only way I take my ice cream.

Me too!

Mmm...vanilla...

I heartily suggest reading the Dragonlance series

You read Dragonlance novels...



You get two hundred and fifty cool points. I prefer Forgotten Realms, but Dragonlance is cool too. ^^

I like Dragonlance, but it depends on what Age you play in...I don't like playing in Second Age Dragonlance...the whole "no clerics" thing just bothers me. :/

I have no more questions at this time...

[dragonshimmer]

Me too!

Mmm...vanilla...

Yes, I know, yo. ^_^ Vanilla is the reigning ruler of ice cream flavors in my world.



You read Dragonlance novels...



You get two hundred and fifty cool points. I prefer Forgotten Realms, but Dragonlance is cool too. ^^

I like Dragonlance, but it depends on what Age you play in...I don't like playing in Second Age Dragonlance...the whole "no clerics" thing just bothers me. :/

I have no more questions at this time...[/QUOTE]

*pockets cool points* I'm going to cash those in one day. I just thought I would let you know.

Referring to Dragonlance and Forgotten Realms-really, I think that sometimes the preference depends on what you encounter first. I had been reading Dragonlance for about a year when I tried to pick up the Forgotten Realms series, but I had already become loyal to Dragonlance. Raistlin rocks my socks, and I couldn't ever imagine betraying him for another character in another series ^^;;

It sounds like your preference probably has to do with D&D gaming, though. Since I have little knowledge of how everything works (although I like to listen), it really makes no difference to me.

[Omega Amen]

At this point, I am quite sure that is more information than you desired, so I will move on.

Thank you for taking the time and effort to do the research and typing of that answer. I greatly appreciate your mini-lesson in voice types.

As for your fascination with Far East cultures, I can see that it stems mainly from curiosity of the unknown. When I have the chance with my mother, I will give you some literature recommendations to help satisfy your curiousity with at least the Chinese culture.

[dragonshimmer]

Thank you for taking the time and effort to do the research and typing of that answer. I greatly appreciate your mini-lesson in voice types.

*blushes* It is no problem, I assure you. The "research" helped me to further educate myself a touch.

As for your fascination with Far East cultures, I can see that it stems mainly from curiosity of the unknown. When I have the chance with my mother, I will give you some literature recommendations to help satisfy your curiousity with at least the Chinese culture.

Wow...thanks, Omega. That is very kind of you. In reference to your mother, I pray that she is well.