2021 Young Artists
OPERA
Alison Byrom, Soprano
Austin, TX
Allison Byrom is a soprano about to enter her senior year at Southwestern University. Originally from Austin Texas, Allison chose to pursue her musical career to earn a Bachelor of Music in Voice Performance. Allison has had the opportunity to perform multiple roles within her studies. In 2019, she portrayed the role of Serafina in Il Campanello and Dorabella in The Bremen Town Musicians. Allison enjoys being a member of the Southwestern University Chorale, Hand Bell Choir, Wind Ensemble and President of her music fraternity; Delta Omicron. She has had the privilege to work with numerous artists of today including Kathryn Lewek, Jameson James, and Katherine Altobello. She hopes to continue her studies in grad school next fall, in order to pursue her dream of being a successful performer.
Andrew Busenlener, Baritone
Tallahassee, FL
Andrew is so excited to be a part of IPAI's 2021 season! Currently Andrew is a senior at Florida State University studying Vocal Performance under the instruction of Dr. Evan Jones. Some of his past roles include Jean Valjean (Les Miserables), Lieutenant Cable (South Pacific), Duke Orsino (Twelfth Night),
and Prince Charming (Into The Woods). He has also performed as Bruschino Sr. (Il Signor Bruschino)
and Papageno (Die Zauberflöte) with the Florida State opera scenes program. He has also directed and produced two musicals with the charity theater company Giving Individuals Fabulous Theater (GIFT). He would like to thank all the teachers, directors, and peers who have guided him; and above all he would
like to thank his loving family for supporting him every step of the way.
Conner Nall, Baritone
Canyon, TX
Conner Nall, Baritone, has most recently performed as Dick Deadeye in WTAMU Opera Workshop’s production of H.M.S Pinafore. He has also performed as Dr. Gibbs in Our Town. Conner is currently a rising junior at West Texas A&M University.
David Silvano, Tenor
Grand Junction, CO
David Silvano, tenor, Grand Junction, CO, David Silvano is an emerging Peruvian-American tenor with a dramatic, yet vibrant and flexible voice and a natural talent for acting. While Mr. Silvano has a particular passion for the Romantic and post-Romantic repertoire, he is at home in a wide variety of styles. Mr. Silvano has recently performed with Art Song Colorado, Opera Fort Collins, and is looking forward to this season’s productions of Dido and Aeneas and Così fan tutte at Colorado State University where he will sing the roles of Aeneas and Ferrando respectively. He has performed and studied a number of roles and scenes with Colorado Mesa University Opera. Mr. Silvano holds a BM in vocal performance from Colorado Mesa University and is pursuing a MM in vocal performance at Colorado State University where he studies with John Robert Lindsey.
Dayela Lima, Soprano
Marietta, GA
Dayela is a rising fourth year student in Shorter University’s Vocal Performance degree program. She has been studying voice with Ms. Indra Thomas for five years. In Shorter’s fall opera scenes (October 2019), she played the roles of “Susanna” from “The Magic of Figaro”, “Dorabella” from “Cosi Fan Tutte”, and “Bess” from “Porgy and Bess”. In past years, some of her roles have included: “Nettie” in Shorter’s 2020 performance of “Carousel”, the “Witch” in Shorter’s 2019 production of “Into The Woods”, “First Stepsister” in Shorter’s 2018 production of “The True Story of Cinderella”, “Mother Superior” in CCCEPA’s 2018 production of “SisterAct The Musical”, and “Dame Doleful” in Boston University Tanglewood Institute’s “Too Many Sopranos” 2017 opera scenes. Along with opera, she performs quite a bit of church music, and is currently a member of the Shorter Chorale. In April 2021, she sang the “Domine Deus” solo on the Shorter Chorale’s concert of “Requiem” by Dan Forest. Finally, she attended the young artist program “Opera Viva!” in Verona, Italy summer of 2019. She says that she is thrilled to be working with such refined artists at IPAI this year, and can’t wait to see what the future holds!
ElEisha Miller,Soprano
Amarillo, TX
Eleisha Miller is a singer, actor, and pianist currently pursuing a Bachelor in Music (Vocal Performance) at West Texas A&M University. She currently studies under Matthew Oglesby (tenor) and has been trained in both classical and contemporary styles. Within the past year, she has performed in Our Town (Ned Rorem- Mrs. Web), H.M.S. Pinafore(Josephine) and Suor Angelica (Prima Cercatrice) with the WTAMU Opera Workshop. When not singing, Eleisha spends her time playing the piano and teaching private lessons. She currently resides in Amarillo, TX with her family.
Houston, TX
Emily Hansen is an American soprano native of Houston, Texas. In high school she was a member of the Houston Grand Opera Bauer Family Vocal Studio, where she portrayed the role of Tanya Smithers in the world premier of Ricky Ian Gordon's A House Without a Christmas Tree. She also participated in masterclasses by internationally recognized singers such as Jamie Barton and Stephanie Blythe. Emily was a part of the Utah Vocal Arts Academy in July of 2019, where she performed the role of Mabel in Pirates of Penzance, and Second Spirit in Mozart's, Die Zauberflöte. Emily was a member of the International Performing Arts Institute GAP 2020 program during the COVID-19 pandemic. Recently, she has joined the Women's Artistic Leadership Initiative as a Fellow for the upcoming 2021-22 academic year. She is currently an Honors student at the University of Utah studying Vocal Performance under the direction of Kirstin Chávez.
Emma Ginzel, Soprano
San Diego, CA
Originally from Peoria Illinois, Emma earned her Bachelors of Music in Vocal Performance from Point Loma Nazarene University in San Diego. Emma’s past operatic roles include The Gingerbread Witch in Hansel und Gretel and Mrs. Jones in Kurt Weill’s Street Scene, as well as solos in many scene programs with the Point Loma Opera Theater. Emma is an experienced recitalist having performed two full art song recitals during her time at PLNU. In 2019 she had the honor of being a featured soloist with Point Loma Nazarene’s Orchestra in their Concerto Concert. She has also performed with the San Diego Bach Collegium and as a soloist in Point Loma Choral Union’s 2017 & 2019 productions of Messiah and 2019 production of Britten’s Rejoice in the Lamb. Emma also enjoys teaching music lessons to children in her private studio.
Emma Louise Wilson,SOPrano
Tarpon Springs, FL
She holds a Bachelor of Music, and is currently pursuing her Performer’s Certificate from The University of North Florida. In Fall 2021, she performed as a soprano soloist in Vivaldi’s Gloria as well as Handel’s Messiah. Her recent roles include Arminda in La Finta Giardiniera, Pamina in UNF’s annual opera gala, Zweite Dame in Die Zauberflöte at the European Music Academy summer program, and Mother in Little Red Riding Hood. She will be performing as Miss Pinkerton in The Old Maid and the Thief this Fall.
Erin O'Rourke, Soprano
Bronxville, NY
With two degrees in Voice Performance and Music Education, Erin brings light to both the stage and into the studio. From Bronxville NY, Erin grew up playing many instruments, but always felt she could connect the most to others through her voice. She attended Ithaca College and graduated in December of 2019. While at Ithaca, she performed with the IC Choir, Vocal Jazz Ensemble, Opera Workshop, and Opera Theatre program. She worked with artists of today, including Warren Jones, Martin Katz, and Libby Larsen. After graduating, Erin began studying with Dawn Pierce. She became a Young Artist with Opera Ithaca, a Global Artist with IPAI, and won first place in the 2020 NATS Competition in Central NY. Erin is about to start her Masters of Voice at The Juilliard School. Erin wants to make voices of female and composers of color heard and represent them in the classical musical canon.
Francesco Dilello, Tenor
Highland Mills, NY
Francesco DiLello graduated from Ithaca College in December 2020 with a B.M. in vocal performance and music education. Originally from Highland Mills, New York, his performance credits at Ithaca College include The Sailor from Dido and Aeneas as well as roles in several scenes in the Ithaca College Opera Workshop, and workshoppinh the role of Charlie as a Studio Artist at Opera Ithaca, in Sally Lamb McCune’s new opera-in-progress, We Wear the Sea Like a Coat. He has also been a young artist at Opera Viva in Verona and the International Performing Arts Institute’s Global Artist and Fairhope programs. DiLello currently serves as the Music Director for the online musical theater group ParodyTale and is performing several roles in various ongoing online voice acting projects. His chorus experience includes Dido and Aeneas at Ithaca College and La bohème with Opera Ithaca and the Cayuga Chamber Orchestra in Ithaca, New York.
Justin Williamson, Tenor
Amarillo, TX
Justin Williamson, Tenor is from Amarillo, Texas. He recently recieved his Bachelor's degree in vocal performance from West Texas A&M University and will be pursuing his masters degree in the near future. Justin has performed in numerous shows such as TEXAS the Outdoor Musical as well as landing the lead role as Stage Manager in Ned Rorem's product of Our Town. Justin currently resides in Amarillo, TX.
Kayla Boyte-Moore enjoyed a short, early career in Musical Theater, and debuted at the Laurie Beechman Theatre Off-Broadway Ny,Ny in 2015 with Brandon Cutrell and Cohorts. Soon after, Boyte-Moore followed opportunities to work in the music industry in Atlanta, GA as a recording artist and studio voice coach with Blaque Waltz Productions and Alima Industries. She enjoyed seven years of fulfilling work with R&B singer/songwriters before deciding to go back to school and complete studies in classical music. Boyte-Moore moved to Houston with her husband and studies with Dr. David Kirkwood at Houston Baptist University. In 2019 she had the honor to cover the role of Fiordiligi from Mozart’s Cosi fan tutti with Spotlight On Opera, and was cast as Giulietta in Tales of Hoffman in Varna, Bulgaria when unfortunately the pandemic caused the cancellation of the production. Not to be deterred, Boyte-Moore is here studying with her first voice teacher from many years ago, Dr. Maryann Kyle, and performing in two opera scenes as Magda from La Rondine. She is currently seeking options for graduate programs after her expected graduation in May 2022, possibly in Vocal Pedagogy or Performance.
Kristy Shuck, Soprano
Green Bay, WI
Kristy Shuck is a soprano from Green Bay, Wisconsin. In 2019 she received her B.M. in Vocal Performance and Music Education from Ithaca College. Recent performances have included Miss Pinkerton in The Old Maid and the Thief with Ithaca College Main Stage Theater. She also appeared in the Chorus of La bohème and covered the role of Maguelonne in Viardot's Cendrillon, both as an Apprentice Artist with Opera Ithaca. In March of 2020, Kristy was a finalist in the Fourth Annual Edward M. Murray International Competition of Voice and in 2018 was chosen to participate in a residency with the Brooklyn Art Song Society and Libby Larsen. In the summer of 2019 as a Young Artist with the International Performing Arts Institute in Kiefersfelden, Germany, Kristy performed scenes from L'elisir d'amore as Adina and Der Rosenkavalier as Sophie. She currently studies voice with Professor Dawn Pierce of Ithaca College.
Macy Andru, soprano
Denver, CO
Macy Andrus is a Soprano based in Denver, CO. She currently attends the University of Denver and is pursuing a Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance studying under the direction of Prof. Cathy Kasch. In July, Macy will be performing as Lucia in scenes at the International Performing Arts Institute. This past spring, she performed the role of 2nd spirit in Die Zauberflöte with the Lamont Opera Theatre. Other credits include appearances as Rosasharn in scenes from Grapes of Wrath and Annie in scenes from Annie Get Your Gun. She has participated in various vocal competitions winning awards from PPMTA, CSMTA, and NATS CO/WY. As part of her college education, she is actively taking German courses in hopes of furthering her understanding of the language. She is set to graduate in June of 2022.
Madison Hoerbelt, Mezzo Soprano
Batavia, NY
Madison is currently a student at Ithaca College completing a degree in voice performance in the studio of Dawn Pierce. Madison is a very passionate singer and is no stranger to the stage. Madison has been in performances such as La Bohème with Opera Ithaca in collaboration with the Cayuga Chamber Orchestra (Ensemble, 2019), Dido and Aeneas at Ithaca College 2nd Witch / 2nd Shepherdess, 2020), and most recently in Die Zauberflöte with Ithaca College (Dritte Dame, 2021). Madison is a member of the Dorothy Cotton Jubilee Singers, for which she is a section leader. In addition, she has also sung in the Women’s Chorale, Madrigal Singers, and Concert Choir at Ithaca College. Madison has been seen in theatre productions as well, including leading roles in Into the Woods (The Witch, 2018), Hairspray (Tracy Turnblad, 2017), and The Little Mermaid (Ursula, 2016).
Malaya Press, soprano
Long Island, NY
Malaya is a musician and arts administration student based in New York. She is a rising senior at Ithaca College, where she is pursuing a BM in Voice Combined with Theatre Arts Management. She studied with Deborah Montgomery-Cove before her retirement and will join Dr. Martha Guth's studio in the fall. Recent credits include Second Spirit *(Die Zauberflöte),* various roles in *Puffs*, and a student-directed opera scenes recital*.* In 2019, she sang the aria from Heitor Villa-Lobos's *Bachianas Brasileiras No. 5* with the Ithaca College Trombone Troupe, of which she is also a member and former board officer. Last year, she founded the IC Musicians' Intersectionality Initiative, which advocates for a more equitable and widely representative environment and curriculum in the School of Music. She is both an Opera Artist in and an administrative intern for IPAI.
Margaret Branyon-Goodman, mezzo soprano
New Orleans, LA
Margaret is a second year Masters’ student at Loyola University New Orleans with a concentration in Vocal Performance. She is a student of Luretta Bybee and has studied under her for two years. With Loyola Opera, she has performed in the Fall 2019 scenes program as The Witch in Hansel und Gretel, Marcellina from Le Nozze di Figaro in Fall 2020, and performed the full role of the Sorceress in Dido and Aeneas in March 2021. In the Summer of 2019, Margaret portrayed roles in Suor Angelica and Gianni Schicchi with Varna International Music Academy. She is excited to work with the amazing faculty and singers attending IPAI this year and looks forward to making beautiful music again for all to enjoy!
Merideth Jolstad, mezzo soprano
Minneapolis, MN
Merideth Jolstad is a Chicago-based mezzo-soprano, recognized for her diverse performance abilities as a soloist and ensemble member. She holds a Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance from the Chicago College of Performing Arts at Roosevelt University. Her most recent operatic roles have included The Neighbor in Stravinsky’s “Mavra” and Prince Orlofsky in Strauss’s “Die Fledermaus”. In addition, she has served as a valuable chorus member in productions with the Lakes Area Music Festival, Midwest Institute of Opera, and the Chicago College of Performing Arts. An enthusiastic proponent of song, both old and new, her output includes both the standard classical repertoire and lesser-known artists. Particularly passionate about women in art song, Merideth presented a female-emphasized recital program featuring the work of Barbara Strozzi, Harriet Abrams, Fanny Mendelssohn Hensel, Josephine Lang, and Poldowski in May 2021.
Erin O'Rourke, Soprano
Bronxville, NY
With two degrees in Voice Performance and Music Education, Erin brings light to both the stage and into the studio. From Bronxville NY, Erin grew up playing many instruments, but always felt she could connect the most to others through her voice. She attended Ithaca College and graduated in December of 2019. While at Ithaca, she performed with the IC Choir, Vocal Jazz Ensemble, Opera Workshop, and Opera Theatre program. She worked with artists of today, including Warren Jones, Martin Katz, and Libby Larsen. After graduating, Erin began studying with Dawn Pierce. She became a Young Artist with Opera Ithaca, a Global Artist with IPAI, and won first place in the 2020 NATS Competition in Central NY. Erin is about to start her Masters of Voice at The Juilliard School. Erin wants to make voices of female and composers of color heard and represent them in the classical musical canon.
Philip Mccown, TENOR
Auburn, AL
Philip is a graduate of Auburn University (BM) and the Indiana University Jacobs School of Music (MM), and is continuing his education at Indiana pursuing a Performer Diploma studying with Dr. Brian Horne and Peter Volpe. Philip made his role debut at IU this past season as Laurie in Mark Adamo’s Little Women, and will be returning to the Indiana University Opera and Ballet Theater stage this upcoming season as Bardolfo in Verdi’s Falstaff. Other IU credits include the choruses of Le Nozze di Figaro, Parsifal, and La Traviata. At Auburn University, Philip performed the roles of Eisenstein (Die Fledermaus), Aeneas (Dido and Aeneas), and Count Almaviva (Le Nozze di Figaro). He has also performed in the Opera Workshop scenes programs of Carol Vaness and Heidi Grant Murphy as Tom Rakewell (The Rake’s Progress), Edgardo (Lucia di Lammermoor), and Martin (The Tender Land).
Reily Kanani Crandall, Soprano
San Diego, CA
Reilly Kanani Crandall Soprano San Diego, CA Kanani will further pursue her vocal education with Dr. Maryann Kyle at the University of Mobile to obtain her Masters in Vocal Performance this fall. During her seven semesters at Young Harris College, she studied under Mrs. Karen Calloway and performed in two church choirs, jazz band, pep band, YHC’s Mountain Community Chorus, YHC’s Concert Choir and YHC’s Chamber choir with at least one solo in every show. Ms. Crandall placed 3rd at the NATS South-East Regional level in 2020 and was a soloist at the GMEA Honor choir earlier the same year. With seven masterclasses, honorary music awards and scholarships so far, Kanani is excited for many more experiences to come.
Sarah Crum, Soprano
Selma, AL
Sarah Crum, Soprano Selma,Al Sarah Crum received her Bachelor's degree in Music at Bethune-Cookman University where she served as soprano section leader in the Concert Chorale. She also served as the student director of Opera Workshop studies. While directing she also played roles including Cindy Lou from "Carmen Jones" and Nina from "In the Heights". She is also a part of a jazz and RnB duo called Cloud29, and premiered her first single on the album "Livewire 2019" produced by HBCU records. Her awards include Upper Division Female Grady-Rayam Prize of the Grady-Rayam Nergo Spiritual Competition, BCU Music Outreach program scholarship, Pi Kappa Lambda Music Honor's Society and graduating with honors.
Shannon burr, soprano
Harrisburg, PA
Shannon Burr, Soprano, is from Harrisburg, Pennsylvania and is currently pursuing her M.M. in Vocal Performance from West Texas A&M University under the instruction of Matthew Oglesby, Tenor. She was most recently seen in the role of La Zelatrice in WTAMU Opera Workshop’s production of Suor Angelica, as well as covering the title role. In addition to singing, Shannon has studied and continues to play piano and currently works for the university as the graduate assistant for the Opera Workshop. She is currently residing in Amarillo, Texas while she completes her graduate degree.
Travis Hyman, Baritone
Crosby, TX
Travis Hyman, baritone, grew up in Crosby, Texas for most of his life. He went on to study under Dr. Rebecca Wascoe-Hays at Texas Tech University while pursuing a double major in Vocal Performance and Music Education. During his time at TTU, he has performed such roles as Marco in Gianni Schicchi, First Armored Guard in Die Zauberflöte, Second Commissioner in Dialogues des Carmélites, and Henry Davis in Street Scene. He hopes to continue to pursue a career in opera following his time here at IPAI. He is honored to be a part of such a wonderful program and is grateful for the opportunities it has presented him.
MUSICAL THEATRE
Cassidy ewert, Soprano
Shreveport, LA
Cassidy Ewert was born with a passion for sharing her gift of voice. In 2019, Cassidy was selected as Youth Ambassador in Michael Feinstein's Great American Songbook Academy and was awarded top ten in the nation. In addition, Cassidy received a superior in the Louisiana State Thespian Festival for 4 consecutive years and won first place in the Louisiana State Literary Rally for vocal performance. Cassidy has been voted "Best Actress" for her supporting and lead roles for 5 consecutive years by her peers in her theatre company, "Academy of Children's Theatre" based in Shreveport, Louisiana. She has been grateful to perform as Ariel in "The Little Mermaid". the dragon in "Shrek", Patrice in "13", the witch in "Into the Woods Jr", Ms. Minchin in "A Little Princess", "Miss Honey" in Matilda and a host of supporting roles and ensemble. In addition to theatre and vocal performance, Cassidy loves meeting people through traveling the world and working with children
Jonathan lee Spruill, bari-tenor
Odessa, TX
Jonny Lee (they/them), is a senior Bari-tenor at West Texas A&M University, originating from Odessa, Texas. They are pursing their B.F.A. in Musical Theatre with a Dance minor. Lee has been training under Robert Cardwell (Baritone) and Bradley Behrman (Bari-tenor) at WTAMU. They have most recently assistant directed Jean Racine’s Phaedra under Callie Hisek and performed the Pi Suite as Curtis in the Theory of Relativity.
Mariah Griffith, soprano
Grand Junction, CO
Mariah is going into her senior year at Colorado Mesa University and she is studying Voice. She is very excited and honored to be in the Musical Theatre program here at IPAI this year. In addition to school, Mariah participates in, and helps music direct local children’s theatre in Grand Junction and loves every moment of it. Mariah also enjoys singing with her brother and dad at family gatherings, watching movies, and rafting on the weekends during the summer. She plans to continue performing and sharing her love for music and theatre with others for the next foreseeable future.
olivia Rose McCain, soprano
Georgetown, TX
Olivia is currently a rising senior at Southwestern University where she is focusing on performing, playwriting, and wig styling. Her goal is to present stories that other people can find themselves in and connect with in meaningful ways. In addition to this, she also hopes to create work that fosters a collaborative and inclusive environment. As a Type 1 Diabetic, she has found a lack of representation of disabilities in the arts, which can make it hard to navigate the arts due to lack of education. As a young artist, she is still discovering how this goal intersects with all of her interests, but she is excited to see how IPAI helps her achieve these goals!
Savannah Poor, Soprano
Odessa, TX
Savannah Poor is currently a Senior pursuing her BFA Musical Theatre Major at West Texas A&M University. She studies under Mathew Oglesby at WT and has been trained as a crossover artist. She has recently been in shows such as HMS Pinafore (Sailor) and Suor Angelica (Suor Osmina).
Collaborative Piano
Keisy PeyerL Xavier
Hattiesburg, MS
Keisy Peyerl, a Brazilian pianist, has made a name for herself as both a soloist and a collaborative pianist. A versatile artist with a strong foundation in Classical piano education, has also musical experience in other genres such as Brazilian Jazz, Gospel, Pop/Rock to Musical Theater. Finalist and third place at the “Latin-American Piano Competition Rosa Mistica” in Curitiba, and at the “National Piano Competition in the Brazilian Academy of Music” in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, she attended masterclasses with respected pianists such as Guigla Katsarava, École Normale de Musique de Paris; Petronel Malan, South Africa; and Carrie-Ann Matheson, Canada. She is currently in the final year of her DMA program where she is involved in ambitious projects as a Graduate Assistant. Recent performances include: J. S. Bach's "Schweigt stille, plaudert nicht" known as the Coffee Cantata in the Harpsichord and Paul Hindemith's Double Bass Sonata.
Xiaoyi Lin, Chinese Pianist, earned her Bachelor of Music Education from the Zhejiang
Conservatory of Music in China. After finishing her bachelor's degree, she completed her Master of
Piano Performance from Boston University where she studied with Boaz Sharon and Gila
Goldstein. She is currently in the first year of her second Masters Degree of Collaborative Piano
at the University of Texas at Austin where she studies with Colette Valentine, one of the most active
professional collaborative pianists in the United States.
Marc rivet
Hattiesburg, MS
With a diverse background and skill set, Marc Rivet is an active accompanist, arranger, and educator. Originally from Raceland, Louisiana, Rivet graduated from the University of Southern Mississippi in 2017 with a Bachelor’s in Music Education (Double Emphasis in Piano and Percussion) and a Bachelor’s in Percussion Performance. He continues his love of percussion as a front ensemble instructor at Bluecoats drum corps. He is now pursuing a Master’s in Collaborative Piano at USM. Along with being a Collaborative Piano graduate assistant, he is a Livestream and Recording graduate assistant for the School of Music, which encompasses training other students, as well as recording and editing faculty recitals for various international organizations. Most recently, Rivet has worked as the live-streaming content curator for FestivalSouth in Hattiesburg, MS. Rivet has had the opportunity to give masterclasses for organizations such as the Hattiesburg Music Teachers League and the International Performing Arts Institute.
Nicholas joslin
Minden, LA
Nicholas Joslin brings fresh ideas to the stage that draw upon his diverse musical background. He holds a Bachelor of Music in Piano and Vocal Performance from William Carey University. While at William Carey, he accompanied voice lessons and instrumentalists, as well as the WCU Chorale. In the summer of 2017, Nicholas traveled to Austria to participate in the American Institute for Musical Studies as a collaborative pianist. At this festival, he studied with Timothy Hokeman, Gary Matthewman, Charlene Harb, and participated in masterclasses with Barbara Bonney and Bo Skovhus. He is currently serving as Organist & Music Director at Petal Presbyterian Church and pursuing a Master of Music in Choral Conducting and Collaborative Piano at the University of Southern Mississippi.
Watcharit kerdchuen
Thailand
Thai collaborative pianist Watcharit Kerdchuen (Jean) has worked with many singers, from a young student to a professional artist. He has participated in many opera and musical theatre productions such as The Magic Flute, Too Many Sopranos, Into the Woods, Little Shop of Horrors, and Fame the Musical. In 2019, he was a music director and pianist for a new musical, The Workshop Musical. As a soloist, he won the first prize in Thailand Steinway & Sons Piano Competition 2016 and was invited to perform Rachmaninoff Piano Concerto No.2 with Bangkok Charity Orchestra in 2017. He recently graduated from the University of Southern Mississippi with MM in collaborative piano and holds BM in piano performance from College of Music, Mahidol University. His former teachers are Dr. Michael Bunchman and Dr. Eri Nakagawa. After this summer, he will be continuing his diploma study at Jacobs School of Music, Indiana University.
Teaching Fellows
Elizabeth Griffin, soprano
Mobile, AL
Elizabeth Griffin is a student of Dr. Maryann Kyle. Elizabeth earned her bachelor’s degree in music from Ouachita Baptist University and her master’s degree in vocal performance from the University of Mobile. From as early as she can remember, Elizabeth has felt most at home on the stage. Her favorite roles include Laeticia from “The Old Maid and the Thief”, Kathy Selden from “Singin’ in the Rain” and Tonina from “Prima la Musica e Poi La Parole”. Her other interests include stage makeup design, cooking and reading. Elizabeth would like to thank God, her parents Steve and Joy, and her teacher, Dr. Kyle.
Hillary storey, soprano
Portland, OR
Ms. Storey is an aspiring soprano who has studied voice privately for 15 years. During that time, she also has solidified her career as an Early Childhood Educator and has experience teaching around the world. Her teaching career has taken her to China, Japan and currently, Egypt. While getting her MEd in 2009, She interned in the Metropolitan Opera Guild's educational programs. She also wrote a school curriculum for grades K-12 for HGO's production of Madame Butterfly in 2010 and hopes to be involved again in fusing her two loves of opera and early education. This is her first year as a participant in IPAI.
kate sawyer, soprano
Mobile, AL
Kate Sawyer, soprano Ocean Springs, MS Kate Sawyer grew up on the Mississippi Gulf Coast, where performing in community theater helped foster her love for singing and acting. She went on to study classical voice performance at Loyola University New Orleans (BM '05) and continued at Peabody Conservatory of The Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, MD (MM '07) Some of her favorite performed roles include The Queen of the Night and Pamina in Die Zauberflöte, Olympia in Les Contes d’Hoffmann, Nellie Forbush in South Pacific, Abigail Adams in 1776, Maria in The Sound of Music, and Sally Brown in You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown. Kate is married to a tenor (Ric Sawyer) and is Mom to Emma (7) and James (4). Fall 2021 begins her 11th year as a teaching artist. Kate is currently the voice instructor and choral director at Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College, Jackson County Campus.
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