Some Good Things Never Last: A Masterclass Performance

July 6, 2007 by Masterclass Lady 7 Comments


So, I was browsing the internet today and look what I found. It’s a much younger Debra Byrd, Voice Coach for American Idol and Canadian Idol, singing with Barry Manilow at the piano, with Dana Robbins on saxophone. It was recorded live in 1988.

This song mesmerized me . It was a spectacular performance and a testament fto everything that is conducive to creating memorable performances: the passion, the artistry, the superb musicianship and authenticity of all three performers.

Ms. Byrd should point this year’s crop of Canadian Idol singers in the direction of this video. It teaches and inspires and, hopefully, the audible and visual experience of this video performance will ignite a flame, emphasizing all that is necessary to creat a “star search moment” on stage.

Enjoy and please feel free to comment.

Masterclass Lady, Music, Vocal Tips
, , ,

About Masterclass Lady

Rosanne (Giallonardo) Simunovic began her musical career in Timmins, Ontario. She studied piano with Anne Pizzale and later, at an advanced level, with Soeur Anita Vaugeois (Sister Cecile of Les Soeurs De L’Assomption in Timmins). Her vocal and accompaniment skills were nurtured by her aunt, the late Dorothea Mascioli. When Rosanne graduated from O’Gorman High School, she moved on to the University of Toronto where she continued her piano and vocal studies while attaining a Bachelor of Arts Degree. She was hired as a piano accompanist for several musical companies, most notably, the National Ballet Of Canada. She presently holds an A.R.C.T. Teacher’s Diploma in Voice from the Royal Conservatory of Music in Toronto. Rosanne has studied choral conducting with numerous well known Canadian Conductors, including Wayne Riddell of Montreal, Quebec and the internationally renowned Dr. Elmer Iseler. She has been a founding member of numerous community-based arts organizations: the Timmins Arts Council, later known as Arts & Culture Timmins, the Timmins Symphony Orchestra, and, the Timmins Youth Singers…as well as the TYS Alumnus choir, the Timmins Concert Singers. In 1987, she was also selected to be the conductor of the Timmins Board Of Education Choir, comprised of talented students from Grades 5 to 8. In 1988, she was elected to the Board Of Directors of the Ontario Choral Federation (now known as Choirs Ontario), where she served as Chair of the Festivals Committee for six consecutive seasons. In 1996, in honour of the Ontario Choral Federation’s 25th Anniversary, Rosanne was selected as one of 25 recipients of the OCF’s Distinguished Service Award for outstanding contribution to the choral art. The ceremony was presided by Lieutenant Governor, Hal Jackman. In November 1997, Rosanne Simunovic was selected by the Rotary Club Of Timmins to receive the prestigious Paul Harris Award for her years of dedication to the artistic development of young musical talent in Timmins. In August of 2002, Rosanne Simunovic was selected by the Board Of Directors of Choirs Ontario to serve as Conductor of both the Provincial Junior and Teen Choir Camps, now renamed in honour of the Camp Benefactors, Don and Lillian Wright. In November 2002, Rosanne was the one of the recipients of the Commemorative Medal for the Golden Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II, honouring her work in the development of the arts in Timmins. Under Rosanne Simunovic’s direction, the Timmins Youth Singers and the Timmins Concert Singers have been featured in numerous choral festivals and performing opportunities outside of Timmins. In 1985, they were selected to partici
View all posts by Masterclass Lady →

7 Responses to “Some Good Things Never Last: A Masterclass Performance”

  1. stenocruiser July 7, 2007 at 6:21 pm

    That is an amazing performance by Byrd. I found it about a week ago and left a comment about her being Canadian Idol vocal coach. At that time I posted the link in one of the threads on the CI Forum (can’t remember which one now). You are absolutely right — the video could be used as a tutorial for any aspiring singer. The purity of Byrd’s voice and her interpretation of the song are so admirable. Of course, unlike you I know absolutely nothing about music, only what I like. I do, however, really enjoy reading your blogs. Thanks.

    Like

  2. masterclasslady July 7, 2007 at 11:36 pm

    Thanks for stopping by stenocruiser. So you found this video as well? It is super isn’t it?

    And, I am enjoying Canadian Idol so much this season. Lots of really diverse talent.

    Your kind remarks very much appreciated.

    Like

  3. stenocruiser July 9, 2007 at 2:00 am

    Oh, I found the thread I was referring to – July 4th. Yes definitely a super performance by Byrd. I wish there were more Byrd videos on Youtube for us to enjoy. How I wish she should perform again on Idol.

    http://ctvforum.insinc.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=59832&perpage=15&pagenumber=3

    Like

  4. June Sparling July 14, 2007 at 6:19 pm

    I really enjoyed Deborah, when she was featured on Cdn. Idol. Especially Season 2. Have you noticed , she is rarely mentioned on American Idol?

    Like

  5. masterclasslady July 14, 2007 at 7:25 pm

    I know – she rarely receives the recognition that she deserves on American Idol. They really focus on the guest mentors it seems.

    I love her though. She is just such a caring and talented vocal coach for these young singers.

    Like

  6. stenocruiser July 14, 2007 at 9:05 pm

    What a shame — the Byrd video has now been removed by the user.

    Like

  7. masterclasslady July 14, 2007 at 9:24 pm

    oops – there must have been a copyright issue and, yes, it is a shame.

    Like