Alice Blog

Performing in Public

 

Question:

I am a 13,and I’m a violinist and I’ve finished my diploma(the highest level in violin grades).And I want to perform more in public.But where do I and how do I perform in public??
 
Phyllis replied:

 

Your question is puzzling to me.  Is it possible that you live far out in the country and have been home-schooled in the violin?  If not, what does your teacher say about this?  Why are you not performing in your teacher’s pupils’ concerts?  Why are you not in the orchestra at school?  Why are you not playing in community orchestras, subscribing to music magazines which might tell you of contests you could enter?  This isn’t adding up, somehow.   Do you do all of these things but still feel that you aren’t getting enough chances to perform solo?   If winning contests and playing first violin aren’t your goal, you just want to play more in public for enjoyment, offer to play during a service at your church or house of worship.  Play for your grandparents’ 50th wedding anniversary party.  Organize a little chamber music group and practice a few pieces until you are good enough to play for small gatherings.  Be willing to start small and work your way up.

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Performing in Public

Question:

Okay,I wanted to be a performer,like an actress or a musician?I just wanted to perform in musicals,dances,concerts and stuff in my place and in public but how do I get the oppurtunity to do that?And how do I find a club or a performing arts centre out there??Please help me

Phyllis replied:

 

First you have to have a talent.  You have to be really good at something.  What are your talents?   Dancing?  Singing?  Acting?   Most performers get to where they are by being really dedicated to their art, whatever it is.  They sing or dance or play a musical instrument because they enjoy it, and would do it whether they ever got a chance to perform or not.  If your first ambition is to be a performer of anything, rather than do the work involved in developing your talent, you have less chance of success than if you start out falling in love with singing, dancing, or whatever it is you have in mind.  That should be your first goal.  Finding a place to perform is waaaaaaay down the line.

A Guy Who’s a Player

Question:

I love your books, but today I really just need advice. So a really good friend of mine was broken up with a little before xmas. She would always gush about him and talk about how much fun they have together. When he broke up with her she acted like she didn’t care, (like most of us would) but everyone knew she was hurt. I know your probably thinking GET TO THE POINT! but I need to say this part first. This guy is pretty popular, nice guy knows everyone, lets call him  Jake, so Jake is a player. Once again he has targeted a new girl, and now its me. I had a semi crush on him in like 5th grade, but I never told anyone. Once we were sitting next to each other and  his friend who I went out with before) said “you must like where your sitting.” When he thought I couldn’t hear. So and so said “ya” and they talked some more. When he firts with me I don’t flirt back, but I don’t snub him out either. If I’m with my friend and he approaches I make an exuse to leave. But she’s noticed. So today I was at her house, when she says “when Jake askes you out are you gonna say yes?”So I asked what she is talking about and she responded “oh c’mon you know he likes you, he always flirts with you, and always makes an exuse to be near you.” So I rold her she is just paranoid, but then my other friend said “he always flirts with you! How do you not notice!?”  I just told them thats just his personality, how do I tell him that i’m not interested. But if he does ask me out, I can see myself panicing and saying ya! thnx fr your help.

Phyllis replied:

 

Well, do you or don’t you want to go out with Jake?  If your girlfriends know he likes you, and you know he likes you, and you also know he’s a player and breaks hearts, what do you want to do?  Why don’t you just try being honest with your girlfriends.  Tell them you used to have a crush on him; admit he flirts with  you.  If you really don’t want to go out with him, tell him you’re not interested.  Most guys won’t hang around a girl who rejects him.  Is that what you’re really afraid of?

Using Marijuana

Alice movie

Question: Hey Phyllis! I was on the Alice Upside Down website and it said that it was supposed to be a trilogy? Do you know anything about this, and/or when the next movie will be coming out? Phyllis replied:   No, I really don’t.  I hadn’t heard that.  The next time I talk with the producers, I’ll ask if there are any plans.  I probably would have heard if there were.

Becoming Famous

 

Question:

How do you become famous? How do you have the patience to right a book ? I want to but i just always don’t.
 

Phyllis replied:

 

If your main purpose is to become famous, try something other than writing a book.  Most books are published because the writer wanted to write—enjoyed telling a story and choosing the words that would best bring it to life.  If this is not a passion of yours, try something else.  Most people who become famous do so because they set out to do their very best at something, not to make a name for themselves.

Movie

Question:

      I love the Alice series and I watched the movied Alice Upside Down.I love how you put real life situations in books. I totally relate to Alice.But…do you know if they are making another Alice movie? I would love to watch it…

Phyllis replied:

There is no other Alice movie planned at this point that I know of.  Sorry.

Name-Calling