A Musical Treat

Regents students enjoyed a musical treat on Monday.

Music teacher Mrs. Carolyn Andrews has been introducing her third through eighth grade students to the world of opera. She gave the students a real-life experience with opera as they welcomed performers from Stephen F. Austin State University, who presented several selections for the students.

Two senior vocal performance majors displayed their singing talents:  Michelle Ferguson, from Lewisville, and Joshua Dennis, from McKinney. They each sang solos (one from a Puccini opera, the other by Tomas) and then sang a duet from Romeo and Juliet. They explained the stories behind the songs and told why they sang in a foreign language. Mr. Gene Moon, conductor of the Orchestra of the Pines and talented pianist, accompanied the students.

All three musicians fielded many questions from interested students, and Joshua explained why he didn’t like opera at first but now loves performing opera. The students enjoyed seeing (and touching) two elaborate costumes, including a dress from an opera they discussed in class, Tosca.