A UNM student majoring in vocal performance recently took first place in the National Opera Association's Vocal Competition in Washington, D.C.
Senior Andrea Clayton attributed her success at the Jan. 18 competition to the unwavering support of family and friends, as well as the guidance of internationally acclaimed opera singer and director Marylin Tyler, who directs UNM's Opera Studies.
"Professor Tyler allowed me to be myself and didn't try to hold me back, which allowed me to grow as a person and an artist," Clayton said. "I owe every bit of my success to her."
Tyler said she is proud of Clayton's achievements.
"Andrea is a dedicated vocal disciple," Tyler said. "A fine student and singer, she has a special gift for communication and artistry."
Samantha Phillips, a junior majoring in music education, also attended the international competition, and placed in the top six.
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"Placing so well makes me realize all the potential I have," Phillips said. "More importantly, it makes me realize how hard I have to work to reach that potential."
Singers in the competition presented four arias, or songs, in contrasting styles and periods in three languages, including one in English at a level appropriate to their vocal development.
Both of these students have personalities and voices that reach out to all who hear them, Tyler said, speaking on the success of her two protÇgÇs.
"I predict genuine, motivated operatic careers for both of them," Tyler said.
According to its Web site, the National Opera Association was founded in 1955 to promote a greater appreciation of opera and music theater, to enhance pedagogy and performing activities, and to increase performance opportunities by supporting projects that improve the scope and quality of opera.
Its competitions are designed to encourage young artists and composers through performance opportunities, shared resources for collegiate and regional productions and by publicizing the progress of the performers in the publication of scholarly articles.
Members in the United States, Canada, Europe, Asia and Australia participate in a wide array of activities in support of this mission.
"The competition experience was amazing," Clayton said. "It was fun to see people who had important careers there to support the next generation."
She said that her first place award consisted of a $500 prize as well as a full $8,000 scholarship to the 2003 summer program in Graz, Austria.
She said that after her victory in the competition, she received invitations to attend graduate programs at Rice University, the Peabody Conservatory in Baltimore and the Manhattan School of Music.
Clayton, who is Hispanic and black, also received the association's prestigious Legacy Award, an honor given each year to a talented minority student.
"This recognition will no doubt be an important asset as Andrea pursues a graduate career in a major opera program in the United States," said Steven Block, Music Department Chairman.
"Andrea is another student in a long line of Professor Tyler's successes. Her protÇgÇs have moved on to great careers in opera," Block said, adding that this is Tyler's 20th year at UNM.
Under Tyler's leadership, UNM's Opera Theater has been the recipient of three National Opera Association awards.
Both Clayton and Phillips will be performing in the opera "The Marriage of Figaro," directed by Tyler at UNM's Rodey Theater in late April and early May.
"Andrea and Samantha are both extremely hard working, fine actresses," Tyler said. "They may be very young in their craft but they are very versed. I am very proud of their progress."
