This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2014, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
I'm choir director at Highland High School. We are grateful for the support we get from the University of Utah. I asked the U. music faculty for names of people who could teach voice lessons in preparation for region solo and ensemble, where students can enter as soloists. Many of my students have not received individual solo training.
Dr. Julie Wright-Costa, a professor of voice, contacted vocal performance students willing to donate time. Jenny Erickson arranged her busy schedule to work one-on-one with students. Lucas Goodrich gave master classes at HHS to all four of my choirs.
He arranged to have the U.'s graduate vocal quartet, consisting of Goodrich, Melissa Heath, Demaree Brown and Daniel Tuutau, perform for us. My kids were captivated. Dr. Vedrana Subotic, a piano professor at the U., is teaching private lessons to a student at no charge because she heard how much he wants to study music and he cannot afford lessons.
Dr. Barlow Bradford, director of choral studies, conducted a workshop with my advanced choir. My students transformed before my eyes. Additionally, Dr. Jessica Napoles, professor of music education, sends pre-student teachers to observe and get teaching experience. They are helpful and generous with their time. Thank you, University of Utah, for supporting secondary music education in our community.
Katie Houston
Salt Lake City