March 8, 2017
Story by Micah Oelze
Courtesy photo submitted
The public is invited to observe a Vocal Masterclass forum from 3:30-5:45 p.m. and from 6:30-8:30 p.m. March 15 in the Dorothy Moses Morrison Chapel in the Fine Arts Building at Barton Community College. Those interested in learning more about vocal technique and performing are encouraged to attend one or both sessions. Admission is free.
Barton voice and area high school students will perform and then receive vocal training and advice from Tabor College Assistant Professor of Music and Director of Vocal Studies, Dr. Jen Stephenson, who will work with students throughout the forum. The audience members, through observation, will learn how to apply the same concepts to their vocal production to enhance their vocal and performance skills.
Stephenson holds degrees from The University of Massachusetts at Amherst, Westfield State University, University of South Florida and The University of Alabama. She has performed across North America and Europe in a wide range of opera roles, as a vocal soloist and in several professional choral ensembles. Performing on stage is just the beginning of her experiences; Stephenson has also worked behind the scenes as an operatic stage director for many operas and theatres and in 2015, she founded the Tabor College Opera.
She continues to strive as a scholar with both researching and presenting. Stephenson has presented at numerous clinics, masterclasses and lectures across the United States. Her research has been presented at both the Classical Singer Convention in 2014 and the National Opera Association’s annual convention in 2017 and 2018.
Barton voice students participating are: Alyxius Torres of Wichita; Ethan Wedel, Jesseca Hames and Monica Lang of Great Bend.
Area elementary, middle school and high school participants include: Karson Higgins and Katherine Snapp of Great Bend High School; Jadynce Schroeder of Holy Family School in Great Bend; Caden Rowan of St. Joseph’s in Ellinwood; Haley Troyer of Ellinwood High School; Dayton Long of St. John High School and Andrew Maier of Central Plains High School.
For more information, please contact Barton Voice Instructor Glenna Gaunt at gauntg@bartonccc.edu or (620) 792-9289.