Bayer Fund Artists-in-Training is designed to identify, coach and encourage promising young high school singers. This program is designed to supplement ongoing vocal training that students are already receiving at school.
Opera Theatre’s Bayer Fund Artists-in-Training program offers seven months of college-level voice lessons on university campuses to 20 high school students in the St. Louis community. Internationally and nationally recognized artists will be in residence with the program.
Visiting artists have included: Martina Arroyo, Christine Brewer, Vinson Cole, Denyce Graves, Kathleen Kaun, MaryAnn McCormick, Erie Mills, George Shirley, Marietta Simpson, Steve Smith, Sylvia McNair, Stanford Olsen and Barbara Smith Conrad. Students attend performances by Opera Theatre of Saint Louis, the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra, the St. Louis Black Repertory Theatre, the St. Louis Repertory Theater, Jazz St. Louis, Dance St. Louis, and more.
AIT’s talented young singers will be showcased at a public Spring Recital in the superb acoustics of the Sheldon Concert Hall on Sunday, April 19 @ 3 pm, where more than $12,000 in scholarships for college or further vocal study is awarded.
Artists-in-Training is supported by Bayer Fund which has been the principal underwriter since 1990.
Opera Theatre of Saint Louis is funded in part by the Regional Arts Commission, Arts and Education Council, National Endowment for the Arts, and the Missouri Arts Council.
Opera Theatre promotes diversity and inclusiveness and affirms its ADA compliance.
Audition Dates:
Thursday, September 26, 4:00 – 6:00 PM
Saturday, September 28, 1:00 – 4:00 PM
Sally S. Levy Opera Center – 210 Hazel Avenue, Saint Louis, MO 63119
Who May Audition:
Students entering grades 10-12 for 2019-2020 school year with a current GPA of 2.5 or higher, who are currently participating in high school choirs or other vocal programs.
Weekly Vocal Lessons:
Lessons are 45 minutes in length and take place after school and on Saturdays at one of four locations:
SIU-Edwardsville, Washington University, Webster University or the University of Missouri-St. Louis. Teachers will be assigned. Transportation is available to those who qualify for aid.
Tuition:
Tuition is $850. (Payment plans are available.) This includes costs for private lessons, master classes, extra-curricular activities and two overnight retreats. (Financial aid is available for those who qualify.)
Audition Preparation:
Students must prepare two selections from any of the following: opera, art song, musical theater, spiritual or folk song. These selections should showcase the student’s vocal range and capabilities. Students must bring their own sheet music to the audition and must be prepared to start over, repeat a section or not finish a prepared selection. An accompanist will be provided. Auditions are closed to everyone except members of the audition panel.
Students must bring the following to the audition:
1) A paragraph describing why you should be considered for this program
2) Sheet music
For more information on AIT auditions, email afelter@opera-stl.org or call (314) 963-4251.
SIGN UP BELOW:
Please fill out and submit the form below. You will be contacted as to the exact time of your audition.
