Linda's ENCOURAGEMENT CONTEST #1!
Listed in Challenges & Themes - Completed.
Reply by NCAngelleaGOLD 
I do not enter contests, Linda, but....I like this idea, so I may try it. Just letting you know. I haven't decided which song to tackle yet. Have to give that a lot of thought. 
Thanks for the contest. It sounds like fun. ~Sue
Reply by lindasings4uGOLD 
Thank you Sue!
Even if it's just you & me on board it will still be fun! 
Linda
Reply by Carbis
I'm in
Song: Bring Him Home ~ Les Miserables
My good friend was in Les Miserables and he played the part of Jean Valjean in London's West End. His performance was amazing, And along with the story of the song, It has made it one of my favourite songs. I just want to be able to give the song justice when I sing it!! I would ask my friend what he thought of my singing, But I do not have the confidence to sing this song for him to listen to, As he may just tell me the truth of how bad a singer I am....
Here is a link to my friend Phil Cavill singing 'Bring Him Home'
http://www.reverbnation.com/philcavill
Reply by Gabriel_Callum
Okay this is absolutely horrible, but I suppose that's the point of this exercise.
Music of the Night - Phantom of the Opera
Reply by suern
A great idea Linda...thanks so much for this!!!
This was easy for me because this darned song has stumped me since I joined last year:
Where are you Christmas?....Faith Hill
Reply by suern
To Carbis: Dear me your friend has a gorgeous voice, never heard the song but love it, cant wait to see you work on this one.
Reply by Carbis
To Carbis: Dear me your friend has a gorgeous voice, never heard the song but love it, cant wait to see you work on this one.suern
If I can sing the song 10% as good as him, Then I will be very happy indeed!!
Reply by caroleveGOLD 
+3
I love this idea Linda, This song is a BEAUTIFUL GOSPEL, I heard someone sing it and I really want to learn it and even with the Demo I have problems with it and it seems like an easy song. I hope I get it right by the end of your contest. Thank You Hun for having this Contest
caroleve
Song:Is Anything Too Hard For God?...
Artist:Whisnants
http://www.singsnap.com/karaoke/r/b3782e438
Reply by MarvaGOLD
I'm in! I'm trying to learn to sing Tell It Like It Is! I'd like to do that one for your contest, great idea, Linda!
Reply by MarvaGOLD
Here's my song link!
Marva
Song: Tell It Like It Is
Artist: Aaron Neville
http://www.singsnap.com/karaoke/r/b47846d58
This song has been a fave since I was a child. I've recently begun to try singing this type of song, never thought I could sing them before.. I have a ways to go, but I've like to try it in this contest to see how much I can develop my own style with it
Reply by kelly-pee-pee
kelly-pee-pee
song: Because of You
artist: Kelly Clarkson
http://www.singsnap.com/karaoke/r/bbba2cfb8
When I first heard this come out as the country duet (Reba & Kelly) I got chills... and wow did it bring out them feeling you really want to express when the most important two people in your life really screw you up... the things parents do or do not do... that effects you your entire life, no matter how much good comes your way... any of those "hard" or "bad" time/moment stirs all those old feelings up.
Reply by DinalydiaGOLD +1
I'm in...I'll do the song later today...and I cringe to think it'll not be up to my usual standards, but that's the point, right?
I think this is a brilliant idea. It seems plenty of people on SingSnap do not want to hear any critique on how they might improve their sing, they just want to exchange daily "hugs" and twinkles via recordings. I honestly want to perform the very best I can, and welcome suggestions. I often do 20 or more "takes" before I consider it decent enough to post.
It's not easy to listen carefully to flawed singing (at least not for me), offer suggestions, and nurture the student along, so I COMMEND YOU!
Reply by shortcakej829GOLD
I am in..this sounds like a great idea....IM going to find a song right now....
Reply by shortcakej829GOLD
hi all...this is my song pick..I have done this song before...but not like I would like to be able to....this is the perfect spot to learn this one better...
shortcakej829
Ave Maria Bach Gonaud(spelling)
http://www.singsnap.com/karaoke/r/b99b15f78
Reply by Monkeybean
Sounds fun, Linda! I'm in... and the song is an easy choice! When I sing along with the radio, I sound perfect on this one!! LOL... I'm sure that's all in my mind!! But when I try it without the training wheels, it's an obvious and enormous disaster...
Adele- Rolling In The Deep (Sending out prayer requests now!!) :)
~Big Hugs & Smiles~
--Jen
Reply by offtoneGOLD 
Linda, this is an amazing idea! Encouragement instead of "oh man that person just stinks on that song" or whatever that isn't positive.
And I like for a change no 1st, 2nd, 3rd, etc. Just anyone here cheering each other on and getting positive feedback and encouragement to keep trying and hopefully get better (not sure in my case, but I'll try!)/
I thank you!
OK, this is a song that I love, it feels "personal" to me, in fact I've been known to just start tearing up listening to it. But trying to sing it? whole different story.
offtone
One Day I'll Fly Away ~ Nicole Kidman
http://www.singsnap.com/karaoke/r/c0a8a0ab8
Thanks again!
~ Wendy
Reply by a_god_sGOLD 
+4
Some days there won't be a song in your heart. Sing anyway.
Great idea Linda! There are sooooo many I've wanted to learn 
Reply by reginaloveGOLD +8
reginalove
Whitney Houston
I Look To You
http://www.singsnap.com/karaoke/r/b480c6088
Reply by lindasings4uGOLD
27 replies over-night!!! thank you all, I will get the contestant list posted with links a bit later today - chores calling right now - but WOW, this is exciting, thank you all for your interest!!
My main agenda here is that EVERYONE who signs up will go home happy and having had a good time, and hopefully learn cool things from each other!!
I will post some general guidelines and singing tips as we go along in the threads as well, just random stuff I have learned over the years, especially the last few.
And I didn't mention - but NO CAM NECESSARY. I always love to see you sing but if you have none or are cam shy no worries!! OK thanks all!!
Linda
Reply by lindasings4uGOLD
Okay this is absolutely horrible, but I suppose that's the point of this exercise.Music of the Night - Phantom of the Opera
http://www.singsnap.com/karaoke/r/ba7211728Gabriel_Callum
I have yet to listen!!! but something YOU feel is not your best, yes, is exactly the point! Kind of "Opposite Day" in this contest! Instead of posting your most amazing most practiced, we're working the other way!
Edited reply by lindasings4uGOLD
I'm in... do I have to select the song right now?MsFiToy
You have six weeks! VERY GOOD QUESTION -- thanks for asking!
Say you're in if you want in -- if you need time to choose your song we DO HAVE THE TIME.
Of course the sooner you make your song choice the more time you have to practice!! You don't REALLY want to post 1st draft on Aug 13 and then try for marked huge improvement on the 14th, right? LOL!!!!
I can't edit that upstairs at the very top but, yeah -- say you're in to get on the list -- taking the 1st 50 -- I am not sure I can handle evaluating more than 50 all by my onesie! but if all goes well we can do this again another time too!
Thanks! Linda
PS due to the long timeframe & fast response I'm getting, if any of you need to drop out before Aug 14, I will keep track of a "waiting list" in order of posting and fill in the places if they become available. Cool? OK!
PPS Seeing up there - if the song ALWAYS makes you cry - or giggle - or whatever it is -- that counts, and yes I CAN help you with that, I've had to learn that on a few songs myself! The important thing with your song choice HERE is - that is moves YOU and is special to YOUR HEART in some way. Which we would all like to know a little about why you're choosing it! because that's fun.
Reply by lindasings4uGOLD
Feel free to flag & follow along too if you don't want IN the contest but want to learn and "do it yourself," on any song(s) of your choice too, OK?! OK! I just won't be able to individually listen, banner etc etc etc more than 50.
Reply by lindasings4uGOLD
may i be in?reginalove
Absolutely, glad to have you and thanks for posting your song!!
I can see there are some songs I will have to YouTube myself to know how the original sounds! hee hee I planned for that though... another reason for the longer timeframe!
Reply by lindasings4uGOLD
Great idea Linda! There are sooooo many I've wanted to learna_god_s
Are ya in for sure hun?!! LOL
LMK - I'll count you as in unless you say otherwise, haha
Edited reply by lindasings4uGOLD
Linda, this is an amazing idea! Encouragement instead of "oh man that person just stinks on that song" or whatever that isn't positive.And I like for a change no 1st, 2nd, 3rd, etc. Just anyone here cheering each other on and getting positive feedback and encouragement to keep trying and hopefully get better (not sure in my case, but I'll try!)/
I thank you!
offtone
Thank you Wendy!
Gosh I am almost tearing up a bit here at the fast and positive response!!!!! I didn't know if anyone would go for the idea or not!
CORRECT, THERE WILL BE NO "WINNER" OF THIS CONTEST. WE ALL WIN!!! And if you know me you know I can come up with some pretty fun (or funny!) banners to recognize each of you at the end of this!
Thank YOU all for being willing to ride this adventure with me!
Reply by flatduck
not sure i need to join since i only need a visit from Linda and she can write the most encouraging comment s any body needs thankssss have great funnnnnnn
Reply by rockchic6GOLD +2
Sorry I cant listen til more net time bought.
Oh Linda, what a cool idea... hmmmm... I'll think about a song but it's likely to be either Heart or .. believe it or not... a Janis song.... just going to have a think....x
Reply by rockchic6GOLD +2
Sorry I cant listen til more net time bought.
It's 3am & I cant record til the late afternoon, at the earliest, so I hope that's ok...x
Reply by JustsingerGOLD
Need to have some good country duet contest and other country thread is bare
flag
Reply by DinalydiaGOLD +1
Linda, this is an amazing idea! Encouragement instead of "oh man that person just stinks on that song" or whatever that isn't positive.And I like for a change no 1st, 2nd, 3rd, etc. Just anyone here cheering each other on and getting positive feedback and encouragement to keep trying and hopefully get better (not sure in my case, but I'll try!)/
~ Wendy
offtone
Isn't there a middle ground between "That person just stinks" (when have you ever seen than in a comment?? - besides the Simon Cowell guy on the Vocal Tips forum) and the usual sea of twinkling "Awesome awsome awesome awesum fantastic awesome hugs awesome awesome awesome".
That middle ground is encouragement and meaningful appreciation, including very helpful suggestions.
HOW can someone improve if they don't know where they need toimprove. Someone PM'd me with a compliment, but suggesting something wasn't right with my mike settings cause it sounded a bit muddy. Well, I tweakied the settings a couple ways and the result was a big improvement in the recording quality. Wouldn't you call that helpful? I don't mind honesty - so anything that might help, let me know pleas!
I just finally did a halfway decent recording of the song I want to learn, & Singsnap seems to have frozen the mixer - it's been on "preparing preview" with that spinning thingy for 10 minutes. Not good, it might be lost.
Reply by rockchic6GOLD +2
Sorry I cant listen til more net time bought.
Well I kept finding song after song that I'm hanging to sing but just too scared to... & then I found this one, that I've never forgotten loving, since watching the movie years ago... I adore this song but I dont know if I can sing it... so by entering it here I'm forced, well obliged, to give it a go... so....
I'm In & this is my song (still to be recorded)....
Just Around The River Bend - Movie: Pocahontas
..... x
Reply by Carbis
I'm in
Song: Bring Him Home ~ Les Miserables
http://www.singsnap.com/karaoke/r/b56b69488My good friend was in Les Miserables and he played the part of Jean Valjean in London's West End. His performance was amazing, And along with the story of the song, It has made it one of my favourite songs. I just want to be able to give the song justice when I sing it!! I would ask my friend what he thought of my singing, But I do not have the confidence to sing this song for him to listen to, As he may just tell me the truth of how bad a singer I am....
Here is a link to my friend Phil Cavill singing 'Bring Him Home'
http://www.reverbnation.com/philcavillCarbis
Reply by Carbis
Carbis
Song: Bring Him Home ~ Les Miserables
http://www.singsnap.com/karaoke/r/b56b69488
Reply by shortcakej829GOLD
one thing i wanted to say is I am looking forward for some good input as to bettering myself....XD(sitting back and grinning widely)
Reply by DinalydiaGOLD +1
Here is my entry. It's a mystical, passionate theme and a soaring melody about the spirit of a loved one. It could be a departed lover, or it could be a parent or child.
I was fascinated since the first time I heard this. A group called Gregorian, all male voices, did a cover of this that's equally beautiful.
I had decided it was too difficult for me to even attempt,but since you posed the challenge, I thought of it.
I was able to lower the key slightly, but I still am straining. I would so like to be able to do this well.
"My Immortal" ~ Evanescence
http://www.singsnap.com/karaoke/r/b66d23258
Reply by DinalydiaGOLD +1
By the way, I sang "My Immortal" today probably 20 times just to get a recording that marginally acceptable.
Reply by offtoneGOLD
Linda, this is an amazing idea! Encouragement instead of "oh man that person just stinks on that song" or whatever that isn't positive.And I like for a change no 1st, 2nd, 3rd, etc. Just anyone here cheering each other on and getting positive feedback and encouragement to keep trying and hopefully get better (not sure in my case, but I'll try!)/
~ Wendy
offtone
Isn't there a middle ground between "That person just stinks" (when have you ever seen than in a comment?? - besides the Simon Cowell guy on the Vocal Tips forum) and the usual sea of twinkling "Awesome awsome awesome awesum fantastic awesome hugs awesome awesome awesome".
That middle ground is encouragement and meaningful appreciation, including very helpful suggestions.
HOW can someone improve if they don't know where they need toimprove. Someone PM'd me with a compliment, but suggesting something wasn't right with my mike settings cause it sounded a bit muddy. Well, I tweakied the settings a couple ways and the result was a big improvement in the recording quality. Wouldn't you call that helpful? I don't mind honesty - so anything that might help, let me know pleas!
I just finally did a halfway decent recording of the song I want to learn, & Singsnap seems to have frozen the mixer - it's been on "preparing preview" with that spinning thingy for 10 minutes. Not good, it might be lost. Dinalydia
The recorder is going berserk. A lot of it seems to be tied to Firefox 13 and Flash 11.3 - they're not playing well together and imho, this one is on FF, not Adobe because FF13 "broke" a couple other things (which is why I haven't upgraded to it yet )... if it's been that long you may have lost your sing 
I hates when that happens, it's usually the nth take and you finally got it just the way you want it!
Now, Constructive criticism:
If it's asked for that's one thing; if it's asked to be PM'ed or is unsolicited and done privately, that's another thing. Unsolicited criticism, whether constructive/positive or not quite so constructive (I've had it happen) in comments on your song, for me personally is NOT appreciated.
If I ask for help, as we are doing here, that's different as far as being public, being on your sing and the person doing the critique is the Hostess, not the other members (i believe that's how it's working?). We all should be here to encourage and support each other - not be giving critiques on each other.
I don't dig "fake" you're awesome the way I don't dig generic glitter graphics as comments. On the other hand, I am a say something nice, something positive to encourage the person singing person when I leave a comment. And yeah, I have gotten comments that I stink - songs are long gone, but it's happened in the past.
Reply by shortcakej829GOLD
Linda and y'all...Got a story to tell ya about encouragement...We used to go to karaoke at a truckstop..This girl would get up and sing and oh my...she was bad...barely carried a tune...
We stopped going for a while and when we went back...she came in with this guy who was a great singer...our son was there as karaoke dj...he said to us in an aside .....They have been dating...wait till she sings
This guy had worked with her...They got up and sang Picture..and oh my..I would say 80% better at least...
So a bit of encouragement and constructive criticism goes a long way...
Edited post by lindasings4uGOLD
PLEASE NOTE: THE OFFICIAL "ROUND 1" OF THIS CONTEST WILL NOT GO "LIVE" UNTIL AUGUST 14: SIX WEEKS. Check your calendars before signing up!!!
Okay!!! this is my SECOND contest to host on SingSnap!
This is different from most contests here, more of a challenge/learning experience but I'm still calling it a contest: but, I am awarding NO prizes, there will be NO ELIMINATIONS, and possibly everyone will win some sort of personalized zany banner at the end ;-p --but I don't plan to pick a "1st 2nd 3rd" as is typical.
There will be a fun Participation Banner for everyone for each round.
Contest = a total of 3 fresh recordings. (3 total rounds: Audition, 1 & 2)
What we gonna do? Here's the scoop!
Find that ONE SONG calling to you that you've been too afraid to record! Or think is not right for your voice... or you "can't sing rock n roll"... or "I can't sing Broadway" --but you love the song so much!
.....You are going to sing AND LEARN that ONE SONG of your choice 3x in 3 rounds and watch how much you improve!!!
Sound fun? Here's what to do:
CHOOSE A SONG YOU LOVE!!! Any song on Snap available to you. Pick one that moves you, speaks to you personally, that you can listen to over and over and over AND OVER (because you will be singing it - over and over and over AND OVER!! during this contest!) And, preferably, a NEW song to you that you DO NOT KNOW WELL because the whole point is to - learn the song! Honor system here, I am not going to search your catalog to see if you've sung it before.
Audition Round: say "I'm in" - name your song. Then hurry up soon as you can, and post A FRESH RECORDING ****NO HARMONIES ALLOWED**** IN THIS THREAD.
Round 1: BEGINS IN SIX WEEKS. (I have Life Stuff going on until then. I won't be able to babysit this too much till that date-- but I had this idea today and don't want to sit on it!) During this interim time you will PRACTICE PRACTICE PRACTICE your chosen song as much (or as little, I guess!) as you like. Listen back to yourself. Listen for what you like that you are doing and what you feel needs more effort. Whenever you can, as your life and time allows.
When Round 1 is open, between AUG 14-20 (SIX DAYS) you will post a FRESH RECORDING of THE SAME SONG. Then I will compare your "before and after." I may take 1-2 weeks to get this round listened to & bannered. I'll check out your Audition Songs ASAP, but please don't fret if it takes me until Round 1 is open to banner & really listen to your Audition Song. I'll get there!
In the Round 1 thread or by PM--AFTER YOU POST, LET ME KNOW if you want any tips or mentoring from me before we move to the final round, and if so, I'll do my best to be VERY gentle yet thoughtful about what may help your performance improve even more for your "final exam." If you DO NOT TELL ME YOU WANT MENTORING I will not give you any. Do your own thing! It's all good. I am not a professional voice instructor or vocal coach by any means but I have learned a lot of pointers from lots of people over the years.
Then I'll allow about a week for more practice time between rounds 1 & 2 and again, six days to get your final draft polished and posted.
Round 2: (Exact Dates TBA) SING YOUR GUTS OUT, DO YOUR ABSOLUTE BEST & sing it ONE MORE TIME: your only competition is - yourself!! What I'm looking for is that each "draft" or take/recording be a noticeable improvement over the last.
(Which is why it's important to choose a song you don't know well but REALLY DO want to learn how to sing!)
Make sense??? Sound good? OK! Great! Let's go!!
* OPEN TO ALL whether I know you or not.
* First 50 "student champions" or however many are signed up by August 14.
* PLEASE ENCOURAGE EACH OTHER in the thread. Listen to each other as you can and BE POSITIVE ONLY!!! This is called an "ENCOURAGEMENT CONTEST" for a reason! Cheer each other on. Positive attitude here counts!
*NO CRITICISM CONSTRUCTIVE OR OTHERWISE. Focus on strengths not flaws.
* PLEASE chat in this thread and GET TO KNOW EACH OTHER. We're all here together, let's make friends!
* ONLY POST YOUR ONE AUDITION SONG LINK in this thread please - NO other stray links, I can be easily confused and you'll mess me up. LOL.
* REQUEST THAT YOU BE PATIENT WITH ME DURING THE SIX PRACTICE WEEKS. I am practicing and learning a song or two myself right along with you. Checking in as I can, listening as fast as I can, but I DO have a lot on my plate at the moment. Bear with me. I really really want to do this! I know most contests "GO" right away - but this one will not - and I want YOU to have the practice time as well.
* I may post bonus silly songs just for fun throughout the contest if I feel like it.
Thank you and fire away!! Questions? on the thread and/or PM please.
Post:
Song Title & Artist
Song Link
Tell us why you chose this song/love this song/what it means to you - briefly!
Anything else about yourself or what you hope to gain by joining this contest.
NO HARMONY
MUST BE FRESH
FRESH RECORDING MEANS: If you happened to sing a song that fits the bill in the past TWO WEEKS you may post it.
Otherwise pull it up and give it that first shot! This is about COURAGE TO TRY!!!
This is all about overall *improvement* !!! so this Audition Round gives me a baseline, starting point to gauge from. So if you pick one you've sung 50x already, you're only hurting yourself in this self-competition!
Make sure you have room to grow.
AND HAVE FUN!! FUN IS MANDATORY!!!
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..... 49,
..... 50.