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
February 27, 2008 
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The three Davids did quite well. David A. has such a wonderful maturity when he sings, and he’s so genuine. It’s very touching. David Hernandez gave a splendid performance. I’m glad the judges commended him for it. There were spot on about how impressive it was that he didn’t “overdo” it with the song. I actually thought Robbie did quite well this week, better than last week. His tone was richer, and vocally, I thought he had some very good moments. Also, I really like the unique style Jason Castro brings to his singing (even though the judges didn’t like the song this week) and the musicianship he has with playing guitar, and he has a great personality.
Chikezie sang well, much better than last week, but he comes off as as cocky and “obnoxious” as Simon put it. He was decently likable in his intro package, and I actually thought he would get through the show without being rude, but he had to get in that very snarky bit with Simon at the end. He must have said “I’m sorry” at least eight equally insincere times. It’s not that he said anything particularly offensive. (Simon doesn’t care; we don’t care.) It’s the attitude behind it all. He doesn’t seem to have any respect for the judges, Simon in particular. Unlike most of the other males, he didn’t seem to pay attention or care for the judges’ previous criticism at all. Even Danny owned up to his performance last week and called it a “disaster” (although, for the record, I didn’t think it was that bad; he has a great tone) and was receptive to the judges, but Chikezie seems to think that he always knows best and that he’s the only one who does. I think it was just by luck that the theme allowed Chikezie to pick a song that was in his element, rather than a conscious effort to heed the judge’s advice and make any adjustments for improvement.
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I am so glad that David Hernandez did well. I forgot to mention him. The recap of his performance seemed excellent.
Oh Chikezie – still acting like he’s a star already. Why or why do these singers feel they have to argue with the judges? It diminishes the viewers’ overall impression of them. Just sing, nod your head and be humble.
I love Jason, but it would be nice to hear him sing without the guitar and Danny boy just makes me laugh – but he does have a good solid voice that I do appreciate.
Thanks for the viewer recap, Teriyakifan!
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While Chikezie was rude last week, he wasn’t at all this week in my view. It was very much a playful banter that the judges enjoyed. Let’s remember this kid is from Inglewood, right? He’s likely to have a bit more of a brash attitude than someone who grew up in say Wichita. And he didn’t say his performance was great last week, only that he loves the suit he wore. Which, had it not been 60’s night but a more contemporary theme, might have worked better in my view.
He did a great job last night in his performance. He joked with the judges in a funny way after. But it seems from reading other blogs and message boards that many are never going to give him an inch after his bad first week, which is a shame. He’ll be gone before he deserves it.
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After reading some of the articles on other websites, I realize now that Chikezie was just having a good time with the judges. I didn’t see the show, so I apologize for this.
The recap of his performance looked and sounded excellent. I hope he does remain, as he has a wonderful voice.
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I was disappointed with the male performers….only David A. really stood out for me and I think he definitely deserves to me in the top 12!!
Michael Johns really disappointed me, he as been so good and last night was just okay.
I’m looking forward to seeing what the girls bring tonight!
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David A. all the way! His voice is just so full and rich. The only very minor thing: his breathing was very audible. Can that be corrected with microphone practice or does he need to use other breathing techniques? Other than that- practically perfect. I think this is his contest to lose. Keep up the wonderful performances, David!
I also enjoyed Chikezie and Luke Menard. Chikezie’s performance was energetic with great vocals. Luke was much better than last week but I think he needs to project even more personality when he sings. The other Davids were good as well. I wasn’t thrilled with David H.’s song choice of “Papa was a Rolling Stone” but he sang it well. David Cook was mostly good but a few notes were a tad off. Also, I couldn’t distinguish his voice from the backup singers during the chorus.
Danny is a cutie but seems young and rough around the vocal edges. The other guys had moments but were not consistent. I liked Jason better last week- his range seemed very limited as he allowed the background singers to handle some of the notes. He is a charming performer but I agree with the judges that his vocals were not strong this week.
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Oh dear, I was just reading that perhaps David A.’s breathing issues are due to the past issues with his vocal cords. I don’t know much about his condition but the speech expert said that it was amazing that David sings as well as he does. Win or lose, I definitely love his voice!
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Yes, David Archuleta’s breathing difficulties most certainly stem from the problem he experienced with his vocal cords when he was younger. It really is quite amazing that he can sing with the depth of maturity and focus at such a young age. He is so impressive to watch – a real joy!
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I think David could end up winning this season. He is probably the best young contestant ever to be on the show.
Did you listen to Melinda’s My Funny Valentine yet?
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The voice teacher in me wants Luke Menard in this competition – if not for the long haul, then the short haul. He has great vocal skills and would be a solid, core leader for the group numbers because of his a cappella experience.
Erin – I have been very busy with our local Music Festival, so my time on the computer has been limited. But, I promise you I will listen the first chance I get. Thanks for the reminder though – I needed it! haha
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First time posting here, been lurking the whole time! Hee 😀
I agree with you, Masterclasslady. I really want Luke in the Top 12 – I think he can sing a great variety of songs (which is important in Idol) and his attitude has been great. Especially during last results show when he comforted David A during Alexandrea’s singout.
I thought he deserved the spot more than Chikezie and Danny. IMO both of them are not as consistent as Luke and it’s a shame that everybody assumed that Luke will be eliminated next. Hopefully Luke can prove them wrong. Since the theme is ’80s songs, what song would you suggest that can show Luke’s voice and personality at his best? You know, just in case he’s reading this blog 😀 I thought ‘Footloose’ could be a good choice for him. Or if it’s a ballad, ‘Kissing a Fool’.
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ETA: proof is not the as prove 😉
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Hi John:
I fixed your little “typo”, so all is well now. 🙂
I guess they already taped the Top 16 shows, so a song suggestion would not help at this point.
I hope he chose a song that highlighted every area of his vocal range – not only the high. I think that some listeners feel that Luke has a limited range, but that’s just not true. He needs a song that will strengthen the “vocal punch” of his singing ability in every area of his range.
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Hi, thanks for the reply! I heard from IDF that one of the mods have ticket for the taping of Top 8 Guys and it is going to be on Tuesday night, so your suggestions actually still valid 🙂
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Oh, so they are taping live. Well, that sure elevates the stress level, doesn’t it? Wouldn’t Luke have selected his song already?
I love MacArthur Park and, if edited correctly, this would be a wonderful song for Luke. I also love the James Ingram version of “Just Once”.
Of course, Billy Joel’s “Honesty” is a great song, but the title leaves it open to witty critiques from the judges. But it is a superb song. Any Billy Joel song would work actually. How about “Piano Man” – shows off the lower and upper register.
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Masterclasslady, it doesn’t seem any of the songs you suggest will be sung. We may see Journey on the list, though.
I taped both the Guys and the Girls show. I played the girls twice. That’s it. However, the Top 10 Guys didsuch a GOOD job, IMO. I have played the show 9 times so far. I like all of the remaining 8 and wish we didn’t have to cut two of them. It does seem Luke is very vulnerable. He is such a good singer! I was so happy to see David H. break lose. He was terrific. Right now I am rooting for Jason Castro – song choice is vital for him!
David A. and Michael are both a shoo-in. They are such good singers, uh…professional singers. I am excited for Tuesday’s show!
Kari
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I feel the same way Kariann. I love these 8 guys, so it makes it very difficult when two of them are eliminated. The performances really have to be strong tonight. Lots of pressure to “get it right” with the viewers/voters.
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Please tell me you listened to My Funny Valentine by the amazing Melinda Doolittle! : )
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Funny how well you predicted.
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