THE ARTIST ADVANCEMENT PROGRAM YOUTH ACADEMY

The Youth Academy provides year-long, age-appropriate professional training in foundational and intermediate singing and music skills for students ages 9 to 18. Academy programming nurtures young musicians with a keen focus on developing well-rounded young minds as key interpersonal and life skills such as communication, collaboration and critical thinking are honed. Among the many benefits provided by the Academy are:

• The Academy Chorus offers weekly rehearsals for 3rd to 7th graders.

• The Summer Workshop provides a 2 week intensive for regional teens.

• Voice lessons with top quality regional instructors.

• Master classes with Opera Carolina principal artists.

• Weekend Workshops for Academy students and community members.

• Tuition scholarships eliminate financial barriers and create equitable access.

• Transportation support to increases access.

Faculty

Dr. Brian Arreola, UNCC

Ramelle Brooks, USC

Amanda Sesler Davis, Winthrop University

Dr. Sequina DuBose, UNCC

John Kim, Chun University

Dr. Jessie Wright Martin, Wingate University

Christina Pier, UNCC

Melinda Whittington, Metropolitan Opera

Dr. Kristen Wunderlich, Winthrop University

The Artist Advancement Program Resident Company

part of the Civic Engagement Through the Arts Initiative

Since its founding 73 years ago, Opera Carolina has supported, mentored and advanced Charlotte’s creative opera community. As Greater Charlotte has grown, it has become a magnet for opera artists moving to our community, as well as developing into a dynamic city where recent college graduates can live, work and hone their skills as professionals.

Young American opera artists are often told they can only build their careers in New York City or the major capitals of Europe. Often, this means artists who are not ready to compete in the demanding world of professional opera would go to New York, only to be disillusioned; lacked the professional foundation needed to be successful. More often than not, they leave the world of the performing arts completely.

Opera Carolina is committed to changing this paradigm in our community by directing the artistic and financial resources of the company to the development of Charlotte’s creative community by investing in our regions opera artists. Our company already celebrates exceptional Greater Charlotte-based artists like Melinda Whittington, Dominique Armstrong, Sequina DuBose, Christina Pier, Jordan Bisch and Audrey Babcock -- all of whom have performed on the world’s leading stages and are part of our performing company.

With your support, through the Resident Company program we will increase our investment in the gifted regional artists on the following page.

The RESIDENT COMPANY Program offers young artists:

• Employment through casting as principal artists, supporting artists in Classic Grand Opera Education Programs, and Community Programs;

• Inclusion in Civic Engagement training and connection with other Greater Charlotte creative artists;

• Masterclasses with principal guest artists and directors each season;

• Monthly music coachings with Opera’s music staff;

• Additional needs-based support for singing lessons with master teachers;

• Scholarship support to participate in the International Lyric Academy.