Webster Music Students Take Two Top Spots at Crescendo Opera Program

Webster University voice students recently participated in Crescendo, a collegiate enrichment program run by Union Avenue Opera. Out of fourteen contestants this year, eight were from Webster University: Erica Ancell, Kelly Beekman, Whitley Foehner, Franklin Gnahore, Damarius Levi, Jay McKeehan, Que Nguyen and Madalyn Tomkins. 

Ancell (above, left) placed first, and Tomkins (above, right) placed second. Both are seniors majoring in Vocal Performance.

Over a month-long period, the Crescendo program gives training in stage movement, diction, acting, and vocal presentation. In it's eighth year, Crescendo was designed to provide motivated students the opportunity to hone their craft while working with Union Avenue Opera’s esteemed professionals. 

Sandra Geary, adjunct faculty member and collaborative pianist for Opera Studio, and Alice Nelson, former director of Opera Studio, served as the two collaborative pianists for the concert.

Webster Voice Studios were represented by:

• Martha J. Hart (Erica Ancell, Kelly Beekman, Whitley Foehner, Que Nguyen)
• Jacob Lassetter (Franklin Gnahore, Damarius Levi, Jay McKeehan)
• Leann Schuering (Madalyn Tomkins)

Hart also taught a workshop on French diction for the program, and Lassetter has served as a voice teacher for the program in the past.

Scott Schoonover, conductor of Opera Studio January Scenes, is the artistic director for Union Avenue Opera.