UTSA Department of Music VOICE & CHORAL AREA WELCOME MAGAZINE 2020 2021

VOICE & CHORAL AREA WELCOME

Helpful hints Questions about what’s what around the Department of Music and UTSA? Check out advice from your fellow Roadrunners.

Mark up those planners From concerts to festivals to competitions, learn what to expect throughout the year.

Get to know your faculty Find out insider information about the team that is dedicated to your success.

Osvaldo Chacon, tenor Mariachi Los Paisanos

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Table of Contents 04 A warm welcome A happy hello from your area coordinator, Professor John Nix. Full of wisdom, this letter is not to be missed.

10 Fall is happening... are you ready for this?

The beginning of your fall semester is on the horizon and we have some ideas to help you feel ready!

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18 The wisdom of current students There’s no better way to learn what to expect in college than to hear from those who have gone before you. Enjoy this advice from your soon-to-be colleagues.

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Get to know your faculty

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Faculty insights

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A taste of what we do

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Big events

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The first week

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A few more helpful ideas

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VIP contact info

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Hello & Welcome On behalf of the voice area and choral faculty, I would like to thank you for choosing to study with us at UTSA. We are excited to begin working with you this fall!

This Welcome Magazine has a great deal of information about our voice area. We hope you will take time to look carefully at it, as it contains links to documents, tools and persons who will help your transition to student life as a music major at UTSA be a smooth one.

If you haven’t already visited UTSA's Rowdy Ready page, you should do so right now! Stop reading this letter and click on the link. There are checklists of required things to do before you start classes, like orientation, and links to important resources. Speaking of things on this page, there is a link to schedule an academic advising appointment on the Rowdy Ready page. This is essential for you to start in the fall.

While the situation in the fall still has its uncertainties, the vocal/ choral faculty is committed to giving you their best instruction, no matter how classes and lessons meet. Along with that, we want you to know we are expecting you to give your best effort, too.

Voice lessons are a class, with a syllabus, assignments, deadlines, grades, and attendance/effort expectations, whether they are online or in person. Voice lessons are only the tip of the iceberg of your vocal development. It is what you do outside of the lesson that determines your growth and progress. We can help you with great tools, guidance, and encouragement, but being a singer requires disciplined work on your part every day. It’s our goal to help you become an independent, self-starting, organized, expressive musician.

Please feel free to contact me or your voice teacher with questions.

We look forward to seeing you in August!

John Nix, Area Coordinator Professor of Voice

Dr. Yoojin Muhn conducts the UTSA Concert Choir, Fall 2019.

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MEET YOUR AREA FACULTY The voice area faculty is committed to cultivating your artistic voice and equipping you for the career you wish to pursue.

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more. Dr. Olson is a seasoned performer with several symphony appearances on her resume, as well as leading opera roles, and is a co-author of a chapter in the Routledge Aural Companion. Dr. McCrary has been recognized for his teaching and staging, having received the UTSA President's Distinguished Achievement Award for Excellene in Creative Production; the WIlliam McCrary Endowment for Opera Education has been establish at UTSA in his honor. Dr. Muhn, conductor and composer, holds degrees from Westminster Choir College, University of Cincinnati, and the Thornton School of Music at USC, and is our recent additions to the area on the faculty of Music Across the Pond in roster include Christopher Besch, England. Dr. Howell is an active performer Dr. Jourdan Laine Howell, Crystsal of new works and has received recognition Jarrell Johnson, and Dr. Yoojin Muhn. These from OPERA America for her community professors bring a wealth of performance engagement programs. Professor Besch experience in choral music, early music, enjoys a robust international performance opera, and new music, and have additional career and has sung with well-respected skills in arts administration and arts programs such as HGOco, Opera in the entrepreneurship.

Heights, and the Leipzig Bach Festival.

Professor Jarrell Johnson is an avid recitalist and chamber musician, has appeared with ach of your professors has celebrated opera companies and Young received recognition in their areas Artist programs, and currently performs of expertise. Professor Nix has with DEUX, a classical vocal duo. published a significant amount of articles in prestigious journals including The his is just the tip of the artistic iceberg Journal of Voice, The NATS Journal, The for your faculty. Read more about Journal of Singing, The International them on the department website.

Journal of Research in Choral Singing, and he voice and choral faculty is comprised of seven full-time faculty members with distinct areas of study and rich musical backgrounds. Dr. Wiliam McCrary, Professor John Nix, and Dr. Susan Olson have served on the UTSA faculty for a cumulative 47 years, establishing a strong foundation of excellent learning tailored to the needs of the individual student. Through their solid leadership, UTSA has become a sought after music program producing leaders in the areas of education, research, and performance.

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Christopher Besch Voice, Vocal Tech for Instrumentalists, Class Voice Loves dogs, fitness, and the outdoors Fun fact: had his picture on a billboard in Times Square Motto: Do. Or do not. There is no try.

Dr. Jourdan Laine Howell Voice, Lyric Theatre Loves Debussy, Disney, and Dunkin’ iced coffee Fun fact: ran away with the circus Motto: Run toward the things that scare you.

Crystal Jarrell Johnson Voice, Diction Survey, Class Voice Loves Mozart, family, and dark chocolate Fun fact: was a gymnast as a child Motto: Work hard and be kind.

Dr. William McCrary Director of Lyric Theatre, Voice, Opera Literature Loves Schumann, family, and Boston Fun fact: has been to all 50 states Motto: Live your passion.

Dr. Yoojin Muhn Director of Choral Activities, Choirs, Choral Conducting Loves Bach, any type of fruit, and K-drama Fun fact: bunjee jumped off a harbor bridge in New Zealand Motto: Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances.

John Nix, area coordinator Voice, Vocal Pedagogy, Vocal Arts Laboratory Director Loves Mozart, Mahler, and Monty Python Fun fact: has gone running on the highest road in the U.S. (14,000 feet) Motto: Don’t forget to breathe.

Dr. Susan Olson Voice, Diction, Performance Repertoire, Art Song Literature Loves Mahler, Rom-Coms, and falling snow!

Fun fact: has been a soloist for Mass at the Vatican Motto: Don’t measure your progress using someone else’s ruler.

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Kaddijah Kabbar, mezzo; Photo credit: William McCrary

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THIS IS WHAT WE DO Our students learn a lot. And they sing a lot. And they grow a lot.

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also encouraged to compete in the annual Concerto & Aria Competition for the chance to perform with the UTSA Orchestra.

oice at UTSA is a challenging area of study, but every challenge has its reward! For our students, the rewards are many; from the comaraderie built through group singing in our choirs, to the pedagogic skills obtained through focused study with well-trained voice professors, we know that you will find your place here with us.

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tudents ready to showcase their talent beyond UTSA are encouraged to compete in Texoma NATS in the Fall and South Texas NATS in the Spring. Students are welcomed to sing with area ach semester, voice students churches, perform roles with local sing in a choral ensemble theatre companies, and sing with under the direction of the professional choirs. incomparable Dr. Yoojin Muhn.

Students are also encouraged to join xperiential learning is a Lyric Theatre and participate in key component to earning scene study, mainstage productions, a degree at UTSA. With this and Opera on the Run. New this year, in mind, Professor John Nix has Lyric Theatre will begin a studentcreated incredible opportunities driven project which culminates for voice students to engage in in the presentation of an original voice research under his guard, and opera story. access the Vocal Arts Lab. Students are strongly encouraged to engage uring lessons, singers in research and become one of build their voices through many who enter the annual COLFA the study of healthy research competition. singing techniques which they can demonstrate via weekly studio any of our singers are seminars as well as monthly area members of Sigma Alpha seminars. Beyond this, students Iota, Phi Mu Alpha, SNATS, are encouraged to audition for the Voice Area Vocal Arts Series, and other student organizations a new addition to our curriculum that promote a love of music on that features UTSA singers campus and throughout the San throughout the year in themed Antonio area. public recitals. Advanced voices are

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Lyric Theatre's production of THE PIRATES OF PENZANCE, directed by Dr. William McCrary..

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ARE YOU READY FOR THE FALL? There is much to be done before the start of any semester, but Fall 2020 looks to be an adventurous one. Here are some hints to help you succeed.

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et your tech in order. Many of you are electing to take all courses online, lessons included. For those that are hoping to meet faceto-face with your voice professor, you must be prepared to move online at a moment's notice. Do you have an external mic? Do you have

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headphones? Do you have a capable laptop or desktop computer? If you do not have access to reliable tech, UTSA has a plan in place for students.

CARES Act Funds are available to students and provides them up to $1500 for equipment. But once the money is gone, it is gone. You should submit an application today.

While we are on the topic of tech prep for your online classes, please be sure to secure a fast, stable internet connection at your home or apartment.

For music oriented courses that need high quality audio, purchase an Ethernet cable so that you can

Dr. William McCrary, NOA Conference presentation.

Photo Credit: Jourdan Laine Howell

plug your computer directly into the cable, rather than relying on WiFi. The speed and quality of your online communication will be significantly improved this way.

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Q&A session with David Portillo, Metropolitan Opera tenor and UTSA alum.

hen you register for voice lessons, be sure you are registering for your assigned teacher’s section. If you aren't sure who you teacher is, reach out to Professor Nix. All incoming undergraduate students should be enrolling in MUS 1512 lessons for fall, and all incoming graduate students should be enrolling in MUS 5542.

All undergraduate voice students are also required to be in an assigned ensemble each semester they are enrolled in applied lessons.

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ommunication is key!

Connect with your voice professor straight away. If you haven't received emails from them, double check your which email you have designated as your preferred email through ASAP. Your teacher may be sending mail 11

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Current students Shilryn Davenport, soprano, and Osvaldo Chacon, tenor, with Rafael Moras, acclaimed tenor and UTSA alum, post masterclass.

Sean Corbett, sopran, and Mariah Martinez, soprano, in rehearsal for THE PIRATES OF PENZANCE.

Are you ready? (cont.)

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to that account. Now is the time to make sure that you are using only one email account, or that you are forwarding all accounts to one place.

onnect with Julie Fischer, the marvelous advisor assigned to all music students to help navigate the degree plan. She is an absolute treasure to be respected, and her knowledge fountain should be frequently tapped! Julie Fischer rom here on out, check your email will be your friend throughout your daily. Make this part of your routine. collegiate career. Julie.Fischer@utsa.edu.

When a professor emails you, respond the same day. Practice responding swiftly and professionally while you are in egister for all of your classes. If school and you will develop a habit which there is a registration hold, find will be well received in your respective job. out why. Have a question about And while we do often communicate via a specific music class? Connect with social media, it is wise to confirm important Dr. Stacey Davis, Associate Chair of our information via email. department and all around amazing professor. (Seriously...she just received the

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UT System Regents' Oustanding Teaching Award in recognition for her extraordinary classroom performance and innovation.)

Here's the point: don't wait until week one to register. Stacey.Davis@utsa.edu

12:20) in your calendar. Do not schedule lessons or rehearsals during this time slot.

The department will fill this time with seminars designed to get students off to a good start both academically and musically.

The convocation hour brings together the entire department so that each student can uy a calendar/planner to keep track garner important information relevant to of all you need to do each day. When music, as well as experience guest lectures, you add items to your 'to do' list, performances, and masterclasses. maybe designate a length of time to devote to each task and hold yourself to it. Don't ake a list of repertoire books forget to plan breaks between tasks! that you already own and share that information with your voice egitsration for Music Convocation professor. Now is also a good time to start (MUS 2000) is required. You must your repertoire list, organized by language hold the course time (Tuesday, 11:30- or composer, or another method that you prefer. You'll add to your repertoire list every semester at UTSA.

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egin a regular practice schedule, even if you do not have assigned music. Use practice time to warm up and practice your scales (singing and piano). Practice sessions may also include working on translations, composer and poet research, and text memorization.

Recent alum Amanda Ronquillo, soprano, recording her graduate recital with Anna Hakobyan, pianist.

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WHAT HAPPENS DURING THE FIRST WEEK? Panicking. Panicking usually happens during the first week. But you may be able to combat unnecessary stress by knowing what to expect.

"Once a roadrunner, always a roadrunner." Photo credit: Jourdan Laine Howell

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t is 7:00am, first day of classes. You wake up later than expected, heart racing, and think, "OMG! There is no way I can make it to UTSA on time with morning traffic!"

Don't worry. Your first class is probably online so it's safe to go back to bed for another fifty-five minutes or so.

Just kidding. You need to get up and test your

technology, because you will undoubtedly run into problems with tech. Give yourself more time than you think you need to get set for each class.

If your first class happens to be face-toface, remember that Commuter Parking is free for students this semester, but campus buses are not running. The Main Campus is large so you should plan extra time to get where you need to go on foot.

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UTSA Concert Choir 2019-2020. Photo credit: William McCrary

You will have access to Blackboard the first week of classes, and you should devote focused time to look through each course dashboard.

You'll need to go over each course syllabus with a fine-toothed comb. As you read over the syllabi, start writing in your assignment due dates, exam dates, presentation dates... all of it. You may feel a rush of anxiety when you see your calendar filling up, but that is normal. Remind yourself that you are a conqueror and that you will crush college.

books, consider letting your professor know your situation.

And on the topic of financial aid, some students face a delay in aid which requires them to deal with emergency loans and other difficult situations. Just be mentally prepared for long wait times on the phone with Financial Aid in the weeks surrounding the start of the semester.

With so many changes hapenning around UTSA because of, it is likely that many people will be flustered on their first day, maybe even throughout the first week (or two). Keep this in mind when you are meeting new people and interacting with professors for the first time. Listen first, think before responding, and be kind.

One thing that will help you begin crushing college is to have your books purchased before school begins. Faculty expect you to have your texts. You will likely receive assignments on day one that require the use of your text. If you are waiting on financial aid funds to drop before you can purchase 15

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WHAT FACULTY THINKS YOU SHOULD KNOW We value our students. And we understand how crazy college life can be.

So take a moment to digest these helpful tidbits from your professors.

Professor Besch: "College is really rewarding but stressful. We have counseling services that help students learn how to work on skills like time management and dealing with anxiety."

UTSA's Counseling Services are currently available to you via phone or video conference and can be reached at 210-458-4140.

Dr. Howell: "UTSA operates Roadrunner Pantry so you can have a full belly even when cashflow is tight."

Dr. Muhn conducts with a happy face!

Anyone with a UTSA ID can receive 'grab and go' food bags at no charge in the Roadrunner Pantry.

Professor Johnson says: "UTSA is a place where you can hone your skills and pursue musical excellence among colleagues and professors who sincerely care about you and your success in your field. I haven't seen the same sense of community, family, and support that we have at UTSA at any other state school before - it truly is remarkable."

Mr. B very

Dr. McCrary hangs out with the cast of his production of THE MUSIC MAN.

Dr. McCrary: "The pillars of our department are family, curiosity, and courage. We embody those words."

Dr. Muhn: "Our department aims to create a "family-feel" community where students, staff, and faculty feel safe, welcomed, and

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Mr. Nix stretches the ever important tongue muscle in pedagogy class!

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encouraged. Our faculty cares not only about each student's academic success but also their personal growth as a musician and as a person."

Professor Nix: "One of the most helpful people you will ever encounter at UTSA is the music department’s academic advisor, Julie Fisher.

Write this name down. Put her email address in your phone and in your address book. She will help you select classes to keep you on track, and work with you to have a semester by semester plan for your degree."

Dr. Olson steals the spotlight as Widow Corney in OLIVER!

Dr. Olson: "There are a bunch of student success programs to help you!"

There are many programs like LEAD, TRIO, and SOAR, the First-Gen and Transfer Student Center, and more.

Besch conducts a masterclass with expressive hands.

Dr. Howell exhibiting her post-performance glow.

Mrs. Johnson dreaming of Mozart hile posing for DEUX’s album cover.

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WHAT STUDENTS THINK YOU SHOULD KNOW Faculty advice is great, but sometimes, you just want to hear from your fellow student Roadrunners. Find out what they think you need to know.

Shirlyn Davenport: "Don’t give up. I know that sounds cheesy but it’s true. In college you’ll make a lot of mistakes. You’ll wake up late for class, miss an assignment or two, but you take those mistakes, learn from them and move on for the better. The voice and music department are full of amazing students and professors who are wishing for happiness every day. Use their knowledge to aid your success. Also, the Starbucks and Chick-fil-A line are always packed at 1:30pm, so after choir just save yourself the frustration if you have a 2:00pm class. But you know what isn’t packed? The fro-yo machine in the business building... #TreatYoSelf

Micaela Nichols, soprano Music Studies

Isabel Alvarado: "Be open and put yourself out there. Meet new people and make new friends. I've met my best friends through the music department. Oh! And practice! You can never practice enough!

Julieta Garcia: "NEVER compare yourself to your peers. Everyone has their own path.

Yours is unique to you. No one will ever sound like you. Use professional singers as your voice role models, but don’t compare yourself to them either. Know that your voice is ONE, and that’s why you’re here, to share it with the world. Also, hand sanitizing wipes are your best friends. You never know what that brass player did before you in those practice rooms."

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Osvaldo Chacon,tenor Music Studies

Osvaldo Chacon: Trust the process of your singing journey. Definitely keep a planner and schedule practicing times as well.

And honestly the best thing I did when I felt stressed was get some Starbucks or a milkshake from Steak 'n Shake and go to the library to relax and calm down a bit. Steak 'n Shake is really affordable and GOOD!

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Hannah Herrick: First and foremost, you need to buy a planner! Don't be afriad to say no to things. Sometimes you'll want to be involved in absolutely everything, but there is so much going on and you can't do it all. So be wise with your commitments and plan time to rest and have fun outside of school.

Julieta Garcia, soprano Performance & Pedagogy

Hannah Herrick, soprano Music Studies

Shilryn Davenport, soprano Music Studies Hector Tobar, baritone Performance

Isabel Alvarado, soprano Music Studies

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Hector Tobar: I would advise that if there is anything a student needs help with, whether it be school or personal stuff, everyone is so close and kind to one another that asking for their help will make anyone feel better. And of course to practice singing as much as possible. Like, I’ve been in the practice rooms so much at this point I may as well take out a lease for one of them!

Micaela Nichols: I know that sleeping is the easiest thing to do during breaks between classes but it’s not always the smartest!

Don’t forget to eat (it seems silly but you’ll see...)! Trust that your professors & classmates want you to succeed; it’s not like high school and no one is out to get you.

Take time to notice your mental health & how you’re feeling (it’s okay not to be okay).

Always have a water bottle with you!

Know that there is always someone around that is more than willing to help you!

Greta GLasscock, soprano, in THE PIRATESOF PENZANCE.

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ON THE CALENDAR

Recent graduate, Sarah Miga, performing at Fed Cup, 2019, the largest internaiotnal team competition in women's sport.

The number of events that happen in our department is impressive.

This is merely a teaser.

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n addition to several concerts performed by our choirs, voice area students participate in other ensembles and events. Students pursuing a jazz minor will perform with a combo, while students interetsed in mariachi may perform with our celebrated group Los Paisanos.

Ensembles offerings vary from semester to semester.

Beyond the scope of student performance, guest artist and faculty artist performances take place throughout the year. UTSA also plays host to several festival experiences including the New Music Festival, MuTe Fest, and UTSA Underground. Students attend informative guest lectures from researchers and as well as masterclasses with professional artists.

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VOICE AREA RETREAT Happening near the start of the Fall semester, the voice area faculty takes time to meet with incoming freshman and transfer students to fill them in on what to expect. This year, we are moving the retreat online and will be sharing important information in fun ways to get you pumped for your new adventure at UTSA!

TEXOMA NATS Each November, UTSA takes a delegation of students to attend and compete at the Texoma Region NATS Conference. What is NATS? The National Association of Teachers of Singing, a group that each of your voice professors is an active member. As expected, the conference will move online this year, making the option to compete more accessible for interested students.

WINTERLUDE In December, the department presents its annual Winterlude, a series of concerts that showcase UTSA’s major ensembles. Winterlude is a blend of entertaining holiday classics and respected major works in the classical canon such as Bach’s Magnificat. Nearly every student in the department participates in Winterlude - it is quite the affair!

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CHOIR TOUR In the Spring semester, typically in early February, the Concert Choir and Chamber Choir venture out into the San Antonio area to sing for high schools. Affectionately known as ‘choir tour,’ the choral area takes an extended trip every few years into the other major metropolitan areas of Texas. This is a significant recruiting opportunity for us, and some of you may even be attending UTSA because you heard UTSA singers at your school!

LYRIC THEATRE Usually premiering in late March or early April, Lyric Theatre presents a mainstage production on UTSA’s main campus, or in the Buena Vista Theatre at the downtown campus. Productions rotate between operas, operettas, and musicals, and the shows usually employ a large cast with several lead roles, are double cast, and performed with orchestra.

EXTRAVAGANZA At the very end of the Spring semester, the department’s faculty, staff, current students, and alumni come together to enjoy Extravaganza, an award ceremony event that celebrates the tremendous creative work delivered throught the year by our UTSA music family. The evening is punctuated by performances from outstanding students and alums.

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LAST THOUGHTS

UTSA voice students attending a dress rehearsal of TOSCA at The Tobin Center.

OperaPhoto courtesy of OPERA San Antonio.

A few things to keep in mind as you shore yourself up for the coming year.

Keep yourself healthy Now more than ever, you must make sound choices for your physical, emotional, and mental health. Starting a degree at UTSA will may catch you off guard as the demands can be rigorous. To help you stay mentally and emotionally fit, take time to rest every day, and stay in communication with the people you trust. Invest in your physical health as well; performers need strong lungs and the ability to move around a stage.

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Avoid the effects of isolation. Get involved in student groups and other online activities offered at UTSA.

Working with a collaborative pianist Each semester, you will enter into a contract with a collaborative pianist. This is an additional cost not included in your tuition fees. While we are not yet sure how much in-person interaction we will have in the fall, you should make arrangements for a pianist to be available for 30 minutes each week in a lesson, and for an additional 30 minute rehearsal. Several wonderful pianists currently collaborate with our students (find their contact info on the last page). Whoever you choose to work with, it is imperative that they receive your music at the start of the semester, in the format they prefer, with your translations and any musical cuts clearly marked in the score.

Professor S. Andrew Lloyd prepares the harpsichord for rehearsal.

If you don't know how to mark your score, work with your voice professor and your pianist to learn the best way to communicate your musical choices. There is an art to preparing your musical score, and the better you do it, the more your pianist will appreciate working with you. Remember, when working with your pianist, be respectful, show up on time, pay them on time, and bring your artistic voice to the rehearsal. Even a practice session has time for music-making.

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GET CONNECTED Take charge of your collegiate career. Ask questions.

Connect with the right people and you will stay the course.

Collaborative Pianists

John Nix, Area Coordinator John.Nix@utsa.edu

Robert Cruhm, 956-372-9418 cgrandhands@gmail.com

Julie Fischer, Academic Advisor Julie.Fischer@utsa.edu

Jane Haas, 210-884-6157 jimmiejaneh@yahoo.com

Dr. Stacey Davis, Associate Chair Stacey.Davis@utsa.edu

Anna Hakobyan, 210-250-0655 Anka_hak@yahoo.com

Cindy Solis, Senior Events Manager Cynthia.Solis@utsa.edu

Mary Lowder, 704-975-6264 pianist_4_u@yahoo.com

Sean Corbett, soprano, Andrew Kimberly, bass, and Isabel Alvarado, soprano, in Urbino, Italy.

Dr. Tracy Cowden, Chair Tracy.Cowden@utsa.edu

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