MasterClass Memorial Day Monday: Katharine McPhee And Trent Harmon’s 2016 Performance At The National Memorial Day Concert 

May 30, 2016 by Masterclass Lady 7 Comments


Katharine McPhee, Trent Harmon, National Memorial Day Concert 2016

As I write this article about Katharine McPhee’s and Trent Harmon’s beautiful performances at the National Memorial Day Concert in Washington DC which  aired on PBS on May 29th, I am also watching the CNN coverage of President Obama’s visit to Arlington National Cemetery. These tributes deserve your time – today and always.   I am appreciative and touched and inspired by those who gave their lives to make America a better place in which to live. 

I also thought that both singers were noteworthy -literally and figuratively – reminders of the immense talent produced by American Idol over the past 15 years. 

Katharine was Runner-Up on Season 5 and Trent won the crown during Idol’s Season 15’s Finale  last month. 

Although, after 15 years, American Idol bade farewell to its viewers,  the immense talent produced by this show will always be a constant reminder of the impact this show has had on the musical landscape. The Idol Finalists – even the Semi-Finalists –  will continue the American Idol legacy for years to come. 

Although both singers performed exceptionally well at the Memorial Day Concert, one can easily see the difference in performing experience. Katharine has become a seasoned and relaxed performer, brimming with confidence. Trent, equally equipped with a beautiful voice, has not quite mastered the art of finesse on stage. But – that will come. 

Don’t believe me?  Check out a very green but very talented Katharine at the same event in 2009 HERE

MasterClass Hint: Smile on the outside even though your stomach is doing flip flops on the inside. You have to mask your anxiety and, once you do, you will find that that smile will alleviate your overall performance anxiety. It really works!  Plus it is a better visual for your audience. 

Congratulations to both singers. You have carried the American Idol flag and the United States Of America flag with dignity and talent and a promise of an even better tomorrow. Our lives rest in the hands of so many fine young people who shine a glowing light on an even brighter future for all of us. 

Enjoy their video performances below. And please add your comments and links in the comments section as always. 


American Idol, American Idol Farewell Season, American Idol Season 5, Katharine McPhee, Masterclass Monday
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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
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7 Responses to “MasterClass Memorial Day Monday: Katharine McPhee And Trent Harmon’s 2016 Performance At The National Memorial Day Concert ”

  1. mgshepard May 30, 2016 at 1:26 pm

    Reblogged this on mgshepard.

    Like

  2. Gene W May 30, 2016 at 7:57 pm

    They are both pretty special, but Katherine is a treasure and Trent is working on it. Here is a link to Katherine singing Somewhere in 2012 at a David Foster special and she had her fully confident smile on for this performance. She was pretty bold actually, giving this performance after an intro of sorts by Barbara Streisand.

    I wanted to mention Gary Sinise who introduced Katherine and Trent. He is an American Patriot, also known as Lt Dan from the Forest Gump movie, who works tirelessly with both his Lt Dan Band doing USO tours as well as with his charity that builds homes for disabled vets. Good man.

    Liked by 1 person

  3. Masterclass Lady May 30, 2016 at 8:22 pm

    Gene – thank you for the 2012 link. A must – see. And I didn’t know that about Gary Sinese. I love him. Have you seen him in the new show, Criminal Minds: Beyond Borders? It is excellent and so is he!

    Like

  4. Gene W May 30, 2016 at 9:36 pm

    II hope that American Idol can regroup with something classy and significant to the music world. With all of the faults of the original, they did produce quite a few excellent singers.

    No I haven’t seen Criminal Minds. I will have to check it out. Thanks for the tip! My viewing choices have gotten a little thin lately.

    Did you see the season finale of Bates Motel?

    Liked by 1 person

  5. Masterclass Lady May 31, 2016 at 12:45 am

    Yes I did. I watched the entire season. Wasn’t it amazing? It will be full blown Psycho next season. Aaaaaa😱

    Like

  6. Kariann Hart (@KariannHart) May 31, 2016 at 4:12 am

    Seeing Katharine and Trent reminded me of how much I love Idol. They did a nice job! It seems all who made it to the TOP 12 are in a very special club. They have knowledge of the experience we will never know. I hate that “American Idol” and “Castle” was canceled! Now, there have been major changes to “So You Think You Can Dance.” As many, I am in Idol Withdrawal. *sob*

    Like

  7. Vonnie May 31, 2016 at 12:12 pm

    Wow! Loved Trent, no frills, just sang the song straight up!

    Like

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